Cat grooming Tips

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1 About
2 Routine
3 How to do it
4 If the cat is scared
5 Sources/Reference
6 Authors

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About

Cat grooming Tips: This Tip Article contains various sections, which are about cat grooming tips.

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Grooming your cat is an essential part of keeping your pet healthy and enhancing the bond between you.
Although some cats are offended by being groomed (they can do it themselves so who needs your help?) the majority enjoy the attention.
It is also a good way for you to notice any changes in the health of your cat’s skin and coat.
This tip article is all about grooming your cat

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Routine

Above all, you need to establish a routine. The sooner you start, the better.
Grooming can begin as soon as a kitten is weaned; any earlier and you’ll upset the mother cat.

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How to do it

You’ll need comb designed for cat grooming. Generally, they are metal with the teeth not too far apart. And, depending on the type of coat your cat has, you may also need a special wire brush for proper care of the under coat of longhaired cats.
Regardless of the breed or length of hair, always comb in the direction that the hair grows. This maximizes the amount of loose hair you’ll gather, but most important, this will be most pleasing to the cat.
Try to establish a routine during a quiet, relaxing moment for the both of you. Perhaps begin with a few minutes of patting and scratching behind the ears and under the chin.
This will put your cat at ease if he is the least bit tense about being combed. Then, without breaking the rhythm (so have the comb beside you when you begin to pat the cat) start combing at the back of the cat’s neck. If your cat’s hair long, or if he is a little unsure about the whole thing, keep the strokes short.
If you find you’re pulling the skin because of thick hair or the development of a mat of hair, use your other hand to hold the skin, thus reducing the discomfort.
Another way to keep your cat relaxed while being combed is to use your free hand to gently massage the skin at the back of his neck. Also, talk lovingly to your cat as you groom him. Many times cats will respond by purring.
Daily combing is best for your cat’s coat and the development of a bond between you. And if your cat is resistant at first, don’t stop the daily aspect of the routine. Rather, start by combing for only a minute then increase the time each day. Or, comb his back one day, his stomach the next. Never comb a cat’s ears or face.
If your cat develops mats, be careful and gentle when removing them. Running a comb through a clump of hair is painful, so be sure to offer reassurance and keep one hand on the cat’s body to reduce pulling of the skin.
If you are unable to comb through the mat, try working at it over several days, to ease the stress (for you and the cat). If that doesn’t work, you may want to cut part of the mat.
It is important to not cut the whole thing because it is very easy to cut the cat’s skin.
This is not only very painful to your cat it is dangerous in terms of infection. However, if you careful cut the top third of the mat, it is then easier to comb through it. But, if your cat has several mats of hair, especially under the front legs, it is best to take him to a professional groomer.

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If the cat is scared

Cats generally do not need to be bathed. However, if it is necessary (skin problems, skunk odor, fleas, etc.) keep it simple. *Unless you have a cat that doesn’t mind water (there are more than you’d think), use a large bowl or plastic tub that isn’t much bigger than the cat.
This will make them feel a little more secure and will give you better control. Don’t use a sink sprayer or flexible shower head since it tends to frighten the cat.
Wet them by pouring lukewarm water from a cup over the back to dampen the hair a bit. Never pour water on a cat’s head. Hold the cat by wrapping one arm around the back and under the belly. Put a tiny spot of shampoo on the middle of the cats back and work it up and body his body.
Talking lovingly to your pet throughout. To rinse the hair, again use a cup to pour water down the cat’s body. Be sure to get all the shampoo out.
To dry the cat, drape a towel over their body and rub. There’s no need to get them bone dry and never use a hair dryer. *Simply get out most of the moisture. The cat will take care of the rest. In fact, it will help him or her calm down.

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