3 Useful Tips For Grooming Your Cat at Home

Ways to tame that famed feline ferocity

Have you ever tried to groom your feisty feline and failed? Don’t worry — it’s a universal experience. Taking care of a pet is no child play, and cats are especially notorious for their independent nature.

Most cats are self-conscious about their appearance and spend a lot of their time grooming themselves to perfection. Despite their independence, you need to lend your cat a hand. Grooming your cat is an essential part of caring for your pet, and regular pampering will ensure that your cat looks and feels amazing!

Professional pet grooming services can cost an arm and a leg, and the idea of cat grooming at home may seem intimidating. But fret not! This post will guide you through the process with helpful tips and suggestions. Let’s dive right in!

Benefits of Grooming Your Cat

Not only does regular grooming keep your cat looking fabulous, but it also allows you to spend precious time bonding with your pet. If done properly, it can bring you and your cat closer. You will notice that your feline companion is more comfortable in your presence and is beginning to enjoy the process.

Grooming your cat yourself will also allow you to inspect their body for any unusual indicators of poor health like lumps and bumps. It also improves their health overall. So muck up your courage and read on to discover the ways you can make grooming an effortless process for you and your cat.

1. Cat brushing

Matted fur is a cat owner’s nightmare — it attracts fleas and irritates your pet. To avoid a grumpy kitty, make sure you brush your cat’s fur regularly. Short-haired cats only require a bi-weekly brushing, but long-haired cats need a lot more attention. Make sure you know what type of coat your cat wears and care for it accordingly. Always start at the belly and slowly work your way upwards. Avoid over-brushing and be extra gentle.

If your cat doesn’t enjoy brushing and tries to wriggle away, keep your session as short as possible. You can eventually build up to longer brushing sessions when your cat gets used to it. However, keep in mind that you’re going to need a handy brush for a painless experience. You don’t need to break the bank — soft rubber brushes are cheap and efficient.

2. Cat bathing

Cats and water generally don’t go together. This may be true, but if your cat’s fur is starting to look a little sticky, you need to bathe it. To get the most out of the process, invest in a good cat-safe shampoo — it will keep your pet’s fur looking and smelling good longer.

Make sure to comb through your cat’s hair beforehand and fill a tub with lukewarm water halfway. Use a little jug to slowly pour water over your cat. Begin at the neck and lather your way downwards. Check their ears for signs of waxy build-up — dirty cat ears can cause severe health problems if ignored.

The key to a successful bath is to avoid your cat’s face. It will keep them calm and composed. When you’re done, make sure to rinse the shampoo off and use a warm towel to dry your cat. If your cat doesn’t tolerate water, using dry shampoo is still better than nothing.

3. Cat Nail-Clipping

A cat’s claws often go overlooked, but it is an integral part of cat care. Most indoor cats have overgrown nails because of negligent owners. Thick claws can easily get caught on things and cause injury, so make sure to check your cat’s nails at least once a week. If they appear ingrown, you need to consult a veterinarian.

Most cats are possessive of their claws and may not let you look at them. To get your cat used to the idea, try playing with their paws first and giving them treats. Once your cat is comfortable, you can go in with a cat nail trimmer.

Press gently on your cat’s paw to extract the nail and cut only the white tip. Never cut the nail close to the skin because it can cause bleeding. When it comes to trimming your cat’s nails, remember that a little goes a long way.

Groom Your Cats to Keep Them Happy and Healthy

Cat grooming at home doesn’t need to be expensive or problematic. Basic grooming supplies and techniques can go a long way in improving your pet’s health and attitude. Cats can be famously aloof and prickly, but that doesn’t mean they won’t enjoy a pampering session now and then! If you follow these basic rules, your grooming session will succeed.