Keeping your cat well-groomed can often prove more challenging than many pet owners might expect. From brushing to keeping his teeth in great condition, here are some helpful tips to aid in streamlining the process for both of you.
Brushing
The longer your cat’s hair, the more frequently you will need to brush it – especially if you want to keep the cat fur on your bed and furniture to a minimum! Most people prefer to use two separate brushes to get the job done. One, usually a metal comb, can be used to remove any knots and matting, and the other one, which is usually a brush with bristles, can then be used to lift the stray, fly-away hairs off of the body. Cats with particularly long hair will need a good brush every single day, while short-haired felines will be just fine with a brushing session once or twice a week.
Bathing
It is not necessary to bathe your cat. Cats are notorious for keeping themselves clean. However, there will be instances when he rolls in something smelly or when he gets a bit too grimy from laying in the mud. When the time comes for a bath, you will need to ensure that you have a gentle cat-safe shampoo on hand, a rubber bathmat to prevent slipping (cats hate water and will wriggle around a lot), and plenty of patience. It is often much easier for everybody involved to take your cat to a groomer, like the heart and paw team that specializes in pet grooming in East Market.
Trimming nails
Once again, you will rarely have to worry about trimming your cat’s nails, as they will often take care of this on their own by clawing the bark of trees (or, in some cases, your furniture!). Cats may begin to neglect their nails the older that they get, and this can lead to the nails growing too long and curling into the cat’s paw, causing pain and infection. Keep an eye out for this and either take your cat to the groomer for a trim or attempt to do it yourself. Make sure that you have the right trimming equipment – never use nail trimming equipment made for humans on your pets.
Brushing teeth
Dental disease is common in cats and can have dire consequences on their health. This is why many pet owners opt to brush their cat’s teeth. It is best to start doing this when the cat is still a kitten so that he is more likely to be accepting of the process. You will need a soft pet toothbrush, special pet-friendly toothpaste, and a soft cloth. Start by wiping the cloth along the teeth, paying extra attention to the gum line, and then slowly introduce the toothbrush. Try to brush for at least two minutes and always give him a tasty reward if he behaves.
Hopefully, it will now be easier for you to keep your cat well-groomed, clean, and happy. If you are struggling, don’t forget to ask your local groomers for advice.
