how to get my cat used to being brushed when he's not keen!

Strictly speaking my cat is a kitten - about 16 weeks old.

I try to brush him gently every day since we first got him, but he's not keen.  He might tolerate it for about 5-10 seconds, but no longer!  Which surprises me, as you'd think cats would like this.

I would like to get him used to it, as I understand its good for cats to be brushed every day.

Any ideas on this or articles people would suggest?

Thanking you in advance

Sorry, can't give any advice. I've never managed it with two of mine, no matter what I try.


Kîa was happy to let me brush her pretty-much whenever she was settled, and Nimrod doesn't mind too much, so long as you don't keep it up too long (he'll try to bite the brush if you do). But Rîna and Tällia won't have it for more than a few seconds. No aggression; they just try to get away, or grab the brush and start bunny-kicking if you don't stop.


I've tried a soft bristle-brush, a Zoom Groom, a Furminator and a deshedding comb; not a chance, even though I started trying to get them used to brushing as soon as I got them at around twelve weeks old (both girls are DMH, and very fluffy). I wonder if some cats just won't put up with it, no matter how early you start? Curious, since both are so social and friendly, and Neither mind the vet (very calm, gentle and completely cooperative). You'd think getting jabbed, poked and prodded would bother them a lot more than a nice, relaxing brush.


As a last resort, I've contacted a groomer (haven't heard back as yet), with the hope that somebody with experience might be able to convince them a brush isn't some kind of potential cat torture device.

I've had the best luck starting out with a grooming glove, which has the added advantage of protecting your hand should the cat decide to scratch or nip. If you start out quite slowly, i.e., for a minute or two, and gradually increase the time, you should be able to switch to other types of brushes within a few weeks.

Some cats much prefer combing to brushing, too.

I'm laughing at the bunny-kicking thing!  Like you Magister, my cat just starts to try to get away.

I will try comb and glove, thanks for the suggestion jcat