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Elderly man and woman sit on wooden back steps brushing a fluffy white cat together, with garden gloves and a basket nearby. 19 / 27

Brushing Snowdrop Is a Two-Person Job, and She Has Her Own Opinion About It

AI imagenorwegian forest catgroomingback steps

Grooming Snowdrop is a two-person job, and Frank and Ruth have it down to a system. They sit on the weathered back steps on either side of her, Frank in his green cardigan working a comb gently through the long fur on her back, while Ruth, in her cream sweater, runs a wooden-handled brush along her shoulder. Both are smiling down at her. The big white cat stands between them with her plumed tail sweeping the step, eyes half-shut in clear enjoyment. A galvanized watering can, muddy boots, a potted rosemary plant and a basket of garden gloves surround them on the steps.

Norwegian Forest Cats have a long, glossy, water-resistant topcoat over a dense woolly undercoat, so regular grooming is important. Brushing a few times a week generally keeps tangles at bay, though the breed sheds more heavily in spring, when daily brushing helps. Pay extra attention to areas prone to mats, like behind the ears, under the legs and around the ruff and the fluffy 'britches' on the back legs. A wide-toothed metal comb followed by a soft brush works well for many cats. Keep sessions short and positive, and stop if your cat becomes uncomfortable. Grooming time is also a great chance to check skin, ears and nails.

Snowdrop clearly considers this the height of luxury. With two sets of loving hands and a sunny step, grooming day looks more like a spa appointment than a chore.

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