Cats are recognized to be fastidious groomers, however this doesn’t imply they’ll do all of it on their very own. In the summertime, particularly, the warmth and humidity might make homeowners extra acutely aware concerning the methods they can assist their feline mates keep clear, cool and well-groomed.
Dr. Lori Teller, a medical affiliate professor on the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Drugs & Biomedical Sciences, discusses just a few features of cat grooming by which homeowners can play an vital position.
A cat’s tongue is roofed in barbs that permit it to comb the highest layer of hair, however common brushing can nonetheless have many advantages for cat and proprietor.
“Recurrently brushing your cat removes dust, grease, and dandruff,” Teller stated. “Whereas most cats are fastidious about maintaining themselves clear, eradicating useless hair with brushing additionally minimizes shedding and the quantity of hair that the cat ingests whereas grooming, which may then assist restrict hairballs.”
The time spent brushing a cat can be a superb alternative to verify for lumps and bumps, areas of hair loss, lesions, and fleas and ticks. Plus, since most cats get pleasure from being brushed, it may be an excellent bonding exercise.
With common brushing and the grooming cats do themselves, it’s uncommon {that a} cat will want a shower, except they’ve a medical situation that requires bathing or get into one thing messy or harmful to ingest.
Typically, particularly for cats that go open air, homeowners are tempted to shave off lengthy fur in an effort to maintain the cat cool, however that is hardly ever needed or beneficial, since a cat’s fur really performs a job in maintaining it cool through the summer time by making a barrier of cool air inside the coat.
Shaving could also be needed, nevertheless, if a cat develops giant mats in its fur or has problem grooming itself.
“Brushing your cat’s fur usually will assist stop mats from occurring,” Teller stated. “In case your cat does develop mats, you might be able to tease out small ones with a comb and your fingers.
“A cat that’s chubby or overweight might have a tough time grooming sure areas, particularly close to the rear finish of its physique,” she continued. “Typically these cats will want a ‘hygienic’ shave on this area to stop the buildup of urine or fecal matter, which may harm the cat’s pores and skin.”
On the subject of cleansing ears, homeowners hardly ever must get entangled, except issues seem further soiled.
“When you discover that your cat seems to have extra wax or dust within the ears, or in case your cat’s ears are pink or infected or have discharge or an odor, you will need to have your veterinarian look at your cat’s ears earlier than cleansing them,” Teller stated. “In case your cat’s ears do must be cleaned, your veterinarian will suggest an applicable cleaner and present you easy methods to clear them with out hurting the cat or probably rupturing an ear drum.”
One other vital side of cat grooming is maintaining their claws trimmed, which may defend the cat, its proprietor, and the proprietor’s furnishings. This must be accomplished each two or three weeks, and typically extra usually for older cats.
Claw trimming could be a traumatic expertise for cats and homeowners who’re new to it, so Teller recommends taking issues one step at a time to cut back nervousness.
“Step one is getting your cat used to having its paws dealt with. Choose up a foot, gently therapeutic massage it, and press on a toe to increase the nail. As soon as your cat is used to having its paws dealt with, you possibly can then trim the nails,” she stated. “When beginning out, simply do one or two ft. As your cat accepts the process, you’ll ultimately be capable of do all 4 ft in a single session.”
It might probably additionally assist to do the nail trim after a cat has had a play session and is feeling relaxed and to reward optimistic conduct with the cat’s favourite treats.
Common grooming can assist maintain a cat wholesome and pleased along with wanting good. When a cat’s emotions are taken into consideration, grooming can be a nice and stress-free solution to spend time collectively.
Pet Speak is a service of the School of Veterinary Drugs & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M College. Tales may be seen on the net at vetmed.tamu.edu/information/pet-talk. Strategies for future subjects could also be directed to editor@cvm.tamu.edu.
