Grooming your cat can help keep them healthy and happy
Although cats are usually great at grooming themselves, they always appreciate being pampered by their owners. Additionally, staying up-to-date with grooming your cat can help keep your cat healthy and happy. Here are a few easy tips to groom your cat at home.
Benefits of Grooming Your Cat
Regular pampering not only gives your cat a chance to spend some quality time with you, it’s also good for their health and well-being.
It allows you both to bond
Grooming your cat is a great way to build trust.
It keeps shedding down
Daily brushing means fewer hairballs for your cat — and less sweeping and vacuuming for you.
It’s an opportunity to give them a once over
While brushing your cat, you can easily check for fleas or ticks, new lumps or bumps, or any areas that seem tender or painful.
Brushing your kitty
Brushing Their Fur
Brushing your cat’s fur regularly will keep their hair in good condition, including preventing matted fur and removing dirt and debris.
Which brush is best?
For most cats, a dual-sided brush is all you need. If your cat has extra-long locks, a “moulting” comb is a great detangler. If they’re sensitive to touch, try a rubber brush or grooming mitt. Ask your veterinarian or groomer for recommendations.
How to brush
Start with short, gentle strokes in the spots they love being pet. After each session, give them a treat and a play session.
Trimming kitty's nails
Trimming their Nails
Most cats need their nails trimmed every 1–2 weeks. If your cat is new to the nail salon experience, start with just one paw — or even one claw — at a time. Here are some tips to make their experience as painless as possible.
Practice, practice, practice
Start by helping your cat get used to sitting on your lap and having their paws touched before you pull out the clippers.
Hold their paw
With your cat in your lap, use two fingers to gently press the nail so your clippers can reach it.
Take a little off the top
Use clippers with a nail guard or clip the nail right at the point where it’s starting to curl.
Avoid the “quick”
This is the pink triangular area at the base of the nail. If you get too close, the nail might bleed a little. Make sure you have a styptic pencil or cornstarch on hand, in case this happens.
Don’t forget their “thumbs”
Because dew claws are on the inner side of each paw, they don’t get worn down as much with regular scratching.
Don’t forget to reward them
End every session with a super-yummy treat and a fun play session.
