The health of your cat’s coat is important to their overall wellbeing. Proper nutrition and regular grooming will help keep your feline’s fur slick, smooth, and shiny.
Brush your cat regularly — preferably 1-2 times per week — to help remove loose hairs and spread natural oils throughout their fur.
Brushing
Regular brushing, or combing, of a cat’s hair removes dirt, skin flakes, and hair that has been shed, which promotes healthy skin and a glossy coat. It also stimulates blood circulation, helping the overall condition of your cat’s fur and skin.
Although some cats do not enjoy being groomed, a routine of brushing is essential for a healthy and happy pet. It also gives you a chance to check your cat’s coat and skin for fleas, worms or other problems.
There are many different types of brushes to choose from. If you are unsure what will work best for your cat, consult your veterinary health care team.
Bathing
Bathing (or combing) the hair of a cat is an important part of caring for their fur. It removes excess oil and dander, encourages removal of dead hair, and stimulates their skin.
Some cats need bathing for health reasons, including to prevent a skin condition or as part of a medication treatment. It’s also sometimes necessary to help a senior cat (8+ years old) with mobility issues like arthritis or other problems that limit their ability to groom themselves.
Make the bathing experience as stress-free and pleasant as possible for your cat. Choose a quiet room and fill the tub or sink with water that’s warm but not too hot.
Start with a small amount of water and let your cat investigate it and play in it for a while. Once they’ve become accustomed to the water and you’re sure they don’t mind being wet, work up to a full bath. If they resist, take it slow and use treats to keep them calm.
Trimming
Grooming is a necessary part of your cat’s health care. It can help keep your kitty’s coat shiny and healthy, and it can also help prevent a variety of medical problems from developing, such as matting or skin infections.
If your cat is a long-haired breed, it’s important to comb them regularly to remove the mats that can build up. You can also try grooming clippers to gently and slowly get rid of the mats that won’t easily be brushed out.
When cutting matted fur, make sure to use a blade guard on the clippers, as it will protect your pet’s skin from being accidentally cut. This is especially useful when you’re dealing with sensitive areas, like your cat’s tummy.
If your cat is skittish, it’s often easier to trim their hair at a professional groomer’s rather than at home. They’ll know how to snip the fur safely and effectively, and they’ll be able to trim away any mats that are too extensive for you to tackle on your own.
Detangling
Detangling, or combing, your cat’s hair is essential for keeping it healthy and tangle-free. This is especially true for long-haired cats, but even short-haired kittens and adult cats will experience tangles from time to time.
Ideally, you should always catch these knots before they turn into matted fur. This means regularly checking your kitty’s coat during grooming sessions for any tangles that may have formed, or brushing the cat more thoroughly before bathing them to prevent mats from developing in the first place.
If you notice any matted fur, start by using a comb with pin brush teeth on one side and bristle brush teeth on the other to gently detangle the clumps of fur underneath. Depending on the length of your cat’s fur, you might also want to use a rubber brush or metal comb to help with the process.