Regular grooming helps keep your cat’s skin and haircoat in good health. It decreases hairballs and mats, removes dead skin and hair, and degreases the coat. Grooming also gives you a chance to check for fleas and ticks, as well as lumps and bumps. A quality diet that supplies the essential vitamins and minerals helps make a healthy haircoat shine.
The appearance of your cat’s skin and hair coat is a direct reflection of his overall state of health. Grooming is very natural to cats. They groom each other as a form of communication, and as an expression of love and companionship. It’s best to begin with a kitten, but it’s never too late to try. Start slowly and make it a routine ritual. Groom your cat the same way, at the same place and time each day with the same tools. Set up shop in one of your cat’s favorite places. Start with your fingers and gently massage your cat’s body. Be sure to include sensitive spots like his mouth, ears and feet. With patience and time, he will learn to love and trust your touch. Chances are before long, he will enjoy being pampered as much as you do. Grooming helps reinforce the bond between you and your cat. It’s truly an act of affection. Grooming is also an essential part of caring for your cat.
GROOMING TIPS
* For longhaired cats like Persians, use a wide toothed metal comb with a maximum of ten teeth per inch and a brush with natural bristles.
* Five-minutes a day keeps most longhaired cats in tip top shape.
* Scissors with curved blades works best to snip out any mats.
* Let damp fur dry before trying to remove twigs, leaves and other outdoor debris that may get caught in your cat’s coat. Once dry, a comb easily removes most debris.
* Kittens should be groomed so they learn to get used to the procedure. Using a table with a non-slip surface helps them feel secure. Use a metal comb and gently comb against the grain of the fur starting at the head and working toward the tail. Then brush the fur backwards from the tail toward the head. Brushing the fur upwards works best for the sides.
* A slicker brush has metal bristles effective for fur from ½ inch to ¾ of an inch long. They work best when used at weekly intervals for short-coated cats.
* Cats with semi-long hair need regular grooming at various intervals to keep their coats healthy and mat free. Your cat’s coat condition is your best guide as to how often grooming is needed.
* To remove stubborn eye stains: Mixing 1 teaspoon of boric acid or salt into two tablespoons of warm water, moisten a cotton ball and gently wipe. This makes an effective solution that removes stains beneath the eyes. Persians are prone.
TIP: Grooming helps reinforce the bond between you and your cat
Avoid nylon brushes- they tend to cause static electricity in the fur which increases tangles