|
Cats
are neat and tidy animals that spend a lot of time
grooming themselves, but just like dogs, you still need
to be groomed regularly with a brush and comb. Spending
just a few minutes a day grooming a cat pays great
dividends in terms of reduced shedding and protecting
the pet from hairballs.
Regular grooming is also an effective way to remove
debris and dead skin, which promotes a healthier,
shinier coat. A cat that is groomed regularly is also
less liable to get uncomfortable and unhealthy mats in
her coat. Last, and certainly not least, regular
grooming is a great way to strengthen the bond between a
person and a cat.
All
cats benefit from regular brushing, even those that have
short hair. No cat is too old to start a home grooming
routine; older cats especially need help keeping their
coat in top shape, since they are no longer nimble
enough to do this task themselves. Kittens should also
be introduced to the idea of being groomed; not only is
it good for them, it will make them more accepting of
being brushed and combed when they are older.
For
short-haired cats, you should use a slicker brush and
comb. The grooming process should be presented as fun
for the cat, with plenty of petting and praise. You
should start by working the brush with gentle strokes
moving away from the skin toward the hair tips. Then,
once this motion is completed, move the brush slightly
against the coat to remove dead hair. You should then
finish by brushing through the coat in the direction of
the hair.
Long-haired breeds should be groomed with a pin brush
and a steel wide-toothed comb. Pet owners who groom
long-haired cats should start at the head and work their
way down. The cat’s hair should be parted and the brush
worked out from the skin to the hair tips. This brushing
motion should cover the entire length of hair.
Although cats should be brushed and combed, they do not
need to be shampooed regularly like a dog.
 |
