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Date Posted: June 25, 2019

Tips for Grooming Your Cat at Home

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Cats are known for being low maintenance and pretty self-sufficient in a lot of ways – grooming included! A lot of feline owners love the fact that they don’t usually have to groom cats as often as dogs. But, that doesn’t mean that every now and again you won’t have to give your cat a little extra TLC, especially if they’re of the long-haired variety. Just like dogs, making sure her coat is cared for keeps her fur and skin nice and healthy. Grooming also helps reduce hairballs and overall shedding around your house. Here are a few tips for keeping your cat looking and feeling like a million bucks.

It’s always a good idea to start as early as you can. If you have a kitten, it’s the perfect time to begin getting him or her accustomed to being brushed regularly. But even if you adopt your kitty as an adult, it’s still okay to work with them to get them used to being brushed. Start off slow, and don’t rush. Give them a little brush every now and then and soon they’ll start getting used to the sensation. Hopefully, it’ll become a bonding experience between you!

The type of brush you’ll need depends on how long kitty’s fur is. A short haired cat could use just about any pet brush or a rubber grooming mitt. Brushing can be done 1-2 times per week. Not only does it help remove dirt and debris from her fur, but it also helps stimulate blood flow to the skin, encourages a healthy coat, and minimizes shedding. If your cat has a longer coat, multiple brushings per week may be necessary to keep their fur free from tangles and debris that gets stuck in it. Find a wide tooth comb that’s made for long cat hair. The longer you wait between brushings, the more tangled, dirty, and matted their fur is likely to be, so try to do it regularly.

Nails and paws are also an important part of the grooming process. This step might be a little more tricky as most cats do not enjoy getting their nails clipped, but with most cats, it is possible to do this at home. A good way to get started is to get your cat used to having his feet touched. Gently play with your kitty’s toes as much as possible during times when the two of you are just hanging out together. If he’s taking a nap on your lap, touch his feet. Get him used to that so that he doesn’t automatically associate it with something unpleasant. When you’re ready to try clipping his nails, try holding him on your lap, keeping your arm wrapped around his middle, and be confident and sure in your movements to make him feel more at ease. If your cat is just not having it, try wrapping a big towel around him with only his head sticking out, keeping only one paw at a time exposed during the clipping process. This will not only restrict his movements but will also help with anxiety by keeping him more secure. Of course, there are some cats that just simply will not allow their owners to clip their nails. If you feel this is your cat, you can always take them to a professional groomer or your vet to have them do it for you.

Finally, don’t forget the ears! Every time you groom your cat, take a few extra minutes to examine their ears to make sure they look healthy and free of redness or excess wax build up. Regularly grooming your cat will not only help keep his skin and coat healthy but will also reinforce the bond between the two of you!

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