Grooming Tips for Your Cat

When it comes to keeping him/her tangle free and clean, your cat will need a helping hand from you. If you are new to cat grooming, this is the best place to get started. Here we will be discussing top 10 tips that will cover grooming aspects, such as bathing to nail trimming, and everything you need to know about cat maintenance.

Brushing

Use a metal comb to work through your cat’s fur from head to tail. Use a rubber or bristle brush to remove any loose or dead hair. Remember to be extra gentle around the belly and chest area. If your cat resists the touch of a brush, start trying with the help of a clean oven glove.This will help her get used to the stroking motion different from that of a hand. Slowly make the transition from the glove to a grooming mitt and then to the brush. For hard-to-reach places, like around the ears, you can use a toothbrush.

Bathing

A majority of cats don’t tolerate bathing, so unless your cat is showing signs of sickness, there is usually no reason to give her a bath. For longhaired cats, it is advisable to keep their hair trimmed short, especially around the bottom to avoid occasional soiling by feces.

Ear Care

Your feline’s ears may be good at picking the sound of a packet of treats being opened several rooms across the house, but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t use a little help staying clean. Check your feline’s ears once every week for debris, infection and wax that will help those delicate sonar detectors stay alert and perky to your every move.

Nail and Paw Care

Cats require healthy feet to climb, scratch and succeed in their dramatically framed acrobatic landings. It is therefore important you examine your cat on a regular basis and clean her paws to make sure they are wound-free. If you detect a major injury, check with your vet right away.

Convincing your cat to get a pedicure can be difficult, which is why you first need to lure her with a massage. Once she is comfortable, clip away with the help of a good quality, sharp nail scissors or clipper especially designed for cats. Cut parallel to the claw’s flat, and trim off the white tip only. Make sure to avoid clipping the pinkish part that is visible through the translucent claw.

Dental Care

Your kitty needs a set of sharp and healthy gums and teeth. Damage to the palate, tongue, gums and teeth can result in a number of health risks for cats. However, they can easily be prevented just by paying more attention, getting regular check-ups and good old brushing.

Eye Care

A traditional home eye examination prior to grooming can indicate you into any crust, tearing, inflammation or cloudiness that may specify a health issue. Here is what you can do to make sure your cat’s eyes remain healthy and bright:

• Examine her eyes in a brightly lit room. They should be bright and clear, the pupils should be of equal size and the eyeballs should be white.
• Take a good look at the linings of her lid by rolling down her eyelids gently. The linings’ color should be pink, not white or red.
• Clean any gunk from her eyes with the help of a damp cotton ball and trim any long hairs that could be blocking her vision.

Make sure to keep your cool when grooming your cat. Cats can sense your mood, which means you will only make her anxious if you are anxious about grooming her.