By Shari Hearn
Cats are magical, aren't
they? They're graceful. They can leap tall armoires in a single bound. They can
clean themselves without any help from us humans.
Okay, maybe not all cats
are graceful. And maybe not all cats can leap tall armoires in a single bound.
But, they can clean themselves without our help, right? Right? Actually, while
our feline friends spend a great deal of time grooming themselves, once in
awhile they really do need our help sprucing up. And, a good brushing once a
week helps remove the loose fur that eventually can cause hairballs in your
cat's stomach as she licks herself clean.
Let's take a look at
some areas where you can help in your cat's hygiene.
Your Cat's Coat
You can either use a
brush or grooming glove purchased from a pet store to brush your cat's fur.
Some pet combs with teeth set closely together also help to remove fleas from
your cat's coat. Be sure to use soft, gentle strokes while brushing, so as not
to harm her skin.
Short-haired cats are
generally easier to brush, while some long-haired cats may need extra
attention, especially if the fur is matted. I've heard of some people using
baby powder (or other powders designed for cats) to make the fur smoother for
brushing out mats. You can also break up matted cat fur with scissors, and then
brush them out, starting on the outside of the mat and working your way inward.
For severely-matted fur, it's best to take your cat to a professional groomer
or your veterinarian.
Should you bathe your
cat? Normally it's not necessary, but if your cat is unusually dirty it may be
necessary. If you don't know by now, most cats don't like taking baths, so it
may be something you want to leave to a professional groomer. If you want to take
on the task yourself, however, just be sure to use a shampoo specially
formulated for cats. And, avoid getting water in your cats face or ears. Cats
don't like that. And, you know what happens when cats don't like something.
That's right...they have claws.
Your Cat's Claws
We're all familiar with
our cat's claws. In a word, they're sharp. And, they need regular grooming,
every two weeks, particularly if you want to lessen scratches on you and your
furniture. I happen to be squeamish when it comes to trimming my cat's claws;
therefore, I leave that task to my vet and his assistants. But, if you don't
mind the challenge, just be sure you follow some safety rules.
1. Buy a pair of nail
clippers designed for cats. Don't use the type of clippers meant for humans as
these can split your cat's nails.
2. Become familiar with
the two parts of your cat's nail. The thin part with the point at the end, and
the thick, pink part near the paw (the "quick"). Clip only the thin
part, not the thick part. The thick part contains blood vessels and nerves.
(See why I'm squeamish?) You can also look at the nail and clip beyond the
point where it starts its downward curve. Remember that cat's claws are
retractable, so you will have to extend the nail by squeezing the toe between
your forefinger and thumb.
Your Cat's Teeth
Should you brush your
cat's teeth? Absolutely, and the sooner you begin the habit with your cat, the
better. You can use a child's toothbrush, a finger brush, or one designed for a
cat. Be sure to buy a toothpaste designed for cats, as human toothpaste may be
harmful to your cat. If you're just beginning to brush your cat's teeth, you
might want to start slowly with one or two teeth, working up to the whole
mouth. Brushing your cat's teeth is a good habit to get into, and can help save
on dental bills later in your cat's life. It's also good to have your cat's
teeth checked once or twice a year by your veterinarian.
Practicing good hygiene
with your cat not only makes your kitty look good, but also makes her feel
better. And, if she feels better, you feel better.
About the Author
Shari Hearn is a writer
and creator of www.cattraining411.com, where you can learn about
such things as choosing the best litter box
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