What Cat Owners Need To Know About Grooming Their Furry Friend
There is a common misconception about grooming cats when it comes to pet ownership. Cats can groom themselves, that’s true, but aside from that, they do need some extra help from their owners too. Depending on what cat you have, they will need some grooming every now and again to ensure they’re happy, healthy, and clean. For short-haired cats, grooming is necessary approximately once a week. For long and medium-haired, it would be recommended to groom them on a daily basis. You might be wondering what we mean when we say groom. Seeing as cats do so themselves, what is there left to do?
Brushing
It goes without saying that your cat is already familiar with grooming. Cats shed, that’s just the way things are. Aside from them grooming themselves, cats can use a bit of help in this area. Buy some appropriate supplies recommended by your vet (a brush, comb, etc) and brush your cat once a week if it’s short-haired and every day if it has medium to long hair. We know this task is easier said than done, but it can be done with practice. Make sure your cat is calm and happy when you want to groom them and work slowly. Don’t push them or force it when you see they aren’t enjoying it. You want brushing to become a habit you bond over, not the other way around. While you’re brushing your cat, you need to keep in mind that their skin is awfully sensitive, especially in certain areas, so be gentle and see what your cat likes. From there, you’ll be able to build a routine for you and your furry friend.
Bathing
Not many people are aware of this, but bathing your cat at home is not a great idea. It can cause unnecessary stress and a dangerous situation for both you and your pet. Unless there is a health reason to bathe your cat, don’t. If your vet recommends you bathe your cat, be sure to do it right: place a non-skid surface at the bottom of the sink, make sure the water is warm, and use a damp cloth around your cat’s face and head. Otherwise, leave bathing to a grooming professional.
Claws
There are cats that love nothing more than scratching posts, while others prefer doing the same, only to your furniture. Whichever category your cat falls into, it most likely needs a regular nail trim to keep its claws healthy. If your cat goes outside and sharpens its claws on tree trunks, it might be fine, but indoor cats need their nails trimmed. The first time you introduce your cat to clippers will be challenging, but the key is waiting until your cat is comfortable and only then playing with the kitty nail clippers in a casual way. Make the ‘snapping’ sound to get them used to it without feeling threatened. With time, move to your cat’s paws and use the clippers – patience is key here. Start with one nail and see how they react. Take it slow and over the course of a few days, trim all their nails.
Dental Health
Healthy teeth and gums are essential for your pet’s overall health. Brush your cat’s teeth regularly to make sure their dental health is doing well. There are even cat toothpastes that are flavored to make them enjoy it just so the task is a little easier for both of you. Just like nail clipping, take your time to introduce your cat to a toothbrush and take things slow for them to get used to it.
