Claws
Cat’s claws (especially indoor cats), need regular trimming to remove sharp points. This reduces the risk of damage to your furniture and saves you from getting scratched!
This also avoids claws catching on carpet or fabric and causing pain. Check regularly to see if they are too long and if you're not confident about trimming your cat’s claws, take them to a professional groomer who can do it without causing any harm.
Brushing and grooming your cat
Grooming your cat reduces the chance of hairballs and prevents tangles. It’s also a great way of monitoring their health by finding any ticks, wounds, lumps and skin problems early so you can get them treated.
Start from an early age so they get used to being brushed. Kittens are also less experienced at grooming, so they need a little help.
Combing or gently brushing also reduces the number of tangles, so your cat is more comfortable. If your cat already has a matted coat, it’s best to get professional help. It will probably need cutting away and this is difficult to do without harming your cat, if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Bathing
Cats have in-built grooming tools - their tongue and teeth! They can be fussy about self-cleaning, so regular brushing will be enough.
However, if they come home sticky, smelly or very dirty, a bath would be a good idea! Most cats hate bathing, so only do it if necessary and consider using a professional grooming service. If you do it yourself, never use human shampoo as it may dry out their skin; and don’t use dog products on your cat.
Frequency
Some cats love being groomed, and some tolerate it. Short and medium-haired cats can get by with a weekly brush. Long-haired cats need more regular attention, and for Persian cats a daily brush is recommended.
Simple grooming tips include:
- Start your grooming routine when they’re young so they get used to it from an early age.
- Try using different combs and brushes appropriate for the length of their coat to find one they can tolerate. You can also use grooming gloves.
- Start with soft brushes and work your way up to firmer ones, which are more effective.
- Use a toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas such as the spots around the ears.
- Make sure the atmosphere is relaxed and calm before you start brushing.
- Give your cat treats afterwards so they will see grooming as a positive thing.
Source: rspca.org.au
