Grooming Tips For Your Cat

June 3, 2021

Not all cats love to be groomed, but some kitties love every minute of it and lap up the attention. Getting your cat used to being groomed is something you want to start at a young age. 

Why is grooming important?

It is important to groom your cat regularly, at least once a week, to keep their skin and fur in good condition. It’s also a good time to check them out from head to tail, and they will love the bonding time.

Brushing your cat

Brushing is something you want to get into the habit of doing every day, especially if you have a long hair cat. Regular brushing helps to prevent matting of the fur and will keep your cat clean of dirt and grease. Not only does daily brushing help to get rid of dead hair, it can make a huge difference to the amount of fur build-up in your home. A well-brushed cat is less likely to suffer from fur balls, so you’re helping your cat from the inside out.

Use a brush and a comb suited to the type of coat your cat has. Don’t forget to brush their tail and tummy. Some talcum powder can help to work out tangles and matts. Also check the backend to make sure nothing is caught in their fur.

Bathing your cat

Your cat does an excellent job of bathing themselves, so hosing them down and lathering them up with shampoo is only necessary if there’s something in their fur that stinks or is perhaps sticky. If your cat is not used to being bathed, take great care and watch those claws. Make sure you use a pet-friendly shampoo and protect their eyes and ears.

Check for skin problems

When you’re brushing your cat, make sure to check for any bites, scratches or red and inflamed areas. If you’ve noticed your cat has been scratching, licking or chewing at their skin, it could mean a number of things from allergies to fleas. Check their skin for irritation and hair loss. Problems with the skin is a clear indication of an underlying medical problem that requires immediate attention.

Clean your cat’s ears and eyes

Grooming means much more than just brushing your cat. You also want to check their ears for wax, debris and infection. You can check the ears inside and out for signs of ear mites and discharge. Use a veterinary approved ear cleaner for cats and apply to the inside of your cat’s ears when grooming. 

Cleaning your cat’s eyes is a good opportunity to get rid of crusty discharge and check for abnormalities like watering, swelling and cloudiness. Keeping your cat’s eyes clean will help reduce infections and should be a part of your regular grooming schedule.

Foot care for your cat

Check your cat’s paws for cuts or infection and keep them clean by wiping with a warm, damp cloth. Check between the toes for any problems and trim the hair if it seems to irritate your cat. 

According to the ASPCA, your cat needs their nails trimmed every 10 days to two weeks. To make this event less stressful for your cat, get them used to having their paws touched from a young age. Keeping their nails trimmed not only helps save your furniture, but reduces injury from splitting or ripping their nails.

Dental care for your cat

Regular brushing and dental checks can help prevent bacteria buildup causing decay and gum disease. Use a cotton bud or toothbrush and toothpaste for cats and check their mouths when you brush. Having healthy teeth and gums can extend their life and help prevent other diseases.

Grooming is so much more than just brushing your cat. A regular grooming schedule like this is more like a health check-up and helps to keep you on top of your cat’s healthcare needs before they become a problem.