Cats have many wonderful traits: they’re cute, cuddly, charismatic, and lovable. They’re also very clean. Fluffy will take time out of her busy napping schedule every day to keep her coat soft and neat. However, your furball could still use a bit of help in this area. A Spring Hill, TN vet offers some advice on grooming kitties in this article.

Baths

Baths are optional for our feline pals, though you can bathe your pet if you want. However, you’ll want to get your vet’s opinion first. Senior pets, young kittens, and cats who have recently had surgery definitely shouldn’t be bathed without your vet’s thumbs-up. If you do bathe Fluffy, take care not to do it too often. This can strip the oils from her coat, leaving her looking dry and even a bit frizzy. You’ll want to use just a few inches of lukewarm water and a shampoo made just for cats. Take care to rinse well, and avoid getting soap in your furry pal’s eyes, ears, nose, or mouth.

Brushing

Whether you choose to bathe Fluffy or not, it is a good idea to brush her regularly. This will help get dead hair and dust out of her coat. That benefits your kitty in a few different ways. For one thing, it will help maximize the insulating properties of her fur, keeping her warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This can also keep her from feeling itchy or uncomfortable. Brushing also helps reduce hairballs, as you’ll capture that dead hair with a brush before your cat swallows it.

Dental Care

Don’t forget about Fluffy’s teeth! It may take you some time to get your furball on board with having her little choppers cleaned. Start slow, by just gently rubbing your cat’s gums as you’re petting her. Incorporate lots of ear scritches, and tell Fluffy that she’s being a good kitty. Compliments go a long way with our feline pals!

Peticures

Fluffy will probably handle this one herself: your main job is to provide her with the proper tools. Cat towers are of course the gold standard here, unless you happen to have a real tree inside your house. Scratching posts or boards also work. Remember to reward your kitty for using her nail-care station! Do you have questions about your kitty’s health or care? Contact us, your Spring Hill, TN animal clinic, today!