Guide to Grooming Your Cat
Some people may wonder why cat owners bother grooming their cats, given that cats spend much of their time grooming themselves and lounging in the sun. However, there are many ways cat owners can care for their feline friends to keep them clean, protect their health, and strengthen the bond between pet and owner.
What’s Involved in Grooming a Cat?
Grooming a cat involves several aspects of general cleanliness. While your cat likely keeps its fur clean and doesn’t look like it was just pulled from a garbage pile, a cat that appears neglected—or one you’ve rescued from tough conditions—may require extra effort. When grooming, focus on these key areas:
- Combing or brushing the fur
- Eye care
- Nail care
- Dental care
- Ear care
- Bathing
Why Should I Comb or Brush My Cat?
Combing and brushing your cat’s fur is essential for several reasons. Most importantly, it helps strengthen the bond between you and your pet through attentive care. Regular brushing also promotes your cat’s health. By removing loose dirt, dead skin, dust, and excess fur, you reduce the likelihood of hairballs and minimize pet hair on your furniture and floors.
Daily brushing virtually eliminates the risk of matted fur, especially for long-haired cats, who are prone to matting that can trap dirt and cause discomfort. If your cat rolls in something sticky, matted areas can become harder to clean. When dealing with mats, start combing from the bottom and work toward the skin. Cutting out matted fur can risk injuring your cat’s skin, so combing is the safest approach.
Additional Grooming Needs for Your Cat
Cats, especially flat-faced breeds like Persians, can develop eye matter buildup and dark stains around their eyes. This buildup can lead to brownish tear stains running from the eyes to the nostrils if not addressed. Gently wiping the corners of your cat’s eyes with a warm, damp washcloth will remove the matter and reduce staining. If you notice redness, puffiness, or pus around the eyes, consult your veterinarian.
Do Cats Need Nail Care?
Declawing is not recommended, as it’s akin to removing a human’s fingertips. Instead, regular nail care is essential, especially for indoor cats who can’t naturally wear down their nails. Overgrown nails can puncture a cat’s foot pads, causing pain. Cats scratch to sharpen their claws and remove excess nail length, so providing a scratching post is ideal to save your furniture.
For some cats, trimming their nails once a month keeps them healthy and prevents damage to your belongings. Trim only the very tip of the nail, avoiding the pale pink vein (the quick) visible in clear nails. For cats with dark nails, have a vet or groomer demonstrate the first trim to avoid cutting too deep, as this can be painful and make your cat wary of future trims.
How Can I Provide Dental Care for My Cat?
Your cat won’t brush its own teeth, but you can help maintain its dental health. While some experts recommend daily brushing, many cats resist this. Check your cat’s mouth regularly and brush when possible, ideally early in the day before feeding, followed by a treat to encourage cooperation. Use a special pet brush without toothpaste, as human toothpaste is harmful to cats. A plain brush will remove debris effectively. Offering crunchy foods regularly can also help clean teeth and strengthen gums, often with less risk of scratches or bites.
Do Cats Need Special Ear Care?
In most cases, it’s best to leave your cat’s ears alone. However, keeping them dry is crucial to prevent ear infections, a common issue in pets. If water gets in your cat’s ears during cleaning, dry them immediately. Signs of infection, such as smelly discharge, pus, redness, or balance issues, warrant a trip to the vet.
Is Bathing Part of Routine Cat Grooming?
Unlike dogs, cats rarely need regular baths. If you brush your short-haired cat weekly or your long-haired cat daily, bathing is typically unnecessary except in emergencies. A monthly grooming session at home or with a professional groomer is sufficient to keep your cat clean and beautiful.
