Everyone knows personal grooming and hygiene are crucial, but how often do you groom your cat?
An oft-overlooked aspect of caring for our feline friends, grooming is essential. Besides regular flea and tick checks, it helps prevent hairballs and quickly reveals health abnormalities, such as skin problems or new lumps and bumps. Alongside a proper cat food diet, grooming also maintains a healthy, shiny coat. Grooming even removes uncomfortable debris, such as foliage from outdoor excursions, and can be great for bonding.
Regular combing prevents matted fur, which can potentially require professional assistance if allowed to develop to extremes. It can be tempting to try to help your cat by snipping away matted fur that won’t detangle, but this is never recommended. Cat’s skin is incredibly delicate – always seek a vet or professional groomer if you think they need a trim for any reason.
How often you need to groom depends entirely on your cat. You can get away with grooming short-haired cats about once a week. You’ll need to invest in a fine-toothed flea comb, soft brush, and grooming mittens. While grooming, brush with the grain of the fur – brushing against the grain can lead to a very agitated kitty. If checking for fleas, gently push the fur against the grain so you can see all the way to the root.
Long-haired cats can require daily grooming. You’ll need the equipment mentioned above, along with a wide-toothed comb for detangling. Avoid pulling at fur, and try to keep grooming a relaxing, calm experience for both of you. During shedding seasons, increased grooming can make everyone happier. With the right brush, you can gently dislodge loose fur that would otherwise become furballs or a nice, fluffy layer over everything you own.
Cats notoriously resist anything they don’t want to do. Starting cats young makes them more likely to enjoy and allow grooming in the long run. If grooming is new to your cat, start small, with petting. If they’re comfortable with this, try a few brush strokes. Don’t be discouraged if they only last a minute or two; you can build up as they become comfortable over time and, of course, treats help. This process can take many attempts and patience from both you and your cat.
Avoid forcing or restraining while grooming, or your cat will learn to dislike the process. Watch for signs your cat wants you to stop: the obvious, such as a hiss, growl, or flattening ears, or a more subtle tail swish, flicking ears, tensing up, or short, intense self-grooming.
Additionally, scratching posts allow cats to keep their claws in good condition, since their claws naturally shed layers. Cats also don’t require or enjoy bathing, so don’t bathe your cat unless recommended to by a vet.
Ultimately, you know your furry friend better than anyone, but the above advice will help guarantee that regular grooming leaves your furry companion both looking and feeling truly like the cat’s pyjamas.