Cats may be independent, but they need a helping hand now and then. Generally, cats can groom themselves well. But, to ensure that they are healthy, happy, and clean, you need to keep some cat grooming tools handy as well.
Do Cats Need Grooming?
While it is true that cats are more self-sufficient than dogs when it comes to grooming, you need to ensure that they are clean and hygienic. Many may feel that cats can take care of their grooming by themselves, but that may not always be the case, especially for outdoor cats. Personal attention from your side makes sure that the grooming is complete and hygienically done.
What Should You Know About At-home Grooming?
Grooming any pet is a herculean task. Trying to wrangle a disgruntled kitten when you are trying to clip their nails or brush their coat is not anybody’s idea of a fun evening. However, the following tips may help you have an easier time grooming your cat.
#1 Making Your Pet Comfortable
First and foremost, you should ensure that your cat is comfortable. Pets, in general, do not like to be groomed. Hence, when you try to complete grooming sessions at home, you need to be prepared for some hard work. Keep the initial grooming session short, and offer your cat a treat at the end of these sessions. Try to increase the length of each session gradually and assess their comfort level at every turn.
You can also try to groom them after playtime or when they have just completed some activity when they are tired to ensure that your cat does not try to resist too much and it is the best time to give them Cats probiotics for diarrhea. It is important to note that some cats may be resistant to grooming at every stage. In such cases, if you suspect that you may accidentally injure your cat or yourself, it is best to reach out to a professional.
#2 Brushing Your Cat
Cats are incredibly efficient at grooming themselves, as any cat owner would attest. They can take care of most of their grooming on their own. However, a brush is one of the best grooming tools to own as it helps to keep your cat’s coat healthy and shiny. It is best to brush your cat at least twice a week. A rubber grooming brush is the best brush for your cat hair.
With the help of frequent brushing sessions, you can also reduce the frequency with which you will need to vacuum your home to keep it free from fur. An outdoor cat will need regular brushing to keep their coat free of grit and dirt. Long-haired cats, too, require frequent brushing.
By brushing your cat’s fur regularly, you can also target tissues such as skin flakes, improving blood circulation, and aid in the secretion of natural oil to ensure that your cat’s coat remains shiny and soft. Brushing frequently will also help if your cat is old and cannot groom themselves well any longer.
#3 Bathing Your Cat
Generally, short-haired indoor cats do not need to be washed. However, if you have an outdoor cat or a cat that loves to get into a lot of mess, they will need a bath. Before you bathe your cat, ensure that you know any allergies or skin conditions to ensure that you take the proper precautions.
Gently insert cotton balls in your cat ears to ensure that they do not fill up with water. Use only shampoos designed for cats as other products may be too harsh for their skin. Start from the head and work your way towards the tail, staying away from the eyes and ears.
After you have finished bathing your cat, you can use a washcloth to dry them off; be careful to avoid their eyes and face during this stage as well.
#4 Trimming the Nails
Before you attempt to trim your cat’s nails, let them get used to the nail clippers’ scent and sound and allow them to get comfortable with it. When trimming your cat’s nails at home, you must avoid the quick. The quick refers to the pink area present in the middle of while nails, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Cut the very tip of your cat’s nail, and keep making smaller cuts until you see a black dot in the middle of the nail.
Keep some styptic powder or corn starch handy to stem the blood flow in case you accidentally clip the quick.
#5 Dental Care
Dental hygiene is essential for pets, as any oral issues may lead to health concerns later in life. Apart from brushing your cat’s teeth regularly, you should provide them with chew toys so that their gums are strong and healthy.
Get your cat used to the idea of brushing their teeth by gently massaging their gums and putting cat toothpaste on their lips to help them get used to the taste. Ensure that you take your cat to the vet for regular dental check-ups so that any signs of a problem may be detected early on.
Conclusion
Grooming your cat is an essential aspect of caring for their health and happiness. At home, grooming can be challenging, but in the long term, it helps ensure your cats' well-being as you can detect early signs and symptoms of any issue they may be facing. When you perform grooming for your cat, it also allows you to spend more time with them and show them how much you care for them; after all, a healthy kitty is a happy kitty.
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