Looking Good Feeling Great - Grooming for your Cat

It is important to keep your cat looking healthy through regular grooming. It not only makes them feel great, it also helps strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Although cats do groom themselves, they also need a helping hand to stay healthy and happy. Regular grooming ensures your cat’s coat is in top condition, helps to prevent hairballs and is also a good opportunity to check for any skin irritations or signs of fleas. Initially you may have to be patient with your cat until you get into an established weekly routine of grooming.

Grooming regularly not only ensures your cat’s coat is in top condition, it is also a good opportunity to check for any skin irritations or signs of fleas.

For long haired breeds it is recommended that they are brushed daily for 10 – 30 minutes and for short haired 2-3 times a week. Not only will your cat’s coat shed less, this will prevent hairballs from occurring as often and reduce any flea infestations.

Choosing the correct equipment will not only prevent adverse reactions and injury, but will make the experience far easier and more pleasurable for both your cat and you.

For shorthaired breeds use a stiff brush or a narrower tooth comb and for longer haired cats use a wider tooth comb.

Start off at the head and comb down your cat’s body following the direction of the hair, combing small sections at a time.

Gently pull any mats apart being careful not to hurt your cat. Should you come across some troublesome areas try a de-matting comb, slicker or rake or alternatively trim it off with scissors. Then move onto pay special attention to behind the ears, on the rump and under the legs. Comb again with a narrower tooth comb until you feel satisfied that there are no more mats.

Shedding blades and stripping knifes are good for trimming down very thick coats.

Very fine combs are usually referred to as flea combs and this is an essential tool for finding and combing out fleas and their eggs.

Once the coat has been combed, continue your grooming routine by brushing through, again starting at the neck. Regular brushing stimulates the skin and helps distribute the natural oils that produce a healthy shiny coat. Again, there are lots of products available but generally, the harder the brush the more suitable for longer haired breeds.