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A grandpa in glasses gently brushes a cream Exotic Shorthair cat sitting upright on concrete back steps by a white door. 13 / 29

Earl Brought Out the Little Wooden Brush. Custard Knew Exactly What That Meant.

AI imageexotic shorthaircat groomingback steps

On the concrete back steps, beside a white screen door and a pair of muddy garden gloves, Earl is giving Custard her weekly grooming. He holds a small wooden-handled brush in one weathered hand and draws it carefully along her shoulder, eyes cast down in concentration behind his glasses. Custard sits tall and dignified, chest fluffed out, gazing off to the side with the serene air of a cat at a spa. A row of potted plants and a few scattered leaves frame the moment.

Exotic Shorthairs have a short but very dense, plush coat, which is much easier to care for than a Persian's long fur but still benefits from regular brushing. A session or two each week helps lift out loose undercoat, cuts down on shedding around the house, and reduces hairballs, since cats swallow a lot of fur while grooming themselves. Shedding often increases in spring and fall, so you may want to brush more often then. Gentle strokes in the direction the fur grows, a comb for the thick spots, and a few treats afterward can turn brushing into something a cat looks forward to. It is also a great chance to check for lumps, skin changes, or anything else worth showing your vet.

For Custard, it seems the best part is not the brush at all but the slow, steady attention from the person holding it. Earl is in no rush, and neither is she.

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