7 Helpful Cat Grooming Tips

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Many cat owners think that grooming is only necessary to keep their cats looking their best. However, cat grooming is vital for more than just good looks - it is crucial for the cat’s health. The good news is that our feline companions love to groom themselves, so our work is a lot easier. However, many cats are not that fond of being groomed or handled. Nevertheless, we should help them maintain their skin, coat, nails, and ears with grooming. If you are a new cat owner, here are a few things you should know about cat grooming and a few cat grooming tips that can help you do the job perfectly. 

Importance of cat grooming

Before we list the most helpful cat grooming tips, we need to highlight the importance of cat grooming. We already mentioned cats love grooming themselves, but they might need some help doing it correctly. Grooming is essential for cats with medium-long and long coats. If the owner fails to groom their cat, its coat can get tangled and matted. That can lead to uncomfortable skin problems and overall health issues that will need veterinary attention.

WORLD CAT FINDER TIP: Despite our best will and effort, some cats will absolutely not tolerate being handled and groomed. It is possible they “retaliate” against it, and injuries can happen. If that’s the case with your cat, it would be best to book an appointment with professional groomers that have the necessary equipment to keep everyone involved in the grooming session safe.

Cat grooming tips

It can be pretty confusing for new owners to know where to start the grooming process. At least that was the case for us. We all know brushing and bathing might be important, but grooming will involve more than coat maintenance. Here are 7 cat grooming tips to help you take proper care of your cat.

1. Start while the cat’s young

The best habits humans, cats, or dogs will acquire should come from the earliest stages of their lives. This is especially true for cats. Most of them don’t like being groomed, so owners should slowly start getting their cats used to being handled and groomed while they’re still kittens. If you make the experience enjoyable while they’re still young, chances are, they will learn to love the process. Make sure you reward your kitten’s behavior with cat treats. You will reinforce their good behavior and make sure they associate grooming with something fun and tasty.

2. Don’t skip different aspects of cat grooming

We already mentioned that cat grooming involves more than just bathing and brushing. Sure, it is a big part of it, but they’re not the only things you should do. Complete cat grooming consists of;

• Brushing
• Bathing
• Ear cleaning
• Nail trimming

Each of these grooming parts is important. Cat owners who groom their cats should make sure they regularly check them. It’s the only way to keep them looking their best and remain healthy.

3. Brushing

Brushing is extremely important for cats with longer coats. If the owner leaves their long-coated cat without brushing, the most likely outcomes are mats and tangles. That can lead to hot spots, dermatitis, and skin infections. Bacteria and yeast love dark, warm, moist places, and that is exactly what a matted cat coat can provide them with. Make sure you brush your cat regularly, and while you do that, check their skin for parasites, cuts, and overall health.

4. Bathing

Bathing a cat can be tricky. Some cats absolutely hate getting wet, but some breeds love playing in and around the water. Our advice is - bathe your cat when they’re as calm as possible. Fill the sink or the tub with warm water and use a glass or a jug to pour the water over your cat. It is absolutely crucial to avoid the cat’s head, especially the eyes. Use shampoos specifically developed for cats, and make sure you rinse them thoroughly.

5. Nail trimming

“Nail” might not be the best word for what your cat has coming out of their paw. It would be more accurate to say claws because that is precisely what our little hunters have. If your cat doesn’t seem that interested in their scratch post, you should make sure you clip or trim their claws every couple of weeks. Most indoor cats have overgrown claws, which can lead to all sorts of problems. This is another thing you should start teaching your cat while they’re still kittens. Make sure they tolerate their paws being handled and trim their nails regularly.

6. Ear cleaning

Like humans, cats can get ear infections. We must keep our cat’s ears clean, healthy, and parasite-free. You can check their ears every time you brush them. Look for signs of redness or ear discharge. Various cat-safe ear cleaners can help you keep your cat’s ear peachy. You don’t want to have a cat that develops frequent ear infections because you didn’t check them often enough.

7. Ask for professional help

There is no shame in not being able to safely groom your cat on your own. Cats can be difficult to handle, and asking a professional groomer for help might be a wise thing to do. Plus, professional groomers have equipment most cat owners don’t. That means your cat will get the best of the best from cat care products, and the whole grooming process will be a lot safer for all parties involved.

World Cat Finder Team