Grooming for cats

PetSmart -

Brushing, bathing and clipping aren't just about good looks - they're a must for good health. When it comes to your baby, grooming is more than just a beauty regimen, it's actually about good healthcare. Imagine never clipping your nails or brushing your teeth. Yuck! And while the beauty consequences of not grooming are kind of obvious, just think about what it will do to your health. Cats are notorious for not showing signs of illness, so when your little one's unwell, sometimes the signs will be subtle.

Keeping your cat on a schedule of routine grooming is a good way to practice preventative care and to catch those subtle problems early on, before they become more serious.

Lending your kitty a hand
Though your little bundle will spend a lot of time licking and bathing himself, you'll still need to assist him with his grooming. As thorough as he may appear, he will still need you to brush him with a cat brush or comb, trim his claws (use a cat nail care trimmer or have them trimmed professionally by a veterinarian), brush his teeth and, depending on his breed and length of hair, even give him an occasional bath.

Here's a few tips that can do the trick:
Brushing is more than skin deep
Once he gets accustomed to how it feels to have his hair brushed, he'll really love the attention. Plus, brushing does way more than make him look handsome - it's good for his circulation and muscle tone. It cleans his fur, removes dirt and alerts you to the presence of any parasites.

And regular brushing removes loose fur (which is nice, unless you want your entire wardrobe to look like angora). Getting rid of the extra fur is also necessary to reduce hairballs.

Additionally, long-haired cats will need their hair brushed more frequently than short-haired breeds. As you brush your kitty, you'll have the chance to check your cat for signs of potential problems, like bumps or sores. So brushing is well worth the time.

Regular brushing will also reduce (or possible eliminate) how often he'll need a bath. By distributing natural oils through his fur, brushing actually makes it harder for dirt to stick - kind of like dirt repellent. (Anyone who has ever bathed a cat will recognize the value of fewer baths immediately!) As long as your kitty's fur is regularly brushed and free of any tangles or mats, a fine/medium combination comb will work nicely.

Need help selecting a brush? Check out How to select a cat brush

Hairballs
Try one of the delicious hairball lubricants that cats love, like Laxatone Hairball Remedy or Petromalt Hairball Treats. 

Flea and tick treatment
A flea infestation could cause your kitty to groom himself more than usual, so treat him immediately with a flea/tick treament if you find any evidence of fleas.

There are shampoos and sprays available that will kill fleas and ticks. Once the situation is under control, you'll need to perform monthly maintenance with a spot-on-product, or get him a flea collar. Either will do the trick nicely, but since spot-on-treatments are harmful to young kittens (those under 8 weeks), it's best to remove the pests with a special comb.

Before you start any flea treatment, it's always a good idea to consult your veterinarian first. To prevent re-infestation, you will need to treat your house and yard.

When a bath is in order
Most indoor cats spend about half their time bathing themselves, so short-haired breeds who are never outside may need a water bath less often. Longer-haired breeds, however; as well as outdoor kitties, will need occasional bathing. You'll know it's time to bathe your cat (long-haired, short-haired, indoor or outdoor) whenever he doesn't look or smell fresh. For those of you who are squeamish about giving your kitty a bath, there are pre-moistened bath wipes for cats that remove dirt and excess hair, leaving his coat shiny and clean.

A cat's skin has a different pH balance than ours, so your shampoo won't do for his "do". You can also clean him with wipes specifically designed for cleaning cats. A good cleaning will keep his skin healthy, make him easier to brush and will have him smelling like roses.

Eyes and ears
Kitty's eyes and ears will also need to be regularly cleaned to avoid health problems. Be sure to check him for eye irritations and ear mites every time you groom. A variety of drops and wipes are available to keep him looking and hearing perfectly.

Teeth
His teeth need attention too. When most people think about grooming their pet, they tend to think about their kitty's teeth last. The fact is, more than 85% of dogs and cats older than four years have periodontal disease. 85%! To prevent tartar buildup and keep his gums healthy, make sure you pick up either a special cat toothbrush and toothpaste or dental wipes, and use them to clean his teeth regularly. Having his teeth professionally cleaned by his veterinarian on a regular basis is also a good idea.

Nail clipping
Careful when clipping those claws. Nail clipping is the grooming detail that has most pet parents running to the vet. Cat's claws are covered by a sheath which sheds and re-grows in an ongoing cycle. Unless your cat has been declawed, your cat may chew on his nails or scratch with them to help remove a sheath that's ready to be shed.

If you decide to clip your new friend's nails yourself, make sure you first get the right tools and talk to your vet about the proper clipping technique - be very careful to cut only the hook - if you cut too much, you could cut into the nerve and cause him extreme pain and bleeding. When it comes to grooming, it doesn't matter if you're the hands-on or the hands-off type. It's just important that your cat stays well groomed to keep him looking and feeling his best. 

Like grooming your pet? Good for him! Grooming doesn't have to be a chore - it's a great way to deepen the bond between you and your furry friend. The earlier you get him used to having his coat and teeth brushed, as well as his claws trimmed, the more comfortable he'll be with the process. 
 

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