Monday, January 9th, 2012 at
6:25 pm
Cats are naturally clean animals but it's up to you the cat owner,
to help them stay clean and groomed.
The process starts with a good brushing. Cats get hairballs in
their fur and brushing prevents that from happening.
If hairballs get in the fur they quickly get into the cat. They lick
their fur and loose hairballs get into their mouths and they
swallow them.
Hairballs can lead to intestinal problems if the cat can't throw it
up. These blockages of the intestines can become life threatening
and lead to costly vet bills..
Longhaired cats need to be combed and brushed every day. Yep, every
day. A weekly regimen of combing and brushing
will be adequate for shorthaired cats. As you brush always check for
problems like skin irritations and lumps in the coat.
I have found it's best to start on the cat's back and brush the
loveable critter from head to the tail. Start on one side, brush
a few times, then switch to the other side. Do this a few times and
brush in the direction that his hair is growing.
But you say, 'are you kidding me? My cat isn't going to sit still for
a thorough brushing. Luck you're reading this article-there's an
alternative. It's called a grooming glove. If you're used to
petting your cat, he won't mind the grooming glove at all. Even if
you don't pet your cat, he will welcome the attention. Cats
naturally crave attention.
In your grooming, make sure you check out your cat's claws teeth eyes
and ears. The eyes should be clear and bright with nothing
in the corners. In the pink, the color that is, should his ears be.
Make doubly sure there is no sign of ear mites. Dust
building up in the ares is the cause of ear mites. The mites are not
only uncomfortable for your cat, but can
also cause deafness. They are a devil of a pain to get rid of, so
make sure the cat's ears stay clean.
Go a bit further with your examinations each time you groom your cat.
When the cat is still and calm, make sure you
heap praises on him and give him a treat. This will ensure his
cooperation. In case he doesn't cooperate, don't try to
force him. Just let him go and try again tomorrow. Cats, once they
get used to it, tend to look forward to their
grooming time.
