Because many cats do not enjoy being filthy, they spend a large chunk of each day licking their paws and face to stay clean. Despite this obvious behavior, many cat owners rarely think of grooming their cats properly.
Proper cat grooming is crucial. It aids in removing loose strands from the cat's fur. If you didn't brush, many of these hairs would find their way into your pet's digestive tract. And because hair is not readily digestible, it frequently results in hairballs.
Hairballs can be coughed up, but it is possible for these to cause a blockage in the cat's intestines. Obviously, this is something that you want to avoid, both for your cat's sake and the sake of your wallet. Another advantage to regular grooming is that you get a chance to inspect your cat for ticks and fleas.
If grooming your cat is something you think it will hate, you may be surprised to find that your pet actually enjoys it! Kittens usually take to a brush and comb rather easily, while it may take some coaxing with an older feline.
Grooming begins with a gentle brushing or combing from the neck to the tip of the tail, following the grain of the fur. Avoid the face and paws, as most cats do not like this. If your cat becomes upset, take a break and let it relax.
Some cats hate brushing and will avoid it at all costs. If this sounds like your cat, you may want to invest in a grooming glove. It will feel more like a luxurious massage than a stiff brushing to your cat, but all the same it is working to remove loose hair and other debris. Your cat shouldn't even mind having its face groomed with a glove, although sensitive areas like the paws may still be too touchy for your cat.
While brushing your cat's coat, take this opportunity to check on its eyes and ears. Your cat's eyes should look bright and clear and the corners should be free of any debris. The ears should be pink and dirt free.
Excess dirt in the ears can be a sign of ear mites. If not attended to, a cat can lose its hearing since these mites can cause the ear to shrivel up. Therefore it is imperative that you take your cat to the veterinarian if you suspect mites.
Next, if your cat's claws are not removed, you may want to use pet nail clippers to remove the hooks. If these hooks get caught on things, they can hurt your cat and damage your furniture.
Also, make sure your cat's teeth aren't collecting plaque or tartar. Dental issues can lead to serious physical problems, so brush your cat's teeth using special pet products.
Lastly, a long-haired cat that has a matted coat may have to be shaved. If this happens, your cat will most likely need to be sedated, since cats do not usually handle animal clippers well. Because of this, getting your cat shaved could involve a trip to the veterinarian. Shaving creates stress for cats, so you should keep your cat from having to undergo this procedure by ensuring that its coat is kept free of tangles.
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