Cat grooming isn’t just about making your cat look good, it also helps keep the coat and skin healthy. And cats seem to know this, which is why they are such efficient groomers.

However, as they get older, some cats are not able to groom as well, sometimes because of arthritis or other old-age illnesses. Cats hate to be knotty and dirty, and older cats may rely on their owners to keep them clean and comfortable.

Grooming is good for cats
Their rough tongues are like mini brushes that work in removing dead hair and distributing oils through the coat. But they still require proper grooming to maintain good health. Grooming smoothes down fur to insulate the cat’s body to increase efficiency and stimulates the glands at the base of the hair which acts to waterproof the coat. It also provides a special bonding time with your feline and a good opportunity to check for signs of fleas, ticks, skin irritations, lumps or sore spots.

Brushing short haired cats
Cats with a short-hair/fine/single coat may not require too much help with grooming, but brushing once a week with a 2-in-1 Combo Brush will keep their coat smooth and glossy. The sturdy nylon bristles gently remove tangles and debris. Brush from the head to tail and down the legs, and don’t forget behind the ears and the base of the tail.

Cats with a medium coat benefit from being groomed with a Slicker Brush, 2-in-1 Combo Brush, Shedding Brush and Moulting Comb. The Slicker Brush removes matts, tangles and loose hairs while distributing natural oils and leaving a shiny, healthy coat. Brush with long strokes in the direction of hair growth.

The Shedding Brush removes loose, dead hair from the undercoat without damaging the top coat and helps to eliminate hairballs. The Moulting Comb removes loose and moulting hair from the coat, stimulating the skin and hair follicles. It has rounded pins for extra comfort and massaging action.

Brushing long haired cats
Cats with a long-hair/thick/double coat need more help with grooming throughout the year. Persian coats are particularly prone to knotting and, without daily brushing and in some cases the use of a Moulting Comb, can matt very quickly.

Some very old cats may have a slightly greasy feel to the coat indicating that they are not grooming enough. As well as brushing, they may benefit from being wiped with a warm damp cloth, or even a damp cloth with a small amount of cat shampoo added (be careful to use water to wipe this away afterwards).

Using a Slicker, 2-in-1 Combo Brush and Shedding Brush will make the coat glossy and tangle-free, remove loose hairs and dead skin, plus help with circulation.

No matter what type of coat your cat has, using a flea comb will help to remove fleas, nits and debris. Combing the coat to remove any knots and tangles is a good idea. While combing, pay particular attention to areas around the ears, nape of neck and base of tail. Fleas can be a misery for your itchy feline!

Hairballs
Hairballs are caused by cats regurgitating hair that has accumulated in their stomach. Many cats have a hairball at some point in their life, but long-haired cats and cats that groom more often are especially prone to hairballs.

Grooming your cat according to its needs will not only prevent it from ingesting fur when self-grooming and resulting in fur balls in the stomach but also keep excess hair off your furniture.