Tag Archives: grooming your cat

Cat Care, General Care

Grooming Your Cat

One great thing about kitties is that they are very good about keeping up with their beauty rituals. However, that doesn’t mean Fluffy can’t use a little help now and then. Here, a Georgetown, IN vet discusses grooming your cat.

Bathing

While you don’t absolutely have to bathe your cat, you can if you want to. Just make sure to check with your vet first, to make sure he or she doesn’t object. (Your cat may very well object, but that’s beside the point.) Start by putting a rubber mat down in the tub or sink. Then, fill it with a few inches of warm—not hot—water. Be sure to use a shampoo that is specifically made for kitties. Lather Fluffy up gently, taking care not to get soap in her eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. Then, rinse her gently with a sink sprayer or teapot. When you’re done, pat your furball dry with a soft towel. She’ll take it from there!

Brushing

Even if you don’t bathe your cat, she will benefit from regular brushing. This will remove dead fur, dander, and dust from her coat, which will help keep her looking and feeling great. Brushing also reduces the risk of hairballs, since you’ll be grabbing that fur with a brush before Fluffy can swallow it. (Bonus: you’ll also find less cat fur everywhere.) Pick a time when your kitty is relaxed, and start by petting her gently. Then, incorporate the brush.

Fur Cuts

Does your kitty have long hair? If so, Fluffy may benefit from having the hair around her bottom trimmed. This will stop litter and waste from getting stuck in her fur. Just be sure to use blunt-end scissors.

Eyes

You really shouldn’t need to do much to your kitty’s eyes, though you should keep them clear of ‘eye boogers.’ Just wipe them away gently with a damp cloth or cotton ball. If your pet’s eyes are often watery, red, or full of gunk, contact your vet: this can be a sign of medical issues.

Ears

To clean Fluffy’s ears, you’ll want to use a soft cotton ball and a pet ear cleaner. Gently wipe Fluffy’s ears clean. Never insert anything into your cat’s ear canal. If you see discharge, tiny black dots, or discolored wax, call your vet.

Please call us, your Georgetown, IN vet clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!

Cat Care, General Care

Tips for Brushing Your Cat

Do you brush your cat regularly? If so, good for you! Even though our feline friends are quite clean, they can use a little help with their beauty regimens. A Floyds Knob, IN vet offers advice on grooming your kitty in this article.

Benefits of Brushing

Regularly brushing your cat will remove dead fur and dander from her coat. This is good for your kitty’s circulation, and will help keep her looking soft and shiny. Because you’re trapping that extra fur in your brush, you’ll find less cat fur on your clothes and furniture. Brushing Fluffy will also reduce the amount of hairballs she gets. Needless to say, that’s a benefit both you and your pet can enjoy!

How Often To Brush

Long-haired kitties may need daily grooming. For other kitties, twice-weekly brushings should suffice. Senior cats sometimes have trouble cleaning themselves, so Fluffy may need to be brushed more often as she ages.

Timing

Pick a time when your furball is feeling relaxed. (This shouldn’t be difficult, given how much time cats spend napping.) Brush your kitty gently, going in the direction of her fur. You’ll want Fluffy to feel as though she’s being pampered, so incorporate lots of cuddles and compliments.

Supplies

There are several different types of brushes and combs available for kitties. We recommend getting your furry little diva her own beauty kit. Include a detangling rake, as well as a comb and brush. Clean these items after each use, using hot water and cat shampoo.

Know When To Stop

Your kitty will let you know when she’s had enough. Don’t force her to submit to more brushing. You’ll only end up with an angry cat on your hands, and probably won’t find Fluffy very cooperative the next time you try to groom her. Just let your feline buddy go, and try again the next day.

Problem Signs

If you notice brown specks or, worse, moving fleas, in your cat’s fur, you’ll need to get some parasite control products from your vet. Keep an eye out for skin problems as well. If Fluffy’s skin looks red, scaly, or crusty, or if she is missing patches of fur, call your vet immediately.

Is your kitty overdue for veterinary care? Please reach out to us, your Floyds Knob, IN animal clinic, anytime! We are happy to serve all your pet’s veterinary care needs.