Grooming

Some of the most frequently asked questions we receive are about grooming, claw trimming and bathing cats. Below are a few quick tips and video footage from one of our grooming experts to demonstrate technique.

Tools needed for grooming cats with long hair:
You will have to try different tools until you find what works best for your cat’s particular hair thickness and texture, but the following are good places to start:

• Comb
• Shedding comb
• Pin brush
• Slicker brush
• Coat spray (water is fine) to reduce static

How to groom long-haired cats
Some cats enjoy the grooming process, others do not. Have all your tools ready beforehand-even the most tolerant of cats is not going to wait while you go and get the comb. You can either put the cat on a grooming table in front of you, or any table or counter with a towel or non-skid mat.

Nails first: Remove only the curved part, just the tips. Cat nails are translucent, so even if they are not white you should be able to see where the quick (the blood supply) occurs in the nail. Make sure not to trim too close to the quick (see video 2).

Combing: Use a comb with medium spacing, or one with medium on one end and coarse spacing on the other. Gently comb through, checking to see if you have left any snags, and use the comb to remove excess undercoat. Be gentle. Combs with blunt ends or with rotating teeth are greatly effective and produce less tugging. The shedding comb, with uneven length teeth, is ideal for removing excess undercoat and some cats mind it less.

If your cat is upset by any portion of the grooming, change to doing something he doesn’t