Grooming Routines for Your Cat

Cats are independent and okay with grooming themselves. However, as a cat parent, you should still plan a grooming routine. Though they don’t usually need your help, they often miss a spot, and some aspects require intervention.

How Cats Groom Themselves?

Before we discuss grooming tips, it is essential to understand how cats maintain their neat appearance. Cats have round, spiny tongues that can collect dirt and comb fur. Their small spines and flexible bodies allow them to reach many parts of their bodies.

They use their dampened paws for places a cat’s mouth can’t reach, such as the head, neck, and ears. 

When cats groom themselves, they activate their oil glands, which release oil as a natural lubricant, perfume, and anti-parasite agent.

Tools You Need

You should provide some tools to give your cat the best grooming experience. They are the following:

• Cat shampoo
• Lint-free towers
• De-shedding brush
• Cotton balls
• Nail clippers

Brushing

Brushing will not only prevent matting but also relaxes your cats. The best and most convenient tool for this task is a de-shedding brush. Start by gently brushing the neck or the area that your cat loves to be touched. When your cat gives in, continue to the other parts as well. If your cat starts to move away or shows discomfort, back off and use your hands to remove mats and knots. Give a reward after the brushing session.

Dental Care

It is also essential to constantly check your cat’s teeth and gums to prevent oral diseases like gingivitis. Lift the cheek and carefully inspect the gums and teeth. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see unusual pigmentation, redness, inflammation, or pus. A cat toothbrush is recommended to keep your cat’s mouth clean and fresh.

Eye Care

Checking your cat’s eyes is also essential for its well-being. Lift the eyelids to check for abnormalities. Clean the surrounding areas of the eyes with dampened cotton balls. Use a separate cotton ball for each eye and pat dry with a towel or a tissue.

Ear Care

Cat ears don’t usually get dirty; you only need to clean them at least once a month. You can loosen up the dirt by massaging both ears and using cotton balls to remove residue. Then, allow your cat to shake it off. 

Nail Maintenance

Trimming your cat’s claws will be beneficial, especially if your house has many rags and carpets. To do this, you can simply push the paw with your thumb and carefully trim the claws using a pet nail clipper, ensuring you won’t clip the pink part because that’s where the blood vessels start. Any ingrown nails should be checked by the veterinarian immediately.

Bathing

Cats do not require bathing unless they encounter sticky, smelly, or dirty substances. If you need to bathe your cat, ensure it is calm, or you have given it catnip. To protect yourself, trim the claws before bath time. Gently pour warm water on your cat, but avoid the eyes, mouth, and ears. Use a feline-friendly shampoo and carefully massage the fur, following the growth direction. Rinse carefully. After, pat dry your cat and give rewards to enforce positive experiences.

Grooming your cat should be a part of your routine as a cat parent. The tips above can make your life easier, but follow them with precautions. Also, do it patiently since cats are not used to getting help.