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Cats are naturally clean animals, but grooming is still important. Here are our 10 tips to make cat grooming a breeze.
- Grooming allows you to keep an eye on your cat's health
- Regular grooming can prevent matted fur and hairballs
- Brushing can help reduce shedding and get rid of dirt
Grooming your cat helps keep their coat in tip top condition. Even if your cat self grooms, a regular grooming session allows you to monitor their overall health and check for parasites, skin problems and unusual lumps and bumps.
If you find anything suspicious, get a vet to take a look. If your cat needs ongoing treatment, you may be covered by your pet insurance.
Whether you have a pedigree Persian or a motley moggy, cat grooming can help:
- Decrease the amount of hair they cough up as fur balls
- Stop matted hair from taking hold
- Reduce the number of times you need to vacuum up after shedding
Regular grooming allows you to monitor your cat's overall health.
Ten tips for successful cat grooming
1. Brush your cat every week
Brushing gets rid of dirt and dead hair, keeping your cat clean. It also distributes natural skin oils across the fur, so helps to keep your cat’s coat in good condition.Brushing should be enjoyable for both you and your pet, so get them used to being brushed from an early age.
Different breeds will need different amounts of brushing. Once or twice a week should be enough for a shorthaired cat, but long haired cats may need brushing more often, especially if they look like their fur is beginning to mat.
If you come across any tangles, tease them out with your fingers. With very matted fur, it may be best to trim away the knot rather than brush it out.
2. Check for excessive shedding
Regular grooming will help reduce the amount of hair your cat sheds. Shedding is a natural process that gets rid of dead hair, but if your cat starts shedding more than normal, it may be an indication of a medical condition or a dietary problem.Ask a vet for advice and if your cat needs treatment, you may be able to claim on your pet insurance.
3. Keep baths to a minimum
Most cats with a healthy coat won't need bathing unless they're particularly muddy or have rolled in something unpleasant. Many cats aren't renowned for their love of water, so beware of those claws!Try to bathe your cat when it's relaxed and after giving it a good brush. Use a special cat shampoo, as human shampoo is not suitable.
Use lukewarm water and avoid spraying water in your cat's face or up the nose or ears. Thoroughly rinse in clean water and then wrap your cat in a towel to keep them warm as they dry out.
4. Check eyes are clear and bright
If there's any discharge or redness, this can indicate a problem, so should be checked out by a vet. Use a damp cotton wool ball to wipe away any gunk from the corner of the eye.5. Watch out for ear infections
Ear infections can cause a lot of discomfort, so look out for any discharge, sensitivity around the ear or head shaking. Healthy inner ears are pale pink and free from debris.6. Include regular dental check ups
Check your cat's teeth and gums regularly. Healthy gums are firm and pink. Teeth should be tartar free.If the gums look swollen or your cat has loose teeth or difficulty eating, take them to the vet. Check if your pet insurance covers dental treatment.