{"id":1214,"date":"2020-02-14T11:14:25","date_gmt":"2020-02-14T10:14:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=1214"},"modified":"2023-02-10T15:43:11","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T15:43:11","slug":"cat-grooming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/cat-grooming\/","title":{"rendered":"Cat Grooming: The Ultimate Stress-Free Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Besides the fuzzy and warm companionship, one of the more significant perks of owning a cat is that they are pretty independent. They don\u2019t need nearly as much attention as dogs do, both in terms of play and in terms of grooming. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats like having plenty of \u201cme time,\u201d and a big part of it consists of simply cleaning themselves. However, there are times when <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat grooming<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is your responsibility, not your cat\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats spend a <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.vetstreet.com\/our-pet-experts\/why-does-my-cat-groom-excessively\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fifth of their day<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> grooming themselves. However, they can\u2019t always reach everything, especially when they lose flexibility due to health, weight, or age issues. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furthermore, just because they can handle everything by themselves doesn\u2019t mean they wouldn\u2019t benefit from a bit of assistance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we will get into the ins and outs of grooming your furry friend, as well as some info on the supplies, materials, and methods that can help you take care of your furry baby.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='why-grooming-your-cat-is-important'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grooming Your Cat<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Is Important<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grooming is essential for your kitty\u2019s health, hygiene, and mood. When a cat licks itself, it keeps itself clean while also regulating its body temperature. However, sometimes your cat can\u2019t manage to clean itself properly, or it could use some extra help. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, it\u2019s up to you to clip its nails, brush its coat, bathe it, clean out its ears, and take care of its eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In short, there are a couple of reasons why <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat grooming<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is essential:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your cat can\u2019t groom itself as thoroughly as it used to be able to.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It helps you bond.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It allows you to keep an eye on ticks and fleas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It helps you take better care of your cat\u2019s health.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are just some common reasons, and you can learn more about them below.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='your-cat-has-trouble-grooming-itself'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your Cat Has Trouble Grooming Itself<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats are famous for their nimbleness, agility, and their flexibility. Besides allowing them to hunt more efficiently, the mentioned traits also help them with their grooming activities. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sadly, sometimes our kitties simply can\u2019t take care of themselves as efficiently anymore, and that\u2019s when we have to step in.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">grooming cats<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you have to assist felines that are old, ill, or have weight issues. These health issues may prevent them from taking care of themselves properly since, as mentioned, they lack the mobility necessary for thorough self-grooming.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='it%e2%80%99s-fun-for-the-cat-and-it-helps-you-bond'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s Fun for the Cat, and it Helps You Bond<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats love brushing (well, most of them do). A good brushing session makes your cat feel like it\u2019s getting a nice, soothing massage. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It will help your cat relax while removing excess hair, all the while preventing matting. In fact, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">long hair cat grooming<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is mandatory for older cats (see above) whose coats mat easily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furthermore, brushing your cat\u2019s fur and keeping it clean can serve as an excellent bonding experience. You are basically giving your cat more attention, making it like you more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='it%e2%80%99s-easier-to-keep-fleas-and-ticks-in-check'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s Easier to Keep Fleas and Ticks in Check<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When talking about <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">grooming for cats<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you really should keep an eye out for fleas and ticks. This is especially important if you have a cat that spends a lot of time outdoors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you are grooming a cat, washing, cleaning, and brushing it, you get a better look at what\u2019s happening with its coat and whether your cat has been having trouble with fleas and ticks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.purina.co.uk\/cats\/health-and-nutrition\/symptoms-to-watch-out-for\/cat-ticks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ticks are no joke<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and if you do see more ticks than you can handle on your own, you should get <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">professional cat grooming<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> experts on board, or you can even take your pet to a vet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='you-can-keep-a-closer-eye-on-your-kitty%e2%80%99s-health'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You Can Keep a Closer Eye on Your Kitty\u2019s Health<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grooming also includes cleaning out your cat\u2019s ears and trimming its nails. Cleaning out your cat\u2019s ears is essential since it helps with wax build-up, removes excess dirt, fluid, and debris, and it helps you keep an eye on possible ear infections and the accrual of ear mites.