Cat Grooming 

When it comes to cat grooming many people think they take care of themselves but that’s not necessarily so. Because a cat’s coat consists of a downy undercoat and a smoother outer coat, they can get matted and tangled, especially cats with longer hair. Combing or brushing them will help prevent matting and also reduce the incidents of hairballs, which can be very harmful to cats.

Using a deshedding tool  is also a good idea and will keep shedding down.

It is best to start grooming your cat when it is a kitten, if possible. Kittens are not naturally patient creatures so several very short sessions are preferable to asking them to sit still for more than a few minutes. As you brush or comb them, speak gently to them and praise them to make it a pleasurable experience.

Another issue with brushing your cat is the static that is created by the brush or comb. Cats hate static as much as we do! You can start by stroking them, which will produce some static but because it feels good the cat will tolerate it. To prevent or minimize this problem, spray some light conditioner on the brush. Be sure that your strokes are gentle, as cats have very sensitive skin that can easily be bruised or torn by rough treatment.

Cat Accessories For Grooming

Cat grooming mitts can be very useful and make cat grooming easier for you both but allow the cat to get used to the mitt before you use it. Lay it in a familiar place so that she can smell it and inspect it. Let him see it on your hand several times before you actually touch him with it. The sudden sight of a strange apparatus on your hand can be confusing and frightening to your cat if you haven’t let them become accustomed to it.

As a cat's coat is very different from that of a dog you must use the appropriate cat accessories for grooming.

Cat Grooming Bag - Large

A Deshedding Tool

As mentioned above you should ideally have a deshedding tool amongst your array of cat grooming equipment. These tools are highly effective and will recuce the amount of hair your cat sheds by a very significant amount. 

FURminator deShedding Tool

Trimming Your Cat's Claws

Trimming your cat’s claws can be a lot more difficult than brushing or combing their coat but so long as you take the right approach it can be done with a minimum of hassle for both you and your cat.

   Safari Nail Trimmer for Cats, Stainless Steel 

Before you ever touch her claws, get your cat used to you stroking her paws. Catch her in a mellow, relaxed mood and use your finger to stroke the paw. When she’s accustomed to that, pick the paw up and stroke it then later, squeeze it slightly to pop the nail out. Gradually introduce the nail clipper and by that time she may not object much to having her claws clipped. Because a cat’s nails are mostly white, it’s easy to see and avoid cutting the quick.

Do Cats Need A Bath?

Cats don’t really need bathing unless your veterinarian recommends it, usually for a skin condition or infection. If you absolutely have to bathe your cat, try to start when they are kittens and make it as quick as possible. Put a wire mesh mat on the bottom of the sink to give him something to grip and keep him from thinking he will lose his footing. Use a specially formulated cat shampoo, avoiding the face and ears.

With patience and conditioning cat grooming need not be a traumatic experience.Your cat can learn to enjoy grooming and be a healthy, happy and beautiful friend to you.