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By Jonathan Croswell
How to Groom a Cat
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By Jonathan Croswell
OverviewCat grooming may not have the television audience dog grooming does, but try to tell your household feline it doesn’t matter as much. Cats are notorious for their constant licking and washing of themselves, as well as their abhorrence of water. But grooming isn’t just for looks. Cats need regular maintenance to keep your house clean and pet dander at a minimum. It can also protect your furniture and help prevent skin conditions and parasites like fleas or lice.Step 1Choose a time when your cat is relaxed, such as after eating or exercising. Limit your grooming sessions to 5 to 10 minutes at first, and don’t force your cat into grooming if it seems anxious or stressed.Step 2Brush your cat once a week if it has short hair. Long-haired cats may need daily brushing. Go against the grain to pick up loose or dead hair, as well as to break up any mats or knots, but always finish your brushing with the grain.Step 3Fill a tub or sink with 3 to 4 inches of room-temperature water. Place your cat in the water and gently spray it down. Gently massage shampoo into your cat’s fur, then rinse with water. Dry it with a towel.Step 4Clip your cat’s claws by gently squeezing each toe, causing the claws to extend. Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut the nail at the point where it starts to curl.skill3ingredientGrooming brush or comb
Pet-approved mild shampoo
Sharp scissors
Styptic powderingredientsGrooming brush or combingredientsPet-approved mild shampooingredientsSharp scissorsingredientsStyptic powdertipBecause cats’ paws are rarely touched, your cat may become scared or shocked when you try to handle them to clip the nails. Spend time beforehand touching and rubbing your cat’s paws, making it comfortable with the feeling.tipsBecause cats’ paws are rarely touched, your cat may become scared or shocked when you try to handle them to clip the nails. Spend time beforehand touching and rubbing your cat’s paws, making it comfortable with the feeling.warningYour cat will probably dislike the bath. It may help to have another person there when bathing.
Avoid cutting the quick, a vein running into the nail. If you do hit the quick, apply styptic powder to stop the bleeding.warningsYour cat will probably dislike the bath. It may help to have another person there when bathing.warningsAvoid cutting the quick, a vein running into the nail. If you do hit the quick, apply styptic powder to stop the bleeding.keywordgroom cat bath claws brushkeywordsgroomkeywordscatkeywordsbathkeywordsclawskeywordsbrushResourcesreferenceASPCA.org
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