All cats need to be combed – how much, is dependant upon the hair type of your cat and how it is done is down to the temperament of your pet. When a kitten, the mother performs this task. Once born she will lick the kittens to start them breathing. Hence, cat grooming is such an inate activity.
Online, or in shops, there is no end to the grooming accessories available to you. You can buy combs, brushes, shampoo and clippers, etc. You can even pamper your cat by booking them in for a feline spa!
Usually cats groom themselves well only needing a bit of help from us humans. Cats take care of their coats, grooming themselves throughout the day, although this fastidiousness does sometimes need a helping hand.
By also grooming your pet, it helps stop hairballs. These are not good as they cause your cat to be sick and, in a worse case senario, can block the intestine. Should you have a long haired breed, it is essential you groom them to stop their fur becoming matted.
It is also a good time to just check on your cats general well being. You need to check for matted hair and fleas in their coat and look for any possible problem on their skin and ears. They may have got into a fight, so carefully check their scars.
When looking in their ears watch out for ear mites, especially in kittens. An initial symptom of this is dark brown ear wax.
To carry out this grooming you can either use a brush or a comb. With long haired cats it is best to brush them every day. Combing will also ensure that less hair is deposited on your furniture.
You have a huge choice when it comes to buying a brush or comb. A fine toothed comb is more suitable for a cat with short hair. Also available are combs that thin out the hair whilst at the same time sorting out small knots. This type is useful if your pet’s coat is thick.
A new accessory on the market is the Furminator (for long or short hair). It can reduce hair loss by 90% by removing the undercoat and any loose hair. It is supposed to bring out the natural oils in their fur which gives a shinier coat and healthier skin. Again a good way to prevent hairballs.
Occasionally, your cat may need a bath as part or their grooming. This activity is not fun for either cat or owner. However, for most pets it will not be an issue. One reason a cat would need to be bathed is if it should get something on its coat that will not be removed by gooming themselves or you combing them.
If bathing is your only option, think ahead about how you will do it. It will be much easier to have the help of someone else (one to hold and one to bath). Consider where you will bath your cat e.g. in the bath or sink. If the weather is fine it may be easier outside in a baby bath or large washing up bowl. You will also need a soft cloth to wash your cat and a large towel on hand ready to dry them. Cat shampoo is available (best not to use human brands). A jug to help rinse will also make your job easier.
Flea shampoo can be bought should this be the reason your cat needs a bath. Start by checking the temperature of the water. Put in shampoo and then carefully place your cat in the bath. Gently wash your pet, from the shoulders down their body avoiding their eyes. Once clean rinse well. Afetr that wrap the towel around your cat and dry. If you have a particularly laid back cat, they might even allow you to dry them with a hair drier (on lowest setting) but highly unlikely!
There are kitty wipes on the market now should your cat stoutly refuse to be bathed, or you can wipe them down with a damp cloth.
If your cat’s claws need to be cut please take care. Most prefer the vet to trim them. You can buy clippers and do it yourself. This will need lots of patience and a still cat to avoid clipping them!
If you begin combing your pet whilst they are still kittens they soon get into a routine. Better to undertake any grooming when your cat in relaxed and in a good mood. This not only benefits their well being but builds a bond between you. Lots of cats find it soothing!
Alan
