One of the major advantages of owning cats is that, for the most part, they do their own cleaning. They are very particular about their hygiene; spending a significant portion of their day grooming their fur and cleaning their skin. Our feline friends are so adept at grooming that it’s an important social activity for them. Some cats will even try to do this to their human or dog friends.
This makes it easy to think that cats do not need any help with grooming. But there are plenty of situations where they would benefit from your assistance.
If you’re not sure of how or when to groom your cat, keep reading below!
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Which cats might need special grooming?
Like dogs, not all cats have the same needs for fur and skincare. Long hair, outdoor access and difficulty grooming themselves, to name a few, are all factors that will affect how much help your pet needs from you regularly.
Light-coloured or long hair
Long fur often requires consistent maintenance. It’s very easy for these cats to get tangles. Which is why it’s a good idea to get them used to regular, or even daily, brushing early on! Depending on how long the fur is and how it is distributed on your pet’s body, you might have to clip it once in a while.
Cats with flat skulls often have problems in their tear ducts. This causes an overflow of tears that stain the fur around the eyes much more easily. A light-coloured coat will also get stained quickly, particularly in places such as near the ears and mouth. You will have to, you guessed it, clean them frequently.
Reduced capacity to groom
Messy hair? Do care! There are plenty of reasons why a cat has stopped being able to groom as much as they did before. Injuries, osteoarthritis, loss of energy due to chronic illnesses, to name a few, are all conditions that can hinder your pet’s hygiene routine.
This situation is distressing for your pet, and it can have a massive impact on their comfort levels. If you notice your pet has stopped being able to groom themselves, it’s definitely time to break out the brush and the shampoo to give them a hand.
If this is a new development for your pet, make sure to book an appointment with your vet to figure out what could be causing this.
Health problems that affect skin or fur
Allergies, wounds, hairless skin and infections are some of the most common reasons a vet might prescribe medication that needs to be applied in the form of baths. While it’s usually a temporary situation, plenty of chronic conditions require regular care. Often, your pet is not used to getting bathed or brushed, making a challenging situation even harder.
How do I groom my cat?
We wouldn’t go so far as to say bathing and brushing your cat is an adrenaline-driven sport. However, it is not without its challenges!
The best way to make sure grooming is a pleasant experience for you and your cat is to get them used to it while they are young. If this isn’t possible, it’s important to take it slowly and ease them into all the essential bits of a good hygiene routine.
- Brushing – Be gentle and respect your pet’s boundaries as it’s likely they are not used to being handled this way for long periods. Gradually get them used to brushing sessions, and don’t forget to be generous with rewards and play time!
- Cleaning – Dunking your cat in a tub of water is not the only option you have. Especially when it comes to recurrent medication that needs to be applied externally. There are plenty of formulations in the form of wipes or powders that let you give your furry friend a thorough cleaning without needing to use the dreaded water.
- Nail clipping – Depending on your cat’s particular temperament, it may take a while before they are okay with getting their nails cut regularly. But don’t despair and keep trying. Vet Nurses usually offer this as a service. They can use their expert skills to do the clipping or even show you the best method.
Is there any way I can find help?
When your pets are not cooperating, or you do not have the time or the means to make sure all of their hygiene needs are covered, it might feel impossible to cope with.
Fortunately, there are pet groomers who will take excellent care of your cat and their particular needs. The fastest way to find a reputable professional is to ask your vet for a recommendation. Many pet groomers are often affiliated with veterinary practices or are a part of their services. There are many advantages to contacting a groomer, even when your cat is not impossible to manage at home. As they have all the proper facilities and equipment, as well as specific training, they can make bathing, clipping and brushing a much less stressful experience for your pet.
If you’re looking to bring a new cat into your life, consider what sort of resources and time they might require of you. Pets with long hair or with specific health conditions are liable to require a significant amount of time to help them with grooming. With time and patience, cats can accept being brushed regularly. But it’s best if they start with this as young as possible.
And don’t forget, if you are feeling out of your depth, don’t hesitate to contact a groomer and see what they can do for you!
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