Cats are extremely clean animals, but even the most fastidious cat will benefit from a little help with grooming. Especially if they have long hair. Grooming your cat is also an excellent way to bond.
It's a good idea to get your cat used to being brushed and combed from an early age. This will prevent irritating knots and remove dead hair. Do this regularly and not only will it keep your cat's coat clean and healthy, it'll help prevent hairballs forming.
Grooming is an excellent way to bond with your cat and it will also give you a chance to check for any irregularities such as the odd flea.
How often?
If your cat is long-haired, you should comb once a day, or at least a couple of times a week. Short- haired cats only need to be brushed once a week.
What you'll need.
There are specially designed grooming tools for longhaired cats, but at the very least you'll need a good brush and comb. If your cat is short-haired, a rubber "curry" brush is all you'll need.
Brushing.
If your cat's fur isn't too tangled just give the coat a good brush. This shouldn't take longer than 5 to 15 minutes. Most cats love to be brushed, but if yours doesn't seem keen, let them go and try again later.
Bath time.
Short-haired cats do not need to be bathed, unless they are very dirty or have allergies. But for long-haired breeds, the occasional bath will help keep their coat in good condition and prevent a build up of grease. Your vet will be happy to advise you how to bathe your cat and will recommend a special cat shampoo.
Be prepared
Most cats don't really like getting wet, but if you have the shampoo and towel close to hand, bath-time will be quicker and easier. To make things even easier, ask someone to help - then one can hold your cat while the other does the washing.
First of all thoroughly brush your cat's coat to get rid of knots. This will prevent them from shrinking and tightening in the water.
Tasty Tips
If you're washing your cat in the bath, run the water before you bring your cat in. The less noise and motion there is during bath-time, the better.
Fill the bath just high enough to reach your cat's belly. And make sure you test the water to make sure it's not too hot. You don't have to use a bathtub - a couple of bowls will do just as well. You can use one for the soapy water and the other for rinsing.
Wet, wet, wet
When the bath is ready, bring your cat into the room and shut the door - you don't want a soapy cat running around the house! You may want to put cotton balls in your cat's ears to help keep water out. Then, gently lower into the water and reassure with soothing words and constant physical contact.
Gently wet the fur with a cup or wet flannel, but don't pour it directly onto your cat's head or try to submerge them.
Once you start washing your cat they might object by howling. Don't worry, this is entirely normal and your cat is fine, just a little unnerved.
Gently lather shampoo into the fur, being careful around the face, ears and eyes. When you have finished shampooing, rinse the fur thoroughly as any residue may irritate their skin. If you're using a detachable showerhead to rinse your cat keep it close to the body to minimise noise and spray.
Wrap up warm
As soon as you take your cat out of the water, wrap them in a towel and gently pat the fur dry. If your cat has long hair it's particularly important to be gentle to avoid knots and tangles. You won't get them completely dry with a towel, so make sure they stay inside until completely dried off. Never be tempted to use a hairdryer as the hot air could burn your cat's skin.
Trimming nails
Cats scratch to keep their claws in trim, but you'll need to help out too. Make sure you get your cat used to it while young and it'll be easier in the long-term.
Ask your vet to demonstrate the correct technique and the correct clippers to use.
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