Long Haired versus Short Haired Cats

Obviously, grooming is going to be easier going with short hair cats. Even with cats who have medium hair length, the grooming is tedious and takes seemingly forever. If you do not want to or do not have the time to brush your cat a couple times a week, then stick with a short hair cat. The worse you'll have to worry about then is having to vacuum.

For one, long hair cats (obviously) need more grooming. If you have the time and would love to sit with your cat for hours brushing him, then these are the kinds of cats for you. Grooming and brushing is especially a good bonding idea if you've just adopted a new cat.

Persian and Himalayans are the most common long hair cats, though there is the British Long Hair, which I think is just gorgeous. My family had a blue/gray cat when I was younger. She was a short hair, but the British Long Hair reminds me so much of her.

There is a Tiffanie Cat, which is the best of Persian and the Burmese bred together. I think this is my favorite breed of long hair cats right now. They are beautiful, their breed name is almost dainty, and of course they can be either dainty or sturdy as cats will be.

It is suggested to give long hair cats gentle baths, as anything too rough will knot the hair. Imagine having to brush that out again? Give your long hair cat a bath once a month, and make sure to wipe around the eyes of the ones who might have more eye stains than others. To get rid of these stains, I've heard people using Hydrogen Peroxide, but I'm not sure I'd suggest that. Your best best is to probably use a soft dish soap such as Dawn dish soap.

For short hair cats, grooming is minimal. You can brush but do not have to. You will still have to sweep and vacuum, but it won't be as noticeable. Using a rubber product such as the glove to the right is a simple way of brushing off all the loose hairs while still getting to spend the bonding time with your cat.

And while it is still suggested to bathe your short hair cat, it's not such a big to-do as with long hair cats, and you surely do not have to do it as often.

We only give Prince Fredward one bath a year. He keeps pretty clean himself. We keep him inside for the most part, so that definitely contributes, especially since he's a white cat.