Most cats naturally groom themselves frequently, as you’d have noticed them giving themselves a bath daily. Your cat may not be a huge fan of having you groom them, but they do need your help with their daily hygiene maintenance. But if they do not enjoy you grooming them, do your best to make them comfortable by taking it slow and not forcing them into it.
- Bathing:
Do not bath your cat every day and only do it when their coat becomes really dirty or greasy, or they have become really stinky. Always ensure to use mild shampoos that are made just for cats. Do not ever use human products on your feline. Brush them first to remove the dead or the matted parts of their hair. In case your pet has caught ticks & fleas use shampoos specially made for the same. You can also speak with your veterinarian before starting to bath your cat and they will be able to guide you with the same.
- Brushing your cat’s coat:
Brushing is a key part in a cat’s grooming routine. Invest in a comb or a brush especially made to keep your cat’s fur tangle-free and dirt-free. You can brush your cat’s coat depending on their coat. If you have a cat with long hair, then brushing them on every alternate day is a good option as they shed throughout the year. This helps you remove dead hair and helps them with a smooth-coat and a tangle-free hair. While if you have a short haired cat that lives indoor, brush them twice a week.
- Clip their nails:
You generally don’t think about your cat’s paw until and unless you get scratched by them out of nowhere, and while are feline friends can get very fuzzy about getting their nails trimmed, it is also really important to trim them regularly not just to save yourself from getting hurt, but also them and for their hygiene purpose. Get your cat habitual of you touching their paws, once they get comfortable it is easy to trim their nails. But ensure to use trimmers made especially for trimming a cat’s nails.
- Make grooming enjoyable:
The grooming process should be fun for both you and your feline friend. Schedule a grooming session when your cat is already calm & sleepy, such as after they eat. Your cat might become impatient in the first few sessions and hence it is always recommended to keep them short & once your cat gets used to the routine you can slowly start to increase the time you spend to keep your kitty clean. This can also help your cat getting used to being handled, play with their ears, their feet so they aren’t stressed when it happens in the future. It is very important for you to stay calm during this period as you getting impatient will only make it difficult for your cat.
It is also really important to check your cat’s skin for any sorts of allergy or infection as well as any cuts. This can help you keep them free from any sorts of diseases, long-term health problems.