Grooming a Senior Cat

Cats are very clean, which is one reason they make such wonderful pets. Fluffy will groom herself daily, keeping her fur nice and clean. However, as your kitty ages, she may need a helping hand with her daily beauty regime. A Tipp City, OH veterinarian discusses grooming a senior cat in this article.

Kitties can be quite opinionated little furballs. If your furry little diva isn’t in the mood to be brushed, don’t force the matter! Just let her go, and try again another day. Otherwise, you may have a hard time getting Fluffy to accept being groomed in the future. (Also, you might get scratched.)

While you can use a variety of brushes on a short-haired cat, if Fluffy has long fur, you’ll need a special detangling brush. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Cats are very much creatures of habit, and really thrive when on a set routine. (You may notice that Fluffy follows a specific itinerary for her 23 daily naps and 8 daily meals.) Try to make kitty grooming time part of your regular schedule. If your furry pal likes to hang out in your lap while you are watching TV, you have a purrfect chance!

When brushing your cat, check for things like lumps, bumps, swelling, sore spots, cuts, bruises, and/or any other sign of illness or injury. Also, take note if Fluffy tends to flinch when you brush a specific spot. Contact your vet if you notice anything unusual.

Pick a time when your feline buddy is feeling relaxed and a bit cuddly. Since senior cats spend the majority of their time sleeping and/or cuddling, this shouldn’t be very difficult!

Hopefully this goes without saying, but you’ll need to be very gentle when brushing an older cat. Senior kitties sometimes get quite stiff and sore. Plus, Fluffy will be much more delicate and sensitive than she used to be.

Work in lots of cuddles and ear scritches, so Fluffy feels loved and pampered. For extra purrs, give your furball a yummy treat after her beauty session is over!

Please contact us, your Tipp City, OH vet clinic, with any questions or concerns about caring for an older cat. We’re dedicated to helping you keep your kitty happy, healthy, and purring!