Cat Grooming Tips At Home – Tools & Tips

Cats are notoriously independent, but that doesn’t mean birman cats for sale can’t enjoy a bit of pampering. When it comes to cat grooming, there’s no need to be a scaredy-cat because grooming can be enjoyable for both humans and felines with patience and practice. While it’s true that cats are incredibly efficient with self-grooming, cat parents should help with brushing, clipping nails, and an occasional bath. While not all cats will enjoy being groomed, it is important to make sure your cat maintains a clean and healthy coat. Follow these tips on how to groom a cat to safely and properly ensure your cat stays healthy.  

The Brush, a Purr-fect Cat Tool

Despite the amount of time a cat spends on self-grooming, regular brushing with the right brush keeps the coat clean and removes dirt, grease and hair. Also, even though cats have coarse tongues specifically to self-groom, additional grooming with a brush helps blood circulation, removes skin flakes and massages the skin while also stimulating glands that secrete natural oils to help keep fur clean and shiny. Most cats will benefit from weekly brushing, but long-haired cats will need more frequent brushing, helping reduce hairballs. Also, an outdoor cat may require more attention to keep their coat clean and free of tangles.  

The Best Brushes to Use to Groom Your Cat

There are many types of brushes, and you should make sure to select the proper brush and/or comb depending on the texture and length of your cat’s fur. Here are some of the kinds of cat grooming tools available: 

• Slicker brush: good for all types of fur, has metal tines, so be careful not to injury cat’s skin. 
• Molting comb: good for all types of fur, particularly long-haired cats and has two lengths of pins to detangle and prevent mats. 
• Bristle brush: best for cats with short or sleek hair and a good finishing brush for long-haired cats.  
• Rubber brush: great for skittish cats because the rubber teeth massage the skin, stimulates oils and removes loose hair, particularly for shedding cats.  
• Pin brushes: good for all cats, helps remove tangles and prevents mats, particularly good for cats with medium and long-hair.
• Grooming comb: use to untangle knots for all cats, use a comb with wide spaces between teeth for long-haired and thick hair, and use a comb with narrow spaces between teeth for short-haired cats.  

Successfully Grooming Your Cat at Home

Once you have the proper cat grooming tools, you are ready for your first brushing. Ideally, your cat will enjoy being pampered and not resist, but just in case, make sure to proceed slowly and with caution.  

First, look for any tangles or knots and untangle them with a comb before you start brushing. You should use a de-matting comb for matted hair and gently untangle the matted hair from the tips downwards toward the skin. Untangle small portions at a time with the brush, or your thumb and index finger. Never use scissors to cut matted hair. A grooming professional should treat cats with severely matted fur, especially in cases where shaving may be necessary.

Once you have removed any tangles, make sure your cat is comfortable and start stroking by hand, and slowly introduce the brush. All cats are curious and will certainly want to see and sniff the brush and get accustomed to it. As you brush, always follow the direction the coat grows, and start at the neck and work your way to the tail. Be careful of knots or tangles, and switch to an appropriate comb to untangle hair. Use your hand to guide the brush and feel for bumps or injuries. Cats socialize by grooming each other, so try to make this a bonding experience that you both enjoy. Always pay attention to your cat for signs of stress or discomfort and stop grooming immediately if your cat protests and try again after a rest.  

To Bathe or Not to Bathe Your Cat

Most cats do not like baths and all cats are not shy about telling you what they don’t like. But with patience, you can safely and properly bathe your cat. With that said, most short-haired cats that live indoors will not need to be bathed. However, outdoor cats, or cats that get into a mess will need to be bathed. You should always have proper shampoo and take into consideration any allergies or skin conditions. Never use human shampoo which will be too harsh for feline skin. You may also want to gently place a cotton ball in each ear to keep dry.