This may actually sound like a redundant task as we all know that cats are one of the cleanest animals out there. It’s like when we notice a cat, it’s either jumping height like Spiderman or grooming licking itself, which is the way it grooms itself. However, some cats may not be able to groom themselves and even the ones that can groom themselves, it may be difficult for them to reach some parts of their body. And grooming does have more benefits than just the looks. These include –
Blood circulation.
Improved muscle tone.
Better insulation in the fur.
Stimulation of the glands at the base of the coat to waterproof and protect the coat and skin.
Even spread of sebum, a mixture of fatty acids that helps keep their skin soft.
Apart from these, their saliva spread during grooming helps keep the coat cool. Now that we know the multiple benefits of grooming, let’s know how you can assist them in doing so.
How to Groom a Long-Haired Cat
A long-haired coat requires daily grooming to keep it smooth and shiny. Here’s your guide to grooming them.
Brushing – Use a sleek brush with long teeth and gently brush your cat’s fur. Start with the top layer and gradually reach the undercoat. Make sure you do not tug on any knots or twisted hair. Do this daily.
Trimming – In the case of very long hair, it would be a good idea to trim it a little. Trim areas such as the legs and below the belly as they are more prone to knots. Hair around the anus should also be trimmed to avoid feces from adhering to the fur.
Bathing – For long-haired cats, bathing may not be needed daily. Once a week or twice a month should be okay depending on your cat’s lifestyle. Use a cat-specific shampoo and warm water to bathe your cat. You can use a dryer on a low heat setting to dry it later.
For cats with long hair, a lack of regular grooming can cause several problems. These include –
Matting
Hairballs
Skin infections
Fleas and ticks
Overheating
How to Groom a Cat at Home
The above steps for brushing, bathing and trimming would be the same for grooming your cat at home. Apart from them, there are more hygiene checks that you can conduct at home for your cat. These include –
Cleaning Ears – Ears may be difficult for the felines to clean themselves. And cats are more vulnerable to ear infections. Take a soft cloth and some ear-cleaning solution and gently wipe the inside of the ears. Do not insert anything in the ear canal.
Nail Trimming – Cats with long hair are prone to get mats around their paw pads making it important to trim the nails. Use only a cat-clipper and be careful not to cut the vein inside the nail. (you know the feeling when you cut your nail a little extra)
Brushing Teeth – Dental hygiene is a must in a pet grooming schedule. Use cat- toothpaste and a soft-bristled cat toothbrush to regularly clean your cat’s teeth.
Tail grooming – Use the hair comb to untangle all knots on the tail. Clean the dirt off the fur surrounding the base of the tail.
And while you’re doing all this, do not forget to check your cat’s skin for signs of irritation, redness or flaking. Sometimes, they can be symptoms of an underlying medical condition.
How to Groom a Cat That Hates It
If your cat is not among the ones that use your grooming time for lounging and enjoying, here are some tips you can follow to groom them.
Start by picking a brush with soft bristles, a pin brush, or a rubber glove brush. A rough one may pull the coat and irritate your cat.
Stay happy, gentle and calm. Grooming your cat in an irritated mood accompanied by yelling at your cat may instil fear in them.
If your cat reacts suspiciously to new objects, leave the brush on the floor before attempting to groom it. Let your cat rub its body against it so that it gets familiar with it. You can even bribe your cat by offering a treat every time it rubs itself against the brush.
Wait for your cat’s reaction after a few brush strokes and then start again.
Once your cat seems okay with you brushing it, you can go to the bigger areas like legs, head, and belly.
Once you successfully brush your cat, you can move to other hygiene tasks like dental and ear cleaning. If your cat is resistant to tooth brushing, consider dental treats or toys that can help clean their teeth.
Remember that it’s okay for your cat to react a bit wildly at first when you start grooming. Give it some time, try again the next day. And in case your cat’s fur has several matting or tangles, it’s best to let a professional groomer or vet take over.
How to Stop My Cat from Over-Grooming
It may be difficult for you to say when your cat is over-grooming as they tend to spend 50% of their time grooming themselves. However, if you notice excessive biting, chewing, or scratching, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Too much licking can cause loss of fur around their back, belly, or inner legs. Stress, boredom, allergy, infection and pain are some other reasons why your cat must be over-grooming itself. To stop that, here are some tips – (2)
Cats love a schedule, so maintain one. Having one can reduce the chances of your cat experiencing stress and hence over-grooming.
Play with your cat and keep stimulating it physically and mentally to avoid boredom.
Do not punish or shout at your cat for over-grooming. This can cause more stress.
In case the over-grooming doesn’t stop in 1-2 days, take the cat to a vet to check the presence of any underlying condition causing the excessive grooming.
How Do You Groom a Cat with Short Hair?
The grooming needs of short-haired cats like American Shorthair, Devon Rex, Scottish Fold, etc. are different from that of long-haired cats like Birman, Maine Coon, Siberian, Balinese, Himalayan, etc. The chances of matting are low for short-haired ones are low. Despite that, it is important to groom them to avoid hairballs, minimize shedding and maintain the shine of the coat. To do that, here’s what you can do –
Find a quiet place.
Check your cat for any signs of fleas, ticks, or other parasites.
Take a flea comb and start brushing gently through the fur.
Pay more attention to areas like the neck, ears, tail, and belly.
Use tweezers or a tissue to remove any fleas, ticks, or eggs.
Use the regular brush now and gently comb your cat’s fur in the direction of the growth.
Remove any dirt or debris from the brush after each stroke.
Once done, you can proceed with nails, ears and dental cleaning by following the steps above. You can perform this once a week as short-haired cats do not require daily grooming.
How to bathe a cat?
Step 1 – Get a cat-safe shampoo, a small cup or pitcher for rinsing, a towel, and a rubber mat for the sink or tub to prevent slipping.
Step 2 – Fill a tub with lukewarm water that can reach till your cat’s belly.
Step 3 - Brush your cat to remove any loose fur and tangles.
Step 4 – Get the cat in the tub and gently pour water over your cat’s body. Avoid the head and ears.
Step 5 - Apply a small amount of the shampoo and lather it gently into the fur (go neck down). Be careful not to get any shampoo in the eyes, ears, or mouth.
Step 6 – Rinse thoroughly. Clean the face with a damp cloth. Wrap your cat in a soft towel and gently pat the fur dry. You can opt for air drying but avoid using a hair dryer unless your cat is comfortable with it and it’s on a low, cool setting.
Step 7 – Praise your cat for being patient. Giving some treats won’t hurt.
FAQs
Is it okay to groom a cat?
While cats may seem self-reliant in grooming themselves, it is always a good thing to groom them. It becomes a way to spend some quality time with them and also a way to monitor their health.
Do cats need haircuts?
Most cats may live peacefully with their long coats even during hot summers. However, long hairs are prone to large mats. If your cat objects to brushing them regularly, a good haircut maybe a better option.
How often should I groom my cat?
For cats with long hairs, regular brushing is recommended to avoid mats. The ones with short hairs can take good care of themselves. However, grooming them once a week is advisable.
Should I brush my cat’s teeth?
Yes, in fact, you should brush your cat’s teeth daily. Brushing your cat’s teeth at least 3 times a week is recommended to help remove plaque and prevent tartar accumulation.
Cat grooming tips. (n.d.). ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-grooming-tips
Copson, K. (2024, June 1). How to Groom a cat that hates it: 8 Vet-Approved Tips - Catster. Catster. https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/how-to-groom-a-cat-that-hates-it/
Ms, N. S. D., PhD. (2023, September 12). Why cats overgroom and how you can stop it. https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/how-tell-if-your-cat-over-grooming
