Cats like to keep themselves clean, but sometimes your feline friend may need a little help maintaining a healthy fur. In this post, we will give tips on how to keep your kitty’s skin and fur neat. It’s worth mentioning, that some cats dislike any form of grooming and will protest, if you try too hard. If you think the grooming process is too big of a task, it may be a good idea to make a booking with a professional groomer or a vet.
How do I brush a cat?
Brushing helps with blood circulation and improves the health of your cat’s skin. Brushing is also important because it removes dirt and dead hair. Brushing becomes more important, if your cat has a long fur or your cat is aging.
- Short haired cats can be brushed with a metal comb. Always brush in the same direction with the hair growth. If your cat has a lot of dead hair, a rubber brush can be an effective way to remove them.
- Long haired cats can grow tangles easily, especially around the abdomen and the legs. Most cats dislike having their belly touched, so try to pick a time, when your cat is tired. Start with other sections of the fur, and then move on to the belly, just behind the front legs. It’s hard work to keep a long fur glossy, so your cat friend will probably need your help every few days.
How do I bathe a cat?
- Before bath time, you can trim your cat’s claws. This way the risk of getting scratched is smaller. Try to trim the claws at least a few hours before the bath time, so your cat has time to calm down.
- Prepare some treats, so you can make them feel better about a new experience.
- If you brush the fur before bathing your cat, there is first of all less to wash. Less fur will come off into your tub, which is good news for your drains.
- Try to play with your cat in the empty tub before bath time. Your kitty will have a chance to get to know the tub as a pleasant place.
- Place a bath mat in the tub to avoid slips, remove the litter tray from the bathroom and close the door.
- The water temperature should be luke-warm, not hot.
- Avoid getting water in to your cat’s ears, nose and eyes.
- Don’t use products that are meant for us humans, as your cat will later lick the fur, and end up licking the residue of your shampoo. Use cat shampoo instead. You may need to dilute it, so read the instructions carefully before bath time.
- Especially if the experience wasn’t a pleasant one, remember to praise and reward your furry friend.
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