Cats are generally hygienic animals. You must have seen your cat cleaning and licking themselves squeaky clean. However, they also require professional grooming sessions to look and feel purrfect. Regular grooming can make your cat feel and look exceptionally great. This blog serves as a detailed guide to understanding the basics of maintaining cat hygiene. But first, let’s understand why cat grooming is important in the first place.
Why is Cat Grooming Important?
Apart from maintaining regular hygiene, an important advantage of regular cat grooming is that it helps in checking if your cat is physically fit and does not have any unusual symptoms or growth on their body. Regular brushing and combing your cat’s hair helps in removing dead hair. It also helps in detangling the fur. This helps in improving the blood circulation in the skin and prevents the fur from matting.
When you brush your cat’s coat, the improved blood circulation releases natural oil which aids in adding shine to the coat. It is also a wonderful way to check for any lumps or bumps. These lumps or bumps can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Brushing is a great way of removing dirt particles which can become a source of allergies. Cat hygiene includes trimming the nails and cleaning the ears. This prevents infections and other health-related issues.
Baths & Professional Cat Grooming
An essential part of maintaining your cat’s hygiene is giving them a bath. Although cats enjoy cleaning themselves, they do need your assistance time and again to be super clean. A good professional cat grooming session should suffice. It is crucial to keep in mind to check on the shampoo and conditioner that the groomer is using and if it is in sync with your purry’s skin type. Make sure that they do not use extremely hot or cold water while bathing your cat. Lukewarm water will make them feel comfortable.
Dental Care
One of the most ignored facts about cats is their dental hygiene. Brushing their teeth is very important as it helps maintain healthy gums and teeth. If you want to avoid dental trouble in your feline, make sure that you brush their teeth regularly. It also helps prevent bad breath.
Pro tip: Investing in a good chew toy and cat dental treats will go a long way. It not only cleans the teeth and gums. The more they chew at the chew toy, the more it massages their gums.
Fur and Skin Care
There are different kinds of cat breeds, and every breed has a different grooming need. For instance, a cat with long hair will need regular brushing as compared to a short haired cat. However, do not force your cat during the grooming process. It should be done in a calm and peaceful environment.
Pedicures
Overgrown nails can hurt your cat and become a source of infection. They can even grow into your cat’s paw pad which can affect your cat’s walking. In addition to warding off site infection, regular nail grooming aids in keeping your cat away from scratching your furniture. You can also invest in a scratching post which is a great outlet for your cat for scratching. Nail trimming is usually a part of grooming package and that is something you can confirm with your grooming salon before signing off on the session.
Cleaning the Ears
It is pivotal to clean your cat’s ears, especially if you want to avoid your cat from getting ear infections. Keep checking the insides of your cat’s ears. This helps in getting your cat used to getting their ears managed. Always use a torch while cleaning their ears and take out the grime gently.
Pro tip: Never use any human product for cleaning your cat’s ears. Always use gentle products that are made especially for cats. It is better to get the ear cleaning process done by a professional groomer only.
FAQ's:
1. Do cats really need grooming if they clean themselves?
Yes, while cats are naturally clean, professional grooming helps with fur maintenance, removes dirt and loose hair, prevents matting, and checks for skin issues.
2. How often should I groom my cat?
Long-haired cats should be brushed daily, while short-haired breeds can be brushed a few times a week. Baths and nail trims are typically needed once a month or as required.
3. Is it safe to bathe a cat at home?
It’s possible, but cats are sensitive to temperature, products, and handling. Professional grooming is safer, especially for nervous or long-haired cats.
4. Why is dental care important for cats?
Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and bad breath. Brushing and dental treats help keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy.
5. What should I avoid during cat grooming?
Avoid using human grooming products, trimming nails too short, or forcing the grooming process. Always use cat-specific tools and create a calm environment.