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pet grooming for cats<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> means you should also keep an eye on its paws, not because of some aesthetic reason, but because of its health. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indoor domestic cats don\u2019t wear down their claws as quickly as outdoor cats do, so that they might need some extra help. Overgrown nails can be very painful for any cat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You also get to check if your cat has any abnormalities. Grooming allows you to feel any underlying bumps and lumps that might cause problems in the near future. Moreover, you can inspect it for skin issues too.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='cat-grooming-at-home'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cat Grooming<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at Home<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some aspects of grooming are easier than others. Brushing your cat\u2019s coat is a lot simpler (and safer) than trimming your cat\u2019s nails. So, if there is anything that you can\u2019t handle, a professional groomer is the way to go. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if you are genuinely interested in taking care of your cat by yourself as much as you can, check out our little guide below.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='brushing-your-cat'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brushing Your Cat<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brushing your cat improves blood circulation, removes skin flakes, and improves mood. It is a big part of the job of both the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog and cat groomer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Brushing can be done once or twice a week for shorthairs or every few days if your cat belongs to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/most-popular-cat-breeds\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">long-haired breed<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, before you start brushing, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='do-a-quick-check-of-its-coat'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do a quick check of its coat<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It should have a natural gloss and a nice spring to your hands. This is also an excellent opportunity to check for ticks, health warning signs, bald patches, and bumps. Run your hand along its body while you\u2019re brushing it to see if it has any lumps, wounds, or tangles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='pay-close-attention-to-long-haired-cats'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pay close attention to long-haired cats<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These cats most often shed all year long, and their coat gets matted more quickly and easily. One of the great <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat grooming tips<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is to start with the abdomen and legs and then comb upwards. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Comb the cat\u2019s neck and chin gently. You can also get some talcum powder and pour it over any problematic knots. Also, when grooming a cat\u2019s tail, it\u2019s easier to part it right down the middle and then brush it side to side.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='short-haired-cats-are-simpler'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short-haired cats are simpler<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a metal comb and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat grooming brush<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from head to tail in the direction of the fur growth. Concentrate on one section, like its chest or abdomen, finish one area, and move on. Needless to say, being gentle while grooming is vital.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of the time, cats can handle themselves and take care of their coats without the help of their owner or a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat groomer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, if your cat often has trouble with hairballs or hair in its feces, it might have extra hair that should be untangled with regular brushing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='bathing-your-cat'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bathing Your Cat<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned, when it comes to cleaning, your cat can handle itself most of the time. However, at some point, you will probably have to take the wheel on this one, or at least get your cat to a groomer. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your cat might have grown old and is no longer that good at cleaning itself, or maybe it ran into something that is a bit too smelly, dirty, or sticky. In those situations, we advise you to give it a nice bath.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Be smart about your timing<\/strong> \u2013 A big part of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kitty grooming<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is choosing the right time to bathe your cat. It\u2019s best to catch the moment when it is relaxed and mellow. Go by its routine, or try to tire it out with playtime.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Protect its ears<\/strong> \u2013 Put some cotton in there to keep the water out.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Prepare<\/strong> \u2013 You should trim its nails, just in case it doesn\u2019t take well to being bathed. Being a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kitten groomer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> means taking chances and being ready for the worst. We also suggest you brush your cat to remove matted and loose hair.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Be gentle<\/strong> \u2013 Wet your cat thoroughly using a spray hose or a plastic pitcher. Don\u2019t spray water into its ears, eyes, and up its nose (unless you like getting scratched). Also, be gentle with the cat shampoo \u2013 avoid the face, ears, and eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Be thorough<\/strong> \u2013 Rinse off the shampoo thoroughly, and use lukewarm water. Wipe off your pet with a washcloth, wrap it up in a towel, and keep it away from drafts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Reward your pet<\/strong> \u2013 The final part of this <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kitten grooming<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> session is giving your cat a treat and lots of love. It would help if you always encouraged positive behavior, as this helps your cat associate bathing with positive traits.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id='take-a-look-at-their-teeth'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take a Look at Their Teeth<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A healthy cat has healthy teeth and gums. Any damage here can cause serious health risks. These risks can be prevented with regular checkups and brushings. You can find some warning signs below, as well as a few tips on how to clean your cat\u2019s teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Pay attention to strong odors<\/strong> \u2013 This can be a sign of gingivitis, gum conditions, or digestive problems.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Take a look at its gums<\/strong> \u2013 One of the better <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat grooming tips<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is to push back your cat\u2019s lips gently and look for some common warning signs. Its gums should be pink, not white or red. There also shouldn\u2019t be any swelling, ulcers, or dark red lines.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>General warning signs<\/strong> \u2013 Ulcers on your cat\u2019s tongue, pus, loose teeth, excessive drooling, and trouble with chewing food are all warning signs and issues that need to be handled.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can influence and improve your cat\u2019s dental health with some of the following activities that are a part of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat grooming service<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, whether done by you or a professional, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Begin gently<\/strong> \u2013 Massage your cat\u2019s gums with your finger, or use a cotton swab. You want to get your cat accustomed to getting its teeth brushed. Put some toothpaste on its mouth too to get used to the taste.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Use specialized tools<\/strong> \u2013 Get a toothbrush that is designed especially for cats. Get some chew toys and maybe some special treats recommended by your vet, which can help you clean your cat\u2019s teeth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you see any bleeding or some more serious issue, like cysts or ulcers, we suggest you take your pet to a professional groomer or a vet.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='eyecare'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eyecare<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An eye exam is critical because it can help you prevent a more serious visit to the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat groomers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or vet. In fact, it should be part of every grooming session. Here are some things you should pay attention to.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Inspect your cat\u2019s eyes<\/strong> \u2013 <\/span>See if they are clear and bright. Its pupils should be of equal size, and the area around the eyeball should be white as well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Take a look at its eyelids<\/strong> \u2013 Roll down its eyelids gently, and take a look at the lining. The lining should be pink, not white or red and puffy.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Clean your kitty\u2019s eyes<\/strong> \u2013 Use a damp cotton ball and wipe away the gunk from your cat\u2019s eyes. Don\u2019t use any chemicals without a doctor\u2019s prescription or recommendation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A big part of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kitty grooming<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is catching potential health problems before they become serious. Look out for regular watering, discharge, or inflamed, red eyelids. Any cloudiness or change in eye color should also be paid attention to.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='nail-care'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nail Care<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s pretty unpleasant, but sometimes you just have to clip your cat\u2019s nails if they seem to be causing some trouble. Giving it a manicure from time to time is an essential part of grooming. The most painless way to clip your cat\u2019s nails is:<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='prepare'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prepare <\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You want your cat to be comfortable, sleepy, and in the best mood possible. It\u2019s best if you can get it right after a meal, when it\u2019s all cozy and lazy. Soothe your cat, bring it to its favorite room or spot. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The secret behind <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog and cat grooming<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is all in soothing the animal and keeping things chill. So, do your best to keep the atmosphere relaxed \u2013 you don\u2019t want your cat jumping at any wild animals, birds, or any other kind of action that it could see outside your window.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='massage-the-paws'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Massage the paws<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Take your cat\u2019s paws between your fingers, and massage them for about three seconds. Don\u2019t squeeze or force it, but at the same time, don\u2019t let go. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead, follow your cat\u2019s movements with your hand, and maintain contact. Get your kitty used to you pressing its paws and extending the nails.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='be-mindful-of-the-quick'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be mindful of the quick <\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The quick is the pink part of your cat\u2019s nails. When <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">grooming your cat<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you should never cut or in any way damage this area since it contains all the nerves and blood vessels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='go-slow'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go slow <\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have your cat in your lap, and keep it facing away from you. Massage the pads gently and have the nails extend. Trim the sharp tip of the nails. Don\u2019t forget to give your cat a treat as a reward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trimming your cat\u2019s nails every ten days to two weeks is more than enough. In fact, sometimes you can do it even less often if you have an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/cat-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">outdoor cat<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or one that regularly fixes up its nails. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, some felines have <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat grooming behavior<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that can best be described as aggressive. Some kitties, no matter how well behaved or well treated, will lash out when you try to trim their claws, even if you\u2019re doing everything correctly. It will be much easier to take your kitty to a professional groomer or a vet in those cases.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='cat-grooming-supplies-needed'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cat Grooming Supplies<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Needed<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a couple of things that can make your grooming work much easier. We suggest you check out some of the following.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='nice-high-quality-brushes'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nice, high-quality brushes <\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">M<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">etal wire slicker brushes are great for matted fur and for removing any excess fur. Thanks to their gentle and softer bristles, these types of brushes are perfect for skittish cats. Also, a good flea comb can be a godsend for, you guessed it, flea issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='a-toothbrush'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A toothbrush <\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting a good toothbrush can really help you take care of your cat\u2019s dental hygiene. Just remember to get a specialized one, just for cats.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='a-cat-grooming-bag'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat grooming bag<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A grooming bag for your cat can make it much easier for you to take care of your little kitty. It keeps your cat in place, and it protects you from scratches.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='bathing-products'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bathing products<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t use human or dog products on your cat. You don\u2019t know what kind of reaction they could cause or how well they can do the job. Instead, try to get products recommended by your vet.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='special-tools'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Special tools<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019d be surprised what sorts of tools and supplies you can find in a pet store. For example, a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat grooming glove<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> allows you to pet your kitty while brushing it with the bristles found on the said glove.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='a-quick-guide-on-professional-groomers'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Quick Guide on Professional Groomers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, we have neither the time nor the energy to groom our cats. For that reason, maybe the best option available is simply taking your little furball to a professional groomer. However, finding a good one can often be a challenge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like you want to take your cat to a good vet, you also want to take it to a good groomer. Good<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> cat groomers <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">aren\u2019t just trained to make your cat look pretty. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rather, they are trained to know exactly how to handle your little kitty, all the while providing it with the best care possible. Proper soothing techniques and understanding cat anatomy are skills vital for most groomers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A good groomer knows how to calm down a cat that really doesn\u2019t want to be groomed. In short, a groomer will do a much better job of trimming your cat\u2019s nails, bathing a grumpy kitty, cleaning out its ears, and doing everything else that you might struggle with.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='the-responsibilities-of-a-cat-groomer%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Responsibilities of a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cat Groomer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of the activities related to grooming your kitty are covered by your groomer. Your groomer offers nail care, helping your kitty keep its nails trimmed. They also provide your cat with a nice bath, which is especially useful if your cat has some skin issues or fleas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since groomers have lots of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat grooming tools<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, they can handle things like dental care and better brushing and trimming. Groomers are also better at noticing lumps, lesions, and other skin issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course, the actual services they provide will depend on the grooming salon. Some groomers might be trained to recognize dental issues, but some might not.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='how-to-find-a-good-cat-groomer%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Find a Good <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cat Groomer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finding a good groomer is not that easy. You are, after all, letting them handle your pet. You are entrusting them with the health and safety of your kitty. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, as always, trust your vet. Get a recommendation from your veterinarian, be candid, talk about costs and expenses, and you should have no trouble finding the right groomer. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Word of mouth also matters a lot. So, if you have friends or family members that have healthy, happy pets, maybe you could seek their advice as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look for testimonials, recommendations, and connections to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.professionalcatgroomers.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">professional associations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, as far as costs are concerned, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat grooming prices<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> vary. And the more services you ask for, the more it will cost. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/homeguide.com\/costs\/cat-grooming-prices\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">national average<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> price is around $50. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some grooming facilities might charge you for an entire package, while others might require paying for additional services tacked onto a bath. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another factor influencing pricing is whether you are going to an actual salon or employing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mobile cat grooming<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> services.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='faq'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQ<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id='do-cats-need-grooming'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do cats need grooming?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats do, in fact, need to be groomed. They can take care of themselves most of the time, but they might need extra help due to health issues. Also, grooming them by yourself can help prevent matting, and it allows you to keep an eye on their health.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='how-much-does-it-cost-to-groom-a-cat'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much does it cost to groom a cat?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prices of professional grooming vary. Usually, the average cost ranges between $30 and $70, depending on the services and location. Cities with higher standards and living costs will probably have more expensive grooming services than small rural areas.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='what-does-a-cat-groomer-do'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does a cat groomer do?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A professional groomer can take almost complete care of your cat when it comes to grooming. Bathing, trimming its nails, cleaning its teeth, etc. It all depends on the company, the licenses the place has, and the training of the salon\u2019s staff.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='do-groomers-bathe-cats'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do groomers bathe cats?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Among their many other services, yes, groomers indeed bathe cats.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='how-often-should-a-cat-be-groomed'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How often should a cat be groomed?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It really depends on the cat. Long-haired cats should have their coats brushed and combed every few days, while short-haired cats need this once or twice per week. It would be best if you had your cat\u2019s nails trimmed every ten to fourteen days.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, perhaps your cat spends a lot of time outdoors? Then it\u2019s going to need a lot more grooming and maybe even a bath from time to time. Then again, an outdoor cat won\u2019t have to get its nails trimmed as often.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='can-you-sedate-a-cat-for-grooming'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you sedate a cat for grooming?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can. Now, it\u2019s best if you can simply soothe your pet by cuddling it. Of course, you can use meds to sedate your cat, but you should use them only when instructed by your veterinarian and nobody else.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='how-to-stop-your-cat-from-over-grooming'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to stop your cat from over-grooming?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overgrooming is no joke. It may seem innocuous, but it can actually lead to skin sores and hair loss. Figuring out why your cat is doing this might help you stop it from overgrooming. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quite often, it\u2019s a sign of stress. When a cat licks itself, its brain releases endorphins. These endorphins are feel-good chemicals that comfort your cat once it\u2019s overstressed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Play therapy, giving it some extra attention, or perhaps giving it some old article of a loved one\u2019s clothing might help lower the cat\u2019s stress levels. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting pheromone products can also calm it down. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/pet-ownership-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Owning a cat<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can rack up expenses on an annual level, but sometimes, asking a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">professional cat groomer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for tips might be necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain skin issues can also cause this problem. Food allergies, fleas, or skin diseases can, in fact, trigger these problems. If you think this is the case with your cat, visit a vet and see what they have to say.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='conclusion'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People often choose cats because of their independence, and they forget that cats need grooming too. It\u2019s all a part of taking better care of our furry friends. After all, pets are or at least should be seen as, part of the family. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, this <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat grooming<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> guide will hopefully get you on the right track and help you understand exactly what your cat needs to stay happy and healthy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do cats need grooming?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Cats do, in fact, need to be groomed. They can take care of themselves most of the time, but they might need extra help due to health issues. 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These endorphins are feel-good chemicals that comfort your cat once it\u2019s overstressed.\\n\\nPlay therapy, giving it some extra attention, or perhaps giving it some old article of a loved one\u2019s clothing might help lower the cat\u2019s stress levels.\\n\\nGetting pheromone products can also calm it down. Owning a cat can rack up expenses on an annual level, but sometimes, asking a professional cat groomer for tips might be necessary.\\n\\nCertain skin issues can also cause this problem. Food allergies, fleas, or skin diseases can, in fact, trigger these problems. If you think this is the case with your cat, visit a vet and see what they have to say.\u00a0\"}}]}<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Although cats are pretty independent and do most of the work themselves, cat grooming is still a big part of having a cat. Continue reading and learn the ropes. [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/cat-grooming\/\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> from Cat Grooming: The Ultimate Stress-Free Guide<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1428,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1214","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-guides"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1214","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1214"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1214\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1428"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1214"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1214"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1214"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}