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An elderly man brushes a gray cat with a pink brush on the back steps of a house. 9 / 24

Slate Holds Perfectly Still for the Weekly Brushing

AI imagerussian bluegroomingback steps

Grandpa holds a small pink brush in one steady hand and strokes it along Slate's back, his eyes down and his smile soft. Slate sits tall and alert on the back steps with her gold eyes fixed on something just out of frame, enjoying every stroke. A little watering can, a pair of shoes, and a few potted plants sit nearby, and the day has that unhurried feeling of a lazy weekend.

The back door is half open behind them, and a pair of slippers sits in the corner of the steps. Slate's fur has the dense, silvery sheen that gave the Russian Blue its name, and the brush leaves it smooth under his hand. Her whiskers fan out and her tail curls on the step, a picture of contentment.

Brushing is one of the easiest ways to keep a cat comfortable. The Russian Blue's dense double coat sheds a bit, and a few minutes of regular brushing can cut down on loose fur around the house and on the hairballs she might swallow while grooming. Use a soft brush, move in the direction the hair grows, and stop when she walks away or flicks her tail. Gentle sessions also let you notice lumps, skin irritation, or anything that seems unusual, which is worth passing along to your vet. Short, sweet sessions help cats connect grooming with something pleasant.

A few more strokes, and Slate will probably declare the appointment a great success.

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