Keeping Your Cat Well Groomed

Your New Cat's Good Grooming Guide
 

When it comes to grooming, kittens are fastidious; they learn how to keep themselves clean and tidy from their mothers. But occasionally, they may need a little help from you, and grooming your kitten gives you a great opportunity to make a fuss of her - she’ll enjoy every second! If your kitten has long hair, for example, she’ll need to be combed every day. This should be followed by gentle brushing, to prevent her fur from becoming tangled. Your vet will be happy to advise you on the right brush and comb for your kitten’s coat.

Short-haired kittens also need grooming occasionally. Use a soft brush to remove loose hair by drawing it slowly over her body from head to tail.

Cats tend to moult in spring and also to a lesser degree, in the summer and winter. So get your kitten accustomed to being regularly groomed from the start and you can prevent hairballs developing in her stomach, which can be a real nuisance.

Cats are meticulously clean by nature, so shouldn’t need bathing. But in the event of her getting really dirty, you’ll be able to give her a bath using a special, mild cat shampoo.

It’s a good idea to handle your kitten often while she’s growing up, so she knows it’s nothing to be frightened of. Grooming your kitten also gives you the opportunity to check her over: pay special attention to her teeth and paws. You should also check her eyes and ears regularly, looking for any unusual deposits of wax or pus. That way, when she’s examined by the vet she’ll be less likely to kick up a fuss.