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Cat Grooming Supplies Buying Guide

Want your kitty to look pretty? Cats are generally very clean animals that groom themselves to remove dead skin cells, excess hair, and keep their fur  soft and clean.   But sometimes they need help with maintenance. Below, a few supplies  you might need and a couple pointers to keep in mind.

Brushing

 

Short-haired cats : These breeds can typically be brushed or stroked to get rid of loose hairs. When brushing, use soft bristles  so skin will not be scratched, and use gentle strokes. Wiping the fur with a dry, soft cloth after brushing will help maintain the shine of your cat's coat.

Long-haired cats : Long-haired cats require a little more maintenance and care as their hair can get matted and form knots. Start off grooming with a wide-tooth comb  that will remove initial tangles, and then move on to a fine-tooth comb  to brush hair around the face and work on trickier knots. 

Bathing

Giving your cat a bath can be pretty rough, and it should probably be avoided at all costs. However, if you find your cat is getting really dirty or has fleas,  ticks, or lice that cannot be removed by simple grooming, a bath may be necessary. Check out a few tips below.

  • A cat's ears and eyes are the most sensitive parts on its body, so watch these when cleaning. 
  • Make sure you use a specialised shampoo  for cats. Shampoos for people may not adjust well to a cat's skin.
  • Make sure the water is warm. What feels warm to you might feel tepid to a cat as they have body temperatures a few degrees above a human's.
  • Use a soothing voice while washing your cat. This will help to keep him or her calm for the duration of the bath (hopefully!)
  • Have all of your supplies ready before putting the cat in the tub. This will help cut down on the time your cat is distressed. Having buckets  of water by your side to pour over the cat can be helpful as well since the sound of running water can be unsettling for them.
  • Pat dry the cat's fur with a towel  until it is at least damp.  Cats can contract pneumonia if they catch a draft, so you want to make sure they aren't dripping wet.
  • Reinforcing bath time with a treat  afterwards can be helpful and prepare your pet for the next time they need to get cleaned.

Cutting

Obviously cats don't need haircuts like dogs do, since long-haired cats will shed some of their coat in preparation for the warmer summer months. If you have chosen not to de-claw your cat, you might find that grooming their nails is important. This may be difficult depending on your cat's temperament, so you might want to take them to the vet. If you are feeling really brave and choose to do it yourself, remember these few key items:

  • Wear protective covering such as gloves  and long sleeves to avoid scratches.
  • Having one other person help you to hold the cat down while cutting might make the process much easier.
  • Remember to use nail scissors  designed specifically for cats only. Human nail scissors may be painful for your kitty and more difficult to manage.
  • Cut only the white part of the nail. The pink part is the quick, which will cause your pet to bleed if cut.
  • When cutting, hold your cat in your lap, front facing you. Press down on the pad of the paw so you can see the claws and cut the nail halfway between the tip and the quick.
  • Giving your kitty a treat after the process is over may help when you need to groom in the future.

Helpful Items

To keep you and your cat happy, a few favourite items.

Furminator : This reduces pet shedding by using a blade that quickly removes loose hair on your cat.

Flea Collar : If you see your cat scratching often, this might be a good investment.

Grooming Glove : These may be easier to use than brushes as they massage and remove dirt from kitty's coat in addition to removing excess hair.

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