DIY Cat Grooming – Tips and Tricks

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DIY cat grooming.

Cats tend to groom themselves naturally and are among those animals that are extremely clean. A well groomed kitty tends to stay healthy, and you can learn a few tips on how to groom your cat. DIY cat grooming will help you bond with your pet and also save money.

You will need to buy a cat brush or slicker brush, which you can get from a pet store. Can you use a human hair brush to groom your cat? No. Do not use a hair brush that is meant for people or even for dogs, as that would cause more harm than good. Now let’s look at the advantages of brushing your cat.

One big advantage of brushing your cat is how it can prevent hairballs from forming. All the loose hair will be picked up as you brush, and this will help stop your cat from eating its fur. (You may also want to try a product like Hartz Hairball Remedy Plus, which has gotten good reviews.) Brushing is also one of the ways to prevent and reduce shedding in a cat.

You will also be able to spot cat skin infections during grooming. Look out for lumps, scratches, wounds, rashes or irritations. Check with your veterinarian regarding any irritations you come across. The earlier they are detected, the better will be the treatment.

As part of the cat grooming procedures you can also check the eyes, teeth and claws for symptoms of health problems. Again, consult your vet for diagnosis and treatment. What to do if your cat has an eye irritation? Rinse the eye with clean water and apply the pet meds that your vet has prescribed.

DIY cat grooming is one of the best ways to assess your pet’s health on a regular basis.

How to Groom Your Cat

Slowly start brushing from the head to the tail. Do not brush from back to front as it will tend to damage the fur. Maybe you’re wondering, Can you brush your cat’s face? The answer is definitely No. Never brush the face or paws. You would have a hard time persuading your cat to sit for grooming ever again.

Some cats may hate grooming with a brush (even if you do stay away from their face), but as an alternative you can use a grooming mitt (sometimes known as a Love Glove or shedding glove for cats). This is just as effective as the brush and can stop hairballs from forming.

You will need to buy a good set of cat nail clippers. Knowing how to trim the claws of your cat at regular intervals ensures that they are healthy and free from dirt and infections.

It’s natural that some cats will take time to get used to the grooming process, and you will need to be patient. DIY cat grooming will help take care of your kitty and keep it healthy.

Photo: Woodenship/Flickr

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Tags cat brush cat grooming nail clippers natural cat grooming pedipaws shedding trim cat nails