How to Deshed a Cat with the Ancol Ergo Slicker Brush

Quick answer

To deshed a cat with the Ancol Ergo Slicker Brush, brush gently in the direction of the coat, starting with the back and working toward the tail and legs. Use slow, light strokes, and stop if your cat becomes uncomfortable.

Step-by-step deshedding routine

1. Start with a relaxed cat: Choose a time when your cat is calm, such as after a meal or play session. Gently stroke your cat to check for any lumps, mats, or sensitive areas before introducing the brush. Common mistake: brushing a wound or mat can cause pain and make your cat resist future sessions. Check for mats or skin issues first; if present, skip brushing and consult a vet or groomer.
2. Brush in the direction of the coat: Using the Ancol Ergo Slicker Brush, make slow, light strokes along your cat's back, sides, and tail. Let the soft pins glide through the fur without pressing down. Common mistake: brushing against the grain or using too much pressure can scratch the skin and tangle the coat. Keep strokes gentle and follow the natural lie of the fur.
3. Work in small sections: Divide your cat's body into sections: back, flanks, belly (if tolerated), legs, and tail. Brush each section for a few strokes, then move on. Common mistake: brushing the same spot repeatedly can irritate the skin, especially with thin pins. Limit each area to a few passes and move on to avoid over-brushing.
4. Remove loose fur from the brush: After every few strokes, pull the collected fur out of the brush pins with your fingers or a comb. This keeps the brush effective and prevents it from spreading loose hair back onto your cat. Common mistake: letting the brush clog with fur reduces its ability to grab new loose hairs. Clean the brush regularly during the session for best results.
5. Watch your cat's body language: Stop if your cat flattens its ears, twitches its skin, or tries to move away. End the session on a positive note with a treat or praise. Common mistake: forcing a cat to continue can create a negative association with grooming. Short, positive sessions are better than long, stressful ones.
6. Finish with a reward and a quick check: After brushing, give your cat a treat or a few minutes of play. Then run your hands over the coat to check for any remaining loose fur or new tangles. Common mistake: skipping the reward makes it harder to brush next time. Always end with something pleasant so your cat learns to tolerate brushing.

Product facts

• Ancol Ergo Slicker Brush for Cats: The pins are soft and bendy, and glide through the coat to remove loose hairs from both the undercoat and topcoat. This means you can remove shedding fur effectively without rigid pins that might scratch or irritate your cat.