The Cattery Chronicles: Issue 4 - Cat Grooming

​Whether you've owned your cat for a day or a year, you're probably going to find yourself with questions about your cat's grooming habits.

Here at The Cattery Cat Shelter, we do everything from bathing our cats when needed, to clipping their claws for them. This helps to keep the cats clean and hygienic for meet and greets with potential adopters. So, if you're looking for tips on keeping your cat groomed, this blog is the place to be. 

Don't see your question answered below? Just drop us a comment on this blog, and one of our team will get back to you ASAP. 

What are cat grooming wipes?

Cat grooming wipes are an essential part of every day life if you happen to have a long haired cat. Typically, breeds such as a ragdoll cat may need help cleaning up after the litter tray, thanks to their long fur.

How do you use cat grooming wipes?

 Using one hand to keep the cat in place, simply use the wipe to remove any mess of litter and excrement from the fur of the cat. You can then dispose of the soiled wipe in your normal trash bin. Do not flush the wipes.

Are cat grooming wipes safe?

Yes, cat grooming wipes are safe to use on animals. They're multi-purpose and made using animal-safe ingredients. Brands such as Burt's Bees boast animal-free testing as well as dander reducing wipes made of natural ingredients. 

How often should I clip my cats nails? ​

We recommend trimming your cat's claws at least once a month. This will keep your pet comfortable and ensure their claws don't get snagged on anything from bedding to furniture. While cats use scratching post as daily maintenance of their claws, it's important to help them out with a regular claw-trim. We recommend using nail clippers with a safety guard for the best results.

What does cat grooming include?

A typical day at the cat groomers will include: claw trimming, fur clipping and brushing, as well as a bath and ear care. While some people elect to hire cat groomers, there are many tools available for you to do this maintenance at home.

My cat has stopped grooming, is that bad? ​

If your cat has stopped looking after themselves, this may be a sign that something is wrong. Cat's have very few ways of telling us they're sick, and this can include not eating and not grooming. If your pet has stopped with their usual self-care, a veterinary check is recommended. 

When is cat grooming excessive?

Cat grooming is considered excessive when the cat is pulling tufts of fur from their body using their tongue. Excessive grooming can be a form of stress-relief, or a sign that your cat has an underlying issue, such as a skin irritant, if the grooming is localized to one spot. If your cat has been excessively grooming, we recommend a visit to the vet who will be able to advise further on both cause and treatment.  

Why are my cats grooming each other? ​

Cats will usually groom each other when they become bonded. This grooming essentially means your cats are friends, and are used as displays of affection towards each other. It's a good sign!

💡 Did You Know: you can adopt bonded pairs from The Cattery Cat Shelter? This means you'll get two cats who are already besties!

Why is cat grooming important?

Cat grooming is important for a wide variety of reasons. These include: 

• Keeping the coat healthy
• Erasing discomfort with nail care
• Reduces shedding 
• Prevents matting
• Keeps the cat hygienic, especially in the case of long-furred cats
• Makes detecting any skin related changes easier
• As well as improving ear health, and many other benefits.

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Author

Lizzie is a freelance content creator with a passion for everything feline. She is ruled by a 12-year-old ragdoll cat called Tink, who loves pillow forts and Temptations™.