Grooming Tips and Coat Care for Your Cat
Keeping your cat’s coat clean and smooth will make them happier and petting them even more enjoyable! A dull coat can indicate possible internal diseases, nutritional deficiencies, dirty coat, etc. Regular brushing will help keep the coat shiny and smooth. It also gives you time to feel around your cat’s body for any lumps or bumps, parasites like fleas and ticks, and skin irritation and inflammation. If you notice anything concerning, please consult with us or your local veterinarian to discuss potential testing and treatments.
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How to Care for Your Cat’s Skin and Coat
Start by feeding a high-quality diet to be sure they’re getting all the nutrients they need. Providing proper nutrition based on your pet’s breed and age can keep him healthy, inside and out! Be sure to talk with your vet or schedule a video appointment with FirstVet if you have questions or concerns about your cat’s diet.
Keeping your cat current on flea and tick control medications is recommended in most regions. There are many oral and topical options available.
Grooming Supplies
Most cats enjoy being brushed out, but some do not. To get your cat used to a grooming routine, start slow and do short sessions, just a few minutes at a time. Most cats only need to be brushed out weekly, but some breeds like Persian and Himalayan’s need more frequent care. Offering treats or high reward food can help distract your cat while you groom them.
A wire slicker brush works well for almost all coat types. A glove-style brush can help remove the top layers and mimic petting your cat, so it’s often well accepted. These glove brushes may not get deep enough through the fur, so be sure to monitor for mats and use the slicker brush to reach the deeper layers.
How to Manage Mats and Other Problems
If you encounter a matted area, bringing your cat in for professional grooming and mat removal is ideal. Some groomers are Fear Free Certified and have additional training to lessen the stress on your furry family member.
While you’re grooming your kitty, take the time to feel for any lumps, bumps, parasites like fleas and ticks, and skin lesions or sores that need to be addressed by a vet.
Some cats suffer from a condition called ‘hyperesthesia’. Affected cats can become overstimulated by a simple brushing, leading to signs of pain, fear, and stress. Let your vet know if your cat seems to overreact to basic grooming. If you’re unsure, please schedule a consult and we’ll be happy to discuss this with you (please get a video of you brushing your cat so we can see exactly what’s going on!).
Read more:
Brushing Your Cat's Teeth: Step-by-Step Instructions
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