Grooming your cat is a great way to spend time together while also keeping her hair healthy. Not only will brushing keep her looking beautiful, it’ll help remove dirt and dead skin flakes from their coat and promote blood circulation.
Whether short or long-haired, all cats should have a brief brushing once a week. This will help prevent matting, knots and excessive fur ball buildup so they’re more comfortable.
Brushing
Brushing your cat’s hair regularly is a good way to keep her coat healthy and free from painful knots and tangles. It also reduces shedding and helps prevent painful hairballs that can lead to other health problems.
The right brush can help make the process easier and less invasive, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Some have dual-sided bristles that are perfect for removing tangles, while others offer soft bristles that spread your cat’s natural oils throughout her fur.
It’s also important to brush your cat’s fur in the correct direction. Many people brush against the direction of their cat’s fur, but this can irritate your cat.
Before you start brushing, be sure to check your cat’s coat for lumps, wounds or any other issues that may need immediate attention. These things can indicate a number of health conditions, such as skin allergies, ticks or fleas, or bald patches.
Bathing
Most cats love to groom themselves, but there are times when a cat needs more assistance. Sometimes this is due to an illness, or when a cat has gotten into something sticky, dirty or smelly.
If bathing is necessary, make sure it’s done correctly and with as little stress on your cat as possible. If your cat is agitated, scratching a lot, biting or becoming distressed, stop the process immediately and check with your vet for advice.
Most cats are not used to water, so you may need to introduce them to the idea slowly. Start by filling a bowl with just enough water to cover your cat’s body and then pour it over them while they’re calm. Reward them with praise if they’re calm, and use treats to reward them after each step. This will help them associate the experience with a positive thing and make future baths easier for them!
Trimming Nails
Trimming nails is an important part of your cat’s hair care routine. It helps prevent your cat’s claws from overgrowing into their foot pad, causing intense pain. It also protects your furniture, carpet, and other items from scratches by overgrown nails.
In order to make nail trimming as comfortable for your cat as possible, it’s essential to acclimate them slowly to this process. This can take days or weeks, depending on your cat’s personality.
Start by gently massaging your cat’s paws with your fingers and thumbs for several days before clipping their nails. This can help to establish a positive association with the process, which will make it easier to trim their nails next time.
If your cat becomes agitated at any point during the trimming process, stop immediately and let her go. In a day or two, try again with her. If she is still uncooperative, you may need to seek veterinary advice.
Skin Care
Skin and coat are an important part of a cat’s health. They help protect the body against environmental assaults of all kinds – from infectious agents to temperature changes.
When cats don’t have enough protein in their diet, their skin and hair may become brittle and dry. Protein deficiency can also increase a cat’s susceptibility to parasites like fleas, mites and lice.
Aside from a healthy diet, certain supplements are also beneficial for promoting skin and coat vitality. These include fatty acids, vitamin A and zinc.
A nutrient-rich diet that includes high levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids can promote skin elasticity and shine, according to Dr. Sherry Sanderson, an associate professor at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.