Should I Groom My Cat?

It’s common to see pet parents trying to spoil their cats with things like fancy toys or fun outfits for a photo op. But they may not need all the things we think they need. So, what about baths and brush sessions? Is cat grooming necessary? 

As a general rule, no. Brushing is beneficial for any cat, but ideally your cat shouldn’t need to be bathed or shaved. It’s normal to see your cat meticulously cleaning themselves, in fact they spend 30% to 50% of their day grooming. This keeps them pretty clean! But there are some circumstances where your kitty may need a helping paw to stay clean and healthy. 

If your cat likes to go on outdoor adventures, there’s a chance they’ll get into things like sap, mud, feces, oil, or toxins, and you may not want them ingesting everything that’s on their fur. Sometimes a brush and a bath are just what your furry pal needs to get a fresh start, until their next outdoor escapade. Other circumstances could be having long fur that could simply be too much for them to handle, or if you notice fleas, mites, ticks, or lice in your cat’s fur that could use a medicated shampoo bath. If your cat is older, ill or has mobility issues, it’s common for the back half of their coat to get matted because they’re unable to groom it themselves. Matted fur can be uncomfortable, so try to keep this in check and brush your precious feline before it gets out of hand. 

Grooming your cat can not only help them stay healthy, but also become a bonding experience for the both of you. Whether your cat needs it or just loves it, read on to know what areas to focus on and tips to groom your cat right!

So, your cat’s high jinks has caught up with them, and they got into something sticky or smelly! After a lot of deliberation about whether they need a bath, you've decided it's a yes. Don’t worry, it’s not a “cat”astrophe! Your cat may not find taking a bath to be the most relaxing experience, but there are some ways that you can make it easier on everyone involved. 

Prepare your cat 

To save your skin, it may be a good idea to trim your cat's nails ahead of time. You should try to do this the day before so you’re not cramming too many stressful things into one day, but if you are pressed for time, space it out from the bath. You could also give your cat a good brush ahead of time to loosen the dead fur. Make sure your cat is in a relaxed, happy mood, petting and treating along the way.

Prepare your space 

Gather some supplies before you get started. This includes a non-skid surface that you can place in your bath or sink, such as a bath mat. You can use a small plastic pitcher or plastic cup to pour water over your feline’s fur. You’ll also want an approved cat shampoo. It’s tempting to use a scented shampoo so your cat smells lovely afterwards, but these scents may be overpowering for your kitty or contain too many chemicals they simply don't need. Their sense of smell is 14 times stronger than that of humans! Remember that you’ll be in the splash zone, so be prepared with a bunch of towels. 

Begin the bath 

You can start by gently pouring warm water over your cat using a cup or pitcher. If your cat reacts too violently, try soaking a washcloth in water and massaging your cat with it instead to wet them. You can then use shampoo to lather in the direction of the hair growth. Steer clear from your cat’s sensitive little face with the shampoo unless it’s very dirty. Normally, though, you'll want to just use a face cloth and water. Then give them a thorough rinse. When the fur feels squeaky between your fingers, you’ll know the soap is out. Then scoop them up in a big towel and let them dry off in a warm place with no drafts. 

Sometimes, a cat may just need a good brushing or trim, especially if they have long-hair that can get matted, or gets dirty during potty time. Once a cat gets used to it, brushing can often be a reward in itself, as it just plain feels good! And keeping your cat's fur free of debris and getting dirty can be helpful for everyone in the family. 

Brushing

Cats have built-in grooming tools, their teeth and tongue. But brushing them regularly can help maintain a glistening coat by stimulating blood circulation, spreading healthy oil throughout their fur, and removing dead hair and debris. Brushing regularly also helps you bond with your cat and check on their health. If you notice any skin irritations or bald spots, they could be grooming themselves excessively, and issue which should be addressed with your vet. If mats are making it difficult to brush, carefully cut them out or cut through them to loosen them with a tiny pair of scissors, easily found in the human makeup or beard grooming aisle at your local store. Always be careful to not cut too closely to the skin. 

For short-haired cats, brushing once or twice a week should suffice. Begin with a metal comb to loosen tangles and dead fur. You can then use a rubber brush to remove the fur and help out with shedding. For long-haired cats, they should be brushed daily and with more care. A slicker brush is a great tool for removing tangles and debris. Start with their legs and belly and work your way up toward their head. Then part the tail, and work through both sides. 

Trimming

If your long-haired Persian keeps getting yucky litter or worse on your clothes after a cuddle, you know it's time for a trim. While normally, cats don't need haircuts, there are cases where trimming certain areas can help them, especially as they age. In general, short-haired cats won't ever need to be cut, but if your long-haired Persian keeps getting yucky litter or worse on your clothes after a cuddle, you know it's time for a trim.

If it's in the litter box where their hair is getting dirty, do a little spying to see how they go potty, and where the hair is getting hit. Otherwise, aim for the dirty areas, generally around the anus and along the back legs, or sometimes even on the lower belly for boys. When trimming, always go with less is more, and only trim enough length to help them keep clean and comfortable. Never trim the fur so short that you can see their skin. And never trim your cat's whiskers, because this can be painful for them and decreases their spatial awareness. Remember, cats have whiskers not just under their nose, but also on their eyebrows and behind their paws, so that long hair that seems out of place may actually be a whisker!

