Cats spend about 20% of their waking hours grooming themselves. Usually their grooming consists of licking the fur and legs, nails and tails. Cats are normally very clean animals but swallow lots of hair in the process of licking their fur. That can lead to clogs in their digestive system and/or throwing up. Also cats with very thick coat or very long hair hardly manage to get tangles out. I recommend helping the cat with regular brushing.

Brushing Cat’s Coat

At least 2 - 3 times a week, preferably more often, brush your cat’s fur with a brush that has rounded tips. I have used the Groomax for Cats Slicker with Soft Grip Handle, that has a soft rubber grip and is ideal for both, long and short haired cats. Some cats enjoy this brushing, which is in fact also a slight massage, tremendously, some are reluctant. However, brushing is important, so keep doing it and distract the reluctant cat with praises and treats, or take a break in-between. Don’t use force or push the brush too hard into the coat, you will hurt the animal and it will dislike the procedure even more.

While brushing your cat gently examine its ears, nose, and paws. Paying attention to a cat’s whole body gives you the opportunity to detect probable irregularities or abnormalities at an early stage. Long and thick haired cats tend to develop tangles where the front legs and the chest meet. For this purpose we recommend using a shedding blade (normally used for long haird dogs). The Shedding Blade by Bamboo will get rid of mats and tangles quickly and both blades have teeth in varied sizes.

We also recommend to get your cat a Cat Hair Magnet. Your cat will spend hours grooming herself on this arched brush, which is designed to attract and hold loose hair. When intoducing this little helper, put a little catnip at the carpeted base to encourage your cat to use the brush.

Ears
Never let water get into your cat’s ears. An ear infection is a painful experience for your animal. See our article about PetStuffReviews you will find product reviews for
Ear cleaning solutions

See also our article about “Ear Infections”.

Nails
Some owners feel the need to cut Kitty’s nails. My cats never had their nails cut, but I pay special attention to them using their scratch tree very frequently. My cats also don’t scratch on furniture or curtains. If you feel that your cat needs a nail cut, go ahead. Make sure, as with dog’s nails, to get the proper tools, special pet-nail clippers, such as the Groomax For Cats Deluxe Nail Clipper and don’t cut too short, damaging the “quick” so your animal will bleed. When cutting a cat’s nails you need to take the paw and put some pressure on it so the nails come out. If you have problems with your cat holding still, you can wrap the animal in a thick blanket, only exposing the paw you are working on. When doing this the first time I recommend having a helper handy. In case you and your cat cannot agree on this task, but you think it’s absolutely necessary, bring the animal to a professional groomer

Teeth
I don’t think that too many people brush their cat’s teeth but I do recommend having their teeth cleaned in a vet’s office at least every two years. Cats can also develop cavities and a proper cleaning will guarantee that your furry friend will be able to chew properly as long as it lives. Cats are sedated during this procedure and it is not the most inexpensive treatment a vet offers. Some vets have special “teeth cleaning month” where they offer a significant discount. Try to schedule your appointments accordingly, or ask for a discount if you bring more than one animal.

If your cat is very young, you can try and start a teeth cleaning program yourself. Sometimes it works for older cats too, give it a try and start easy on them. Hold your cat in your lap and wrap a strip of gauze around one of your fingers. You can dip it in a weak sterile solution or better, in some flavored cat toothpaste. Gently rub the teeth and gum on the outside in a circular motion. While doing this, check if there is any gum inflammation, or bleeding. Your cat might be reluctant first, but will eventually get used to this procedure if you are patient. Don’t forget to reward with a treat, best would be a special dental treat.

If you or anyone in your family has pet allergies, we recommend trying Nature’s Miracle Dander Remover & Body Deodorizer. It keeps dogs and cats clean, odor and dander-free without shampooing. Just spray on pet and wipe off with a paper towel. This eliminates the dander and other organic elements that may contribute to human pet allergies. To freshen coat and eliminate odors, spray on pet and allow to evaporate naturally. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, and safe to use around children and pets.