Grooming your cat is an essential part of your cat's care routine. It helps maintain their health, keeps their coat in good condition & strengthens your bond with them. It also helps you to identify if anything is amiss, such as a growth, an injury or parasites.
So, how to groom your cat? Here are 6 cat grooming basics for the Everyday cat owner:
1. Brushing:
Regular brushing is crucial to keep your cat's coat clean & free from matting. The frequency of brushing depends on your cat's breed and coat length.
Long-haired cats typically require daily brushing, while short-haired cats may need it a few times a week.
Avoid slicker brushes which have sharp & uncomfortable metal spikes. Instead, opt for a Furminator to remove the dead undercoat (de-shedding), a round tip slicker brush or I personally prefer to use a grooming comb. If your cat doesn’t appreciate a comb, try a grooming glove instead.
You can also use pet wipes to wipe down their paws & bum.
2. Nail Trimming:
Regular nail trimming is essential to prevent your cat's claws from becoming too long & causing discomfort or injury to you & himself. Be cautious not to cut too close to the quick (contains highly sensitive blood vessels & nerve endings), which can cause bleeding and pain. I recommend a cat clipper for most owners, but personally I use a large pair of human nail clippers to get the job done faster. I do not recommend this unless you are fast & experienced.
3. Ear Cleaning:
Check your cat's ears regularly for dirt, wax buildup or signs of infection. Use a cat-specific ear cleaning solution & either squeeze a small amount from a soaked cotton pad, or squeeze directly from the bottle (keep the bottle tip clean after each use) gentle into their ear canal.
Massage the base of your cat’s ear for a few seconds.
Allow your cat to shake their head.
After your cat shakes out the excess cleaner, gently wipe their ear flap and opening of their ear canal with a cotton pad.
Never insert anything into the ear canal (leave that to the experts) & if you notice any signs of infection or pain, consult your veterinarian.
4. Dental Care:
Dental health is crucial for cats. Brush your cat's teeth regularly using a cat toothbrush (I actually use a baby Kodomo toothbrush) & pet toothpaste.
If your cat won't take to it, you can always use a gauze wrapped around your pinkie or a dental wipe.
Providing dental treats can also help maintain their teeth.
5. Eye Care:
Wipe away any discharge or crust from your cat's eyes with a damp cotton pad. Be gentle & use a different cotton pad for each eye to prevent the spread of any potential infection. It is normal for a cat to have a slight teary eye once in a while due to accidental scratching or rough play, but if doesn't return to normal after 1-2 days, it's time for a vet visit.
Do not use any human eye cleaners or drops. You can use a NaCL saline solution (not saline contact lens solution) or pet eye cleaner.
6. Bathing:
I know this is a tough one.
Most cats are proficient self-groomers & technically, do not need baths. However, some situations may require bathing, such as if you bring home a cat for the first time, or your cat had a tummy ache & made a mess.
Use a cat shampoo & ensure the water is warm. Be careful not to get water in their ears or eyes.
If your cat is anything like mine & will potentially murder you for getting her wet, this is what I do:
Use a foam / waterless leave in shampoo.
Use a pet wash that can be diluted in water. Soak a towel in it & rub it onto the cat. The idea is to get them used to being wet before progressing to a full bath.
Some long hair cats may benefit from professional grooming services. Choose a groomer who is experienced in handling cats. Always look out for signs of stress or discomfort in your cat.
Gradually introducing grooming & providing treats as positive reinforcement can make the process more acceptable & enjoyable to them!
Downloadable Infographic below & on our Instagram Page @thecatwhisperersg
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