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By nature, cats are fastidious. You've probably
seen your pet washing herself several times a day.
But if she's like most cats, she'll appreciate,
and sometimes needs, a little help from you.
Cat Grooming Is Important for a Healthy Cat
You can get your pet used to being brushed when
she's a kitten. Grooming should be enjoyable for
you both, so schedule brushing sessions when your
cat's relaxed, perhaps after feeding or exercise.
If your kitty is shorthaired, use a metal comb once
a week to work through her fur from head to tail.
Next, use a bristle or rubber brush to remove dead
and loose hair; don't forget her chest and belly,
but do be gentle in this area.
To keep your longhaired feline tangle-free, you'll
need to brush daily. Start by combing her belly
and legs, and be sure to untangle any knots. Brush
her body fur in an upward motion. And don't forget
the tail-make a part down the middle and brush the
fur out on either side. Just think of all the hairballs
your cat won't have!
Use a cotton ball with some baby oil and wipe away
dirt on the inside of your cat's ears and around
each eye. Never probe or poke a cotton swab into
your cat's ears. If you see any colored ear wax,
ANIMED recommends that you consult a veterinarian-this
may mean mites!
Get the Correct Cat Grooming Tools
If your cat's coat becomes very oily and greasy,
she'll benefit from a bath. Check the label to make
sure that the shampoo you use is safe for cats.
Begin with a thorough brushing to remove dead hair,
tangles and mats. Place a rubber bath mat in the
tub to provide secure footing. Put your cat in a
tub with about 3 to 4 inches of lukewarm water.
Use the spray hose or a pitcher to wet your cat
thoroughly. Gently massage shampoo in from head
to tail. Avoid eyes, ears and nose and rinse thoroughly
with lukewarm water. Dry your pet with a large,
fluffy towel. Cats, as you probably know, don't
like getting their fur wet, so you may need an assistant
to help keep her calm-and in the bathtub.
Nail clipping should be a part of your regular
routine, but needn't stress out either you or your
pet. Get your cat used to having her feet touched
by rubbing your hand up and down her leg. Press
each toe and praise her while you do this. Within
a week or two, she should be ready for a complete
clipping. Apply light pressure to the top of her
foot and pawpads. This should make the claw pop
out. With sharp clippers, cut off the white tip
of each nail just before the point where it begins
to curve. Take care not to cut the quick; this sensitive
pink area can be seen through the nail. If you accidentally
hit it, bleeding may occur,
To stop the bleeding, you can apply styptic powder.
For more tips on trimming your cat's nails, please
see topic Cats: Trimming Nails.
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