Even though cats are already meticulous by nature, a good pet owner still has to learn how to groom a cat properly. Remember, grooming a cat is not just about making them look cute and smell good. When you groom them, you wan to prioritize health and hygiene above all else. This article will provide a number of cat grooming tips, especially for first-time owners.
How to Groom a Cat | A Basic Step-by-Step Guide
Brushing
Some cats may enjoy being brushed, while others don’t. In the latter case, brushing can become a very strenuous process. Especially in the case of an unhappy cat, knowing the proper brushing technique is crucial.
Why you need to brush your cat:
Brushing on a regular basis benefits your cat by keeping its hair in good condition. This includes removing both dirt and dead hair, as well as tangles. Regular brushing also helps spread natural oils all over its coat.
What you need:
- Metal comb (fine-toothed for short hair or wide-toothed for long hair)
- Bristle or rubber brush
When to do it:
How often you need to brush your cat depends on how long its hair is. Once a week is ideal for short-haired cats, while daily brushing is ideal for long-haired felines.
Here’s how:
- Work the metal comb through its fur, starting from the head and finishing at the tail.
- If you’d like, you can use a toothbrush for around the face.
- Brush its coat in an upward motion using a bristle or rubber brush to remove dead hair.
- Untangle knots gently and watch out for cat fleas.
- The chest and belly areas are sensitive so make sure you brush them gently.
- Finish by parting the tail into two sections and brushing it on either side.
Tip:? It is best to brush your cat when they are most relaxed.
Bathing
Most cats hate water, and pet owners, more often than not, end up with a scratch or two when the time calls for a bath. As a first-time owner giving their furry friend its first bath, you might want to call a family member or friend for help.
Why you need to bathe your cat:
While cats usually don’t need to bathe, when your cat gets dirty, sticky, and smelly from wandering around, a bath can become necessary.
What you need:
- Mild shampoo
- Rubber Mat
- Spray hose or dipper
- Large towel
Where to do it:
- Bathtub or sink
Here’s how:
- Place a rubber mat in the tub or sink so your cat doesn’t slip.
- Fill sink or tub with three to four inches of lukewarm water.
- Use a spray hose or a dipper to fully shower your cat. However, be careful not to direct it at its eyes, ears, or nose.
- Use mild shampoo specially formulated for cats and work through its coat from head to tail.
- Rinse off the shampoo using the spray hose or the dipper.
- Finish by drying your feline with a large towel.
Nail Trimming
There are many cat grooming services ready and able to trim your cat’s nails for you, but it also pays to know how to do it yourself.
Why you need to clip your cat’s nails:
Sharp claws can damage both people and property. Worse, cat scratches can become infected. Cats benefit from trimming as well, as a regular cut helps avoid ingrown nails that can result in infections.
What you need:
- Clipper or scissors
- Styptic powder
Here’s how:
- Get your cat used to having its feet touched days or weeks before your first attempt at clipping its nails.
- Apply pressure on the pad of each toe that will cause it to extend its claws.
- Use high-quality clipper or scissors to cut off the white tip of each nail. Remember not to cut the pink area!
- Have a styptic powder ready in case you do cut the pink area, causing your feline to bleed.
WaysAndHow shares a clip on how to groom a cat without getting scratched:
Grooming a cat doesn’t have to feel like work. You may find understanding how to groom a cat a little difficult at first, but with these tips, you should be able to succeed in the job unscathed. Plus, it can become additional bonding time with your new pet.
Are you ready to give your furry friend its first grooming session? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section below.?
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