Mary Allen
Cleaning and grooming their coat and claws are essential for all cats and they devote much of their day to grooming. But most cats, especially those with long hair, benefit from a little extra grooming. Here are some tips for your grooming routine.
There are many benefits of helping your cat with grooming. First off, this will improve your relationship and give you a better chance of noticing changes in your cat’s behavior and condition. A long-haired cat also reduces the risk of tangles and tangles, as well as the amount of cat hair in your home. Common house cats or short-haired breeds need less help. But they also like a little extra attention and cuddles from time to time.
Create a grooming routine
Observe your cat’s normal grooming behavior and adjust your routine accordingly. Cats usually groom themselves after eating. Establish the routine when your cat is young, stick to it, and reward good behavior with a treat or extra attention.
If you have an indoor cat (or an outdoor cat with overgrown claws), don’t forget to clip the claws if they get too long and sharp. Be calm and patient and always stay in control. A daily, familiar, and predictable grooming routine will calm your cat.
How to care
Find a spot that is comfortable for both you and your cat. This can be on a counter or table with the cat lying on it, on the floor with the cat between your legs, or on your lap. Depending on the breed, use a brush or steel comb.
Some areas of the body will be less comfortable for your cat to treat, such as the hind legs, abdomen, and under the tail. So start in the areas where most cats like to be brushed, such as the head and neck. Move on to the awkward spots and finish off the routine with some stroking.
Trimming nails can take a little practice, especially when it comes to convincing your cat to stay calm. Use a cat nail trimmer, start slowly and gently, and reward your cat with a special treat. Be careful not to cut too close to the nail bed as this can be painful and easy to injure. Remember that free-roaming cats do not need nail clipping unless the claws are significantly too long.
Hard-to-reach places
Long-haired cats are at increased risk of matting and knotting if you don’t help with grooming on a regular basis. If tangles do occur, work through them individually, using a comb to divide them into smaller sections and detangle them from the ends. Use one hand to comb and the other to isolate and hold the tangles for less tugging.
If the tangles are too large or too dense, the only solution may be to cut or shave them off. Be careful when using scissors or clippers and ask your veterinarian for advice.
Remember that tangles and knots can be very painful, so take extra care when trying to untangle them. If the cat is very uncomfortable, contact your veterinarian. The cat may need to be sedated to remove the lumps.
Also remember that an old, obese, or sick cat will need more help with grooming than a healthy one.
Signs of abnormal grooming
If you notice any changes in your cat’s grooming, such as B. poor or excessive care, these can be early signs of disease. alopecia, i.e. H. bald patches, which can result from intense licking, or dermatitis, d. H. inflamed or damaged skin can be the result of underlying problems. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your cat’s grooming habits.