Through several years of owning two cats – Chic and Charnley – I have found that although cats clean themselves, some cats still need you. These cats don’t want to be dirty and they need you to help them stay clean.
Brushing your cat’s hair can help prevent hairballs. This is especially important for long fur breeds. Long fur breeds also have a tendency to matte.
Many cats like to be groomed. Accustomed them by starting when they are still kittens. Try gently brushing or combing over the coat, following the fur from the neck to the tail. If your cat becomes annoyed with you, stop and play with him for a few minutes. When he is relaxed again, go back to it. Don’t groom the face or paws with the brush though.
Those who do not like to be brushed can still be groomed with a different tool, like grooming gloves. When your cat is in a good mood, kitty will not mind the massage. The glove works to remove the hairs and the debris from your cat’s fur. Most cats won’t even mind if you use a grooming glove on their face either.
When you do brush your cat, make sure to check your cat’s eyes and ears too. They should be clear and bright without anything in the corners. The ears should be clean and pink. Dirt that gets into the ears can be a sign of ear mites. Check with your vet to make sure that it is treated correctly.
If you follow these simple tips it will help your cat to be happy and healthy, and full of life.