Shaving 

Normally, a cat's fur should never be shaved. Your cat’s fur helps keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and their body counts on this type of regulation to keep them safe. 

There may be times, though, when your long-haired cat’s fur just gets out of hand and needs to be shaved. Mats will just get tighter over time, and can get itchy, hot, and very uncomfortable on your cat’s skin, and create an environment that bacteria and parasites love. If the matts become too tight and severe for you to handle, it’s best if the shaving is left to a professional. Cats have thin, delicate skin that can easily be nicked with clippers, and if the matting is very severe, they may even need to be put under anesthesia to be shaved.

Notice your cat’s breath getting more than just a little fishy? An abnormally strong odor could be a sign of gingivitis. Your cat’s dental health is important, because gum inflammation can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, inability to eat, and even internal issues like kidney disease. 

You may be a little nervous to stick your finger in your cat's chompers, but it is pawssible to train your cat to let you brush their teeth. With your cat facing you, gently lift up their gums to check their teeth. They should be firm and pink, not white or red. You should also look for things like brownish tartar or broken or loose teeth. Start by gently massaging their gums with your finger for a few seconds. Let them taste some of the toothpaste on their lips. Remember to only use cat formulated toothpaste, because human toothpaste contains ingredients that are harmful for cats. When your cat is ready, you can give it a try with a tiny toothbrush made for cats with softer bristles. 

If your cat isn't ready for the brush, you can buy a finger brush that slides onto your index finger to rub the toothpaste along the teeth and help them get used to the feeling and taste.

Trimming your cat’s nails is something that should be done every few weeks. Outdoor cats tend to wear their nails down more and won't need it as often. Regular nails trims will protect your furniture, carpets, and your skin. This is a far superior solution than declawing your cat, something that the Humane Society and ASPCA are strongly opposed to. 

To check your cat’s paw and nail health, have them sitting on your lap facing away from you in a quiet room. It’s best if this is done when they’re sleepy and calm. Take a paw and gently massage it for a couple seconds. Don’t squeeze if they pull away, just follow their gesture. You can take this time to check around your kitty’s toes for splinters, sores, or swelling. It’s purrfectly normal for long haired cats to have hair between their toes, but if your cat starts licking obsessively it might be irritating them. You can delicately trim their paws with rounded scissors if needed.

To begin, gently press their toe so the nail extends. Be sure to never cut the quick, the pink part of their nails that contain nerves and blood vessels. In case you do accidentally cut the quick, have some styptic powder or cornstarch on hand to stop the bleeding. If your cat is experiencing this for the first time, it’s better to not try trimming all the nails in the same session. Start with a couple at a time until your cat is comfortable, then you can do them all at once in the future. Don’t furget to give plenty of rewards! 

With their perky little ears, cats can hear frequencies up to three times higher than humans! You can help your cat out by monitoring them regularly to keep them in tip top shape. Most cats will never actually need an ear cleaning, but look out for things like discharge or odor. If the ear looks red or inflamed, ask your vet before doing any cleaning.

If there's debris and your cat's ears need a cleaning, sit with your cat in your lap in a comfortable position. Gently pull back the tip of their ear until the canal is exposed. You can then put a few drops of a high-quality pet ear cleaning solution directly into their ear, or pour them on a cotton ball and rub it in their ear. Gently massage the base of their ear to break up debris, and wipe it away with gauze or a cotton ball. Never use a cotton swab in the actual ear canal, as cats' ears are too delicate and can be damaged if you go too far! Let your cat shake their head, give them some treats, and repeat with the other ear. Voila!

Before you get started, here are some helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind!

• The younger you start grooming your cat, the more comfortable they will be with it as they grow older.
• Get cats used to being handled by touching their paws and ears often, and even rewarding them.
• Keep grooming sessions to five or ten minutes each until they’re feeling more comfortable, and don't cram in everything in one session.
• Schedule a time when the cat is mellow, like when they’re groggy after eating or waking up. 
• Make sure you’re also in a good mood, your cat will notice if you’re grumpy or impatient. Never yell or handle your cat roughly. 
• Make sure you have all your supplies before you start, including treats to help keep grooming sessions short.
• Keep it pawsitive! Stop before your cat gets too frustrated and give lots of rewards.
• If you are too nervous to groom your cat, try out a local cat groomer who knows how to handle any type of feline. 

Overall, cats are pretty low maintenance creatures, and shouldn’t need much grooming. Just keeping up with some brushing and nail trims will suffice in most cases. Checking them over regularly when petting and cuddling can usually alert you to any issues, and spending some quality grooming time together is a great way to spoil your furry friend!  

Need a helping paw with grooming your cat? Check out a Wag! Wellness plan today! With a grooming add-on, you can be reimbursed for your cat's grooming costs in as little as 24 hours!