Your Cat’s Grooming Needs

Kitties have many charming qualities: they’re cute, lovable, sassy, hilarious, quirky, and cuddly. Fluffy is also very clean. Your furball may spend hours every day carefully grooming herself. However, some cats do need a little help with their beauty routines. Here, a Tipp City, OH vet discusses grooming your feline pal.

While it isn’t absolutely necessary to bathe your cat, some people do like to give their kitties baths. If you have a kitten, getting her used to baths may come in handy down the road. If Fluffy ever gets something spilled on her fur, you’ll have an easier time getting her clean again is she’s comfortable being bathed. Just be sure to get your vet’s approval first. If you get the all-clear, use lukewarm water and cat shampoo. Make sure the water isn’t too hot or too deep. Avoid getting soap in Fluffy’s eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. When you’re done, wrap your pet in a towel, and gently squeeze as much water out of her fur as you can. Your kitty will take it from there.

Your feline buddy will definitely benefit from regular brushings. This will remove dead fur and dander from her coat, which will keep her comfortable and help reduce hairballs. The trick is to make sure Fluffy knows she’s being pampered. Choose a time when your pet is relaxed. (Given how sleepy cats are, this shouldn’t be very hard.) If your kitty is a lap cat, wait until she is settled in on your lap. Brush gently, going in the direction of your pet’s fur. Offer your furry little diva treats and praise. When your furball decides she’s had enough, just stop. If you try to battle your cat, you’ll only make her wary of being brushed. This is also a good way to get scratched!

Don’t let gunk build up on Fluffy’s eyes. If you notice ‘eye boogers’ on your kitty, gently wipe them away with a soft, moist cloth or cotton ball. As for your kitty’s ears, you can gently clean them with a liquid pet ear cleaner and a cotton ball. Be careful not to press too hard! Never insert anything into Fluffy’s ear canals. Ask your vet for more information.

Please contact us, your Tipp City, OH vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re always happy to help!