Giving your cat the grooming it needs can be a lengthy process if you don't have the proper techniques or tools. In this blog, our Carrollton vets share a few tips on grooming your long-haired kitty.
Why Should I Groom My Cat?
Keeping your kitty well-groomed and clean holds tremendous significance as it serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it effectively eliminates dead skin, untangles knots, and prevents the formation of mats, which can cause considerable discomfort to your beloved feline companion. Additionally, grooming offers a range of other advantages such as improved circulation, reduced incidence of hairballs, and a visually pleasing and fresh appearance for your kitty.
Regular grooming even provides you with the opportunity to check your cat for fleas, ticks, and ear mites however, this shouldn't replace your cat's regular veterinary appointments.
Brushing Your Cat
If your kitty adores receiving affection and snuggles, it's highly likely that it will also enjoy being brushed. Brushing your kitty regularly not only enhances the bond between you and your feline friend but also makes the experience more delightful for both of you, particularly if your cat has long fur.
Regular brushing serves several purposes, including detangling knots, removing dead skin, and distributing nourishing oils throughout their fur. To assist you in brushing your kitty at home, we've outlined the following step-by-step guide:
- Wait until your cat is calm or sleepy to begin the process.
- The first few times you brush your cat keep the session short so your cat can get used to the feeling of the brush. Start with 5 minutes at first and work your way up.
- For short-haired cats start brushing at their head, use a metal comb to loosen dead fur, and comb your way to their tail.
- If your cat has long fur, start at its belly and legs with the metal comb and work your way up combing in an upward motion.
- Next, you can repeat the same motions and patterns but with a bristle or rubber brush.
Short-haired cats only need to be brushed once a week.
Long-haired cats need to be brushed frequently, preferably daily to keep their hair detangled and prevent matting.
Bathing Your Cat
Cats possess exceptional self-grooming abilities, which generally obviate the need for frequent bathing. However, certain circumstances may arise that necessitate bathing your kitty.
These situations include instances when their fur becomes excessively soiled to the point where self-cleaning is inadequate, when they are entangled in mats, when their fur becomes sticky or emits unpleasant odors, or when their fur feels excessively oily to the touch. In such cases, giving your cat a bath becomes necessary for their well-being and hygiene.
Here is how you can bath your kitty:
- Brush your cat first to keep fur from getting stuck in your drain.
- Apply a soft rubber mat to the bottom of the tub to help keep your kitty more comfortable during the process.
- Fill the tub with a few inches of warm, not hot water.
- Get your cat wet but avoid getting their face, ears, eyes, or nose wet, you can use a hose, jug, or pitcher.
- Remember the water needs to be warm, not hot.
- Gently apply the shampoo all over your cat's body, while still avoiding the face and ears, you can use a soft cloth for this to help your kitty be more comfortable.
- You need to use a shampoo that is specially made for cats, your vet will be able to recommend the brands that will be best for your feline friend.
- Next, rinse off all of the soap, remembering to keep your cat's face dry.
- Dry your furry friend off with a dry and warm towel.
- After your cat's bath keep them in a warm area of your house, to make sure they stay comfortable and don't get cold.
Bathing a Cat That Hates Water
Since cats generally don't like the water, bathing them can be a difficult task. To make the process as easy as possible for both you and your cat we have provided you with some tips:
- Stay calm no matter how difficult your cat is being
- Talk to your kitty in a soft reassuring voice
- Have all the supplies you need ready in advance
- Play with your cat during the bath or/and give them a toy to keep them distracted
- Keep petting them and giving them cuddles
- Take the process as slowly as possible rushing it could make your cat more stressed
- Give your companion lots of treats and reward them
Professional Cat Groomers & Veterinary Grooming
Although regular brushing and occasional baths are essential for your cat's grooming needs, it's important to recognize that professional grooming provided by a certified expert cannot be replaced by at-home grooming alone. Certified professionals possess the necessary expertise, tools, and training to safely groom even the most anxious cats.
They are equipped with scissors, combs, specialized cat tubs, and specifically formulated shampoos to ensure the grooming process is conducted smoothly. Furthermore, these professionals are adept at identifying any potential skin conditions affecting your pet and effectively treating issues such as fleas or ticks. Relying on their professional care ensures your cat receives the highest standard of grooming and overall well-being.