Grooming is necessary for all cats, long haired and short haired, but do cats need it professional arranged? Not needed. You can groom your cat at home instead of splashing out on professional grooming, but there are some times when it’s better to let a professional take over.
In this post, we’ll explore why grooming is so important and when a trip to a groomer is necessary. We’ll also share some tips on grooming your cat at home.
Why Fixing Matters
Although cats can groom themselves, they still need us to offer help because there is only so much self-care a cat can do. If you have a medium- or long-haired cat, they will need to be brushed daily to keep their coats free of tangles, knots, and mats.
Not brushing cats long hair regularly can result in tight clumps that can be very uncomfortable for your cat and may need to be removed by a professional. Brushing is also beneficial for long-haired cats as it prevents ingesting more hair, therefore resulting in fewer hairballs.
Even short-haired cats need brushing, but not as often as long-haired cats. Brushing distributes natural oils through the coat and removes dirt, debris, and loose hair, contributing to a healthier coat and skin. In addition, brushing gives you the opportunity to check for bumps, lumps, and damage and is a great bonding experience for you and your cat.
Simply put, grooming isn’t just about brushing: It also includes nail trimming, tooth brushing, ear checks, and the occasional bath if recommended by a veterinarian.
Do Cats Need Baths?
For most cats, bathing is unnecessary, but some need regular bathing, either for medical reasons or because they are hairless. The skin of hairless cats gets oily easily because they have no fur to distribute the oils produced by the skin. They need to be bathed once every few weeks with a mild cat shampoo.
Another reason you may need to bathe your cat is if your vet has asked you to do so for medical reasons, such as a skin condition, or if they have sticky, nasty or toxic substances in their coat.
If you suspect your cat has a skin condition, please don’t just give it a bath—see a veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis and advice on how to treat it.
Should I Take My Cat to a Professional Groomer?
If you take care of all your cat’s grooming needs at home (brushing, nail trimming, tooth brushing, and ear checks) and it’s fine, there’s no need to take them to a professional groomer. However, if there’s something you don’t feel comfortable doing, like trimming your cat’s nails yourself, you may feel better involving a professional.
You should also contact a professional groomer or your veterinarian if your cat’s fur is seriously dry or matted, and you can’t handle the situation on your own without hurting them. Professional groomers are trained to deal with all coat types, breeds, and personalities. That said, if your cat is sick or showing signs of a skin condition, you need to see a veterinarian first.
How to Groom Your Cat at Home: Top Tips
If you’ve gone to a good grooming routine at home, your cat may not need to visit a professional groomer. Here are some tips on how to approach grooming your cat as stress-free as possible.
1. Choose a Gentle Brush
It is best to choose a brush that is specifically designed for cats and that is gentle enough not to cause discomfort. There are many types to choose from, including bristle brushes, pin brushes, slicker brushes, and grooming mitts. Grooming mitts are worth a try for cats who are nervous about brushing because it feels like petting.
You’ll also want to invest in a good removal tool if your cat is a heavy shedder, as this will go a long way when it comes time to shed. A comb is also a great tool to have handy to work on more detailed areas.
2. Brush Longhaired & Curly Cats Daily
Long-haired and curly-haired cats need to be brushed daily because their coats become tangled and dry quickly. Conversely, a weekly brush should be done for a short-haired cat.
3. Let Your Cat Get Used to Grooming Tools
If your cat isn’t used to brushes, combs, and detangling tools, it’s a good idea to give him time to thoroughly inspect these items before you start using them. This helps your cat feel more secure and in control, as cats are wary of new things.
Ideally, cats should be groomed from childhood so that they don’t fear the experience as an adult, but you can certainly bring a reluctant adult cat around with a little time and patience. Place the brush near the cat and let them sniff and rub it on their own time so they get used to its smell, feel, and presence.
4. Slowly
Start brushing slowly and in small areas, such as the back or the area where your cat enjoys being groomed the most. Make a few strokes, then rest, then make a few more to let your cat get used to the sensation. Reward your cat immediately after you start brushing to encourage them to be positive about the experience.
The same is true if you trim your cat’s nails. Even if you do one nail at a time before your cat runs away, that’s okay—you can come back to it later or the next day. If it takes a few days to cut all the nails, that’s okay.
5. Ask Someone to Help You
You can feel more confident that someone will hold your cat and talk to them in a soothing voice while you do what you need to do. This can be especially useful if you need to gently restrain your cat for nail trimming.
6. Avoid Fast
When you trim your cat’s nails, avoid cutting the pink part of the nail. It’s the quick one, and it hurts and bleeds when you cut it. If you accidentally cut the fast, you can stop the bleeding with styptic powder.
7. Use Gentle Restraint If Needed
If your cat has difficulty getting their nails trimmed, you may need to do the burrito technique, which involves wrapping your cat in a blanket with their head and one paw sticking out. You can do this by placing the cat on a blanket and folding it up and around them. Having a helper hold your cat while you clip the nails can be even more helpful.
Final Thoughts
In retrospect, you can groom your cat at home to save money on grooming fees, but if you have to do something complicated or potentially uncomfortable (if your cat is very matted or struggling you trim their nails), it would be a good idea to see a professional groomer.
If you see any signs of skin conditions, such as dryness, redness, patchiness, flaking, etc. when grooming your cat, consult your veterinarian to find out what is going on.
Featured Image Credit: artcasta, Shutterstock
