How to Groom Your Cat
While it’s true that a lot of cats can groom themselves, if you have a medium or long-haired cat, the extra grooming can be a real benefit to them. Some senior cats and long haired breeds can find it difficult to keep their coats in good condition and require some help to stay in good shape. Grooming is also an excellent way to bond with your kitty; it can help build trust and affection, and if you have a kitten, it can help them get used to being touched and handled.
In this blog post, we will explain the benefits of grooming your cat, a step-by-step guide on brushing, and tips and advice if you’ve got a squirmy kitty who won’t stay still!
The Benefits of Grooming Your Cat
Daily grooming of your cat will help ensure their coat is kept in good condition. It not only leaves them feeling great but also helps maintain good health. Other benefits include;
- Can help improve muscle tone and stimulates the skin to produce oils that give their coat a healthy shine.
- Daily brushing helps remove loose hairs, prevent matting, and minimise hairballs that may end up in their stomach.
- Grooming gives you the opportunity to inspect your cat’s health by feeling for cuts, bumps, swelling, and parasites such as fleas and ticks.
- If done correctly, it can be a great bonding experience between cat and cat-parent.
Must-Have Cat Grooming Essentials
Our top picks for grooming your cat are;
This all-in-one brush combines the design of a soft slicker brush with a traditional bristle brush to provide a healthy, shiny coat. It easily removes tough mats and tangles, while also removing excess hair and reducing shedding. When used regularly, the brush reduces hairballs as well. Whether your cat has short or long hair, this brush ensures effective grooming.
Featuring a contoured wooden handle, the SAFARI Cat Shedding Comb reduces shedding for longhaired and shorthaired cats. Smooth, rounded teeth ensure the cat’s comfort.
The long teeth penetrate deep into the cat’s fur lifting the loose hair, while the short teeth collect loose hair from the upper layers, leaving a clean, soft coat.
This brush is the perfect tool to both groom your cat and treat them to an enjoyable massage. Its soft, rounded brush tips effectively remove dirt and debris while providing a luxurious massaging sensation for your cat. The brush can be used in two different ways; short, quick strokes will remove dirt and debris, while long, flowing strokes will smooth the coat and massage the skin. This brush will also help stimulate blood flow and circulation.
Grooming can be stressful for cats—make sure to show him some love and affection afterwards (along with some delicious treats), and he eventually become more tolerable of the whole process!
How to Groom Your Cat
- Pick a Comfortable Area
Some cats can be anxious or uncomfortable with being groomed; this can be especially true if your cat is not used to you doing the grooming. You can help your kitty feel calm by grooming him in a comfortable, familiar spot, such as on a soft mat on a high table or floor.
- Brush Gently
With a suitable brush, start by gently brushing your cat from head to tail. Don’t pull too hard, as this can hurt your cat. Once you have brushed through, use a comb to go over his coat one more time. It is a good idea to run your hands though your cat’s coat to help move the oil around. Be careful when brushing your his hind legs, hips or underside, as these areas can be sensitive!
- Don’t Ignore Tangles
If you find your cat has mats or tangles, do not attempt to cut them, as this can cause injury. Instead, hold onto the fur just below the mat and very gently brush the mat out. You can also use your fingers to carefully loosen any mats or tangles and remove them. Do not pull the mats either-this will hurt!
- Bath Time
Shorthaired cats usually do not need to be bathed, unless they are very dirty or have allergies. Longhaired breeds can benefit from the occasional bath, as it will help keep his coat in good condition and prevent an accumulation of grease.
Cats historically aren’t fans of water, and bath time can often be a struggle for many cat parents. To make the process quick and easy, make sure to have a decent shampoo and warm towel nearby. Recruiting a friend or family member to help bathe your cat may help make bath time less complicated, if one holds the cat and one washes.
Some quick-fire tips for bathing your cat…
- Run the water before you bring him in.
- Fill the bath just high enough to reach your cat’s belly. Make sure the water isn’t too hot.
- Close the door to the bathroom once your cat is in the bath—you don’t want any escapees!
- Gently place your cat in the bath; if your cat is in his senior years he may have sore joints and most likely won’t want to be picked up for long or too quickly.
- Do not submerge your cat; instead gently wet the fur with a cup or wet flannel.
- Gently massage suitable shampoo into his coat, and be careful around ears, eyes, and mouth.
- Rinse your cat off afterwards with a detachable shower head or bowl. Rinse him several times to make sure there is no leftover shampoo on his coat, as this can irritate the skin.
- Carefully remove your cat from the bath and wrap your cat in a nice, warm towel afterwards. Pat his coat dry with the towel and keep him in a warm location until he is completely dry.
How Often Should I Groom My Cat?
Your cat won’t require daily baths, but may require daily brushing, especially if they are long-haired. Daily brushing can remove any loose hairs, preventing them from being swallowed and turning into hair balls. Brushing also stimulates blood circulation and sebaceous gland secretions, resulting in a healthier skin and coat. Older cats in particular may not use scratching posts as frequently as they did when they were younger; therefore, nails should be checked weekly and trimmed if necessary.
