Cats love grooming and pride themselves on their cleanliness. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to do your part to keep your cat looking good. Regular grooming sessions are an important part of cat ownership, so if you’ve been neglecting your duties, it’s time to dust off that brush and get started. Read on to find nine common cat grooming mistakes, along with our tips on how to avoid making them.
The 9 Common Cat Grooming Mistakes
1. Not Starting Repair Early Enough
The sooner you can start getting your kitten used to grooming, the easier it will be for both of you in the long run. Introduce them to grooming sessions slowly and offer lots of praise and tasty rewards so they develop positive associations with the process.
You are not completely out of luck if your cats are no longer kittens, however, with time and a lot of patience, your adult kittens can learn to be comfortable with their boyfriends. Do not force them to brush or trim their nails if they are clearly showing signs of stress, anxiety, or aggression.
2. Using the Wrong Tools
The tools you will need to groom your cat will depend on the type and length of its hair.
Stiff bristled brushes and grooming mitts work best on cats with short hair or sparse undercoats as they work to remove loose fur. Brushes and combs with long teeth are generally preferred for cats with medium or long hair, as they are a miracle at smoothing out small tangles. A variety of de-matting combs are available for cats whose coats are prone to matting.
3. Misuse of Tools
Now that you have the right tools in your grooming arsenal, you need to become familiar with how to use them. Watch how-to videos on brush or comb manufacturers’ websites or social media for tips.
Start with small, gentle strokes and start with a part of your cat’s body where they enjoy being stroked. It is also important that you brush your teeth together the grain and in the direction of the feather. Going against the grain can be uncomfortable for your kitten and may cause you to pull out their fur.
4. Pulling out Matted Fur
Anyone with a long-haired cat can tell you how hard it is to fight mats. Matted fur occurs when your pet’s fur is matted and matted. They can be very painful, especially those that have become firmly embedded.
You should not try to pull or remove the hard mat, as it is very painful and distressing. If the mats are too stubborn to remove with light brushing, it’s time to call in the professionals: your veterinarian or a professional groomer.
5. Skipping Ears and Paws
It’s easy to forget about your cat’s ears and paws when you’re too busy handling his loose fur or getting out a tough mat, but it shouldn’t be ignored.
Most cats are fine without regular ear cleaning, though those prone to wax build-up or ear infections may need a little extra love. Some cleaners aim to address bacterial or fungal infections, while others are better at removing ear wax. Ask your veterinarian for advice if you decide ear cleaning should be a regular part of your kitten’s grooming schedule.
Some long-haired cats may need special attention around their feet because their toes can grow long without trimmings. Paw pads may only be necessary if fur prevents your kitten from safely moving around the house or is covered in litter.
Trimming your cat’s nails is also necessary during your grooming sessions. Nails that are allowed to be long run the risk of snagging on carpets and injuring your cat. Scratching posts are a good investment for your cat’s nail health as well as their physical and mental enrichment.
6. Not Offering Rewards and Compliments
Cats learn best through positive reinforcement, so what better way to encourage your kitten to make positive associations in your grooming sessions than by offering rewards for a great job then? Some good options for post-brushing treats include small pieces of cooked chicken, freeze-dried meat or fish, lickable treats, or cat treats.
7. Unintentional
When we go to a spa, we are given a relaxing environment with relaxing music and therapeutic treatments. While you don’t have to put on Tibetan bowl music or rub your kitty with massage oil for your boyfriends at home, it is it’s important to set the scene.
Be intentional about the times you choose to groom your cat. Don’t pick a time of day when you know they’re getting ready for an hour-long zoomies session, because they’ll be less receptive to you and the whole grooming process. Instead, coax them into your lap and start with some gentle petting before getting in the brush. Take it easy to see if they’re ready and willing to brush, and then once they give you the green light, you can proceed.
8. Letting Your Ego Get in the Way
As much as you want to meet all of your cat’s grooming needs at home, sometimes it just isn’t possible. If your cat is full of impossible-to-deal-with matting or needs a shave, it might be best to call in reinforcements: your vet or a professional groomer.
9. Thinking You Don’t Need to Groom Your Pet
Cats love to groom; as every cat owner can tell you. They spend a solid portion of their day grooming themselves, but just because they’re meticulous about their hygiene doesn’t mean you don’t have to step in.
Regular grooming removes dust, dead skin, and loose hairs from your pet’s coat and prevents serious (and painful) mats. Plus, you get to spend quality time with your cat while monitoring their health.
Final Thoughts
Grooming is an important aspect of cat ownership, so if you haven’t familiarized yourself with the tools you’ll need and the techniques to use, it’s better to start later than never. It can take some time for older cats to get used to the idea of you grooming, but with time and patience, anything is possible.
Featured Image Credit: Standret, Shutterstock
