Why Do Cats Need Grooming?

A lot of people think that cats groom themselves, so they don't need any help from their owners. However, that's not entirely true. While it's true that cats are very good at grooming themselves, there are still some things that you as an owner can do to help them out. Brushing Your Cat's Fur One of the best things you can do for your cat's coat is to brush it regularly. This will help remove any dirt, debris, or knots that might be in your cat's fur. It also helps distribute the natural oils in your cat's skin, which keeps the fur healthy and looking shiny. Most cats enjoy being brushed, but if yours is resistant, you can try using a brush with softer bristles or a comb instead. Trimming Your Cat's Nails Another important part of grooming is trimming your cat's nails. If your cat's nails get too long, they can start to curl under and grow into the pads of their feet, which can be very painful. You can buy nail trimmers at most pet stores. To trim your cat's nails, gently hold one of their paws in your hand and cut off the sharp tip of the nail with the trimmer. Don't cut too close to the quick (the pink part in the center of the nail), as this will cause bleeding and be painful for your cat. Cleaning Your Cat's Ears You should also check and clean your cat's ears on a regular basis. Earwax buildup can lead to infection, so it's important to keep the ears clean. The best way to clean your cat's ears is to use a cotton ball soaked in ear cleaner solution (you can buy this at most pet stores). Gently wipe the inside of your cat's ear with the cotton ball until it comes away clean. Avoid inserting anything into your cat's ear canal, as this could damage their eardrum. Wrapping up As you can see, there are several things that you as an owner can do to help keep your cat healthy and looking their best. Regular brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning are all important parts of grooming. So next time you're at the pet store, pick up some supplies and get started on giving your kitty the TLC they deserve!