Cat' Grooming

Although cats groom themselves regularly, you must bathe your cat at least once a month in order to removes allergens, fleas, odor and dirt. Accustom kittens to the process, beginning around three months of age. Make sure to keep your cats dry and warm after a bath.

Wet the fur thoroughly with warm water, but avoid soaking the head. Use a cat's shampoo - human products can dry the cat's skin. Rinse the soap thoroughly and dry it with towel. Longhaired or very dirty cats may require a second round of soap and a cream rinse. After the bath, apply a flea product, such as a dip or spray.

Brushing the coat reduces matting, dry skin and loose hair that can be ingested during self grooming activities. You will need a grooming mitt or brush and fine-toothed comb. How often you brush the cat will depend on the length of the coat and kind of fur your cats have. Most shorthaired cats need to be brush twice a week, longhaired cats need daily care.

Pay particularly attention to the areas under the legs and belly. Gently brush apart matted areas or cut away any unmanageable clumps. Never rub the coat with toxic substances or astringents.

Most cats will effectively clean their own ears. If you notice an excessive buildup of wax (a little bit is normal), gently wipe the inside of the ear with a cotton ball moistened with feline ear treatment or a damp towel at bath time. Never insert narrow objects deep into the cat's ear.

Scratching posts reduce clawing problems, since they satisfy the cat's instinctual need to scratch. Despite this preventative measure, however, claws still require trimming with a special animal clipper. To trim the nails, slide the toe up and away from claw. Under bright light, look for the pink portion inside the nail, called the “quick”. Clip just below this point, where the nail curves down toward the floor. Cutting too closely to the skin will cause pain and bleeding. If you are uncertain about how to trim claws, consult with groomer. You may want to discuss the option of declawing with a veterinarian.

Cats can develop the same mouth problems as humans, including tartar, gingivitis, gum disease and bad breath. These problems can lead to pain, disease and tooth loss, and often require expensive veterinary care. A hard food diet, chewing on large, stiff bones and regular teeth cleanings will help prevent problems. Brushing cat teeth is an easy procedure and should occur about twice a week. Wet a small toothbrush or cotton swab and firmly rub the outer surfaces of the teeth (toothpaste is not necessary). If bleeding gums, dirty teeth, bad breath or loose teeth persist despite this attention, see a veterinarian.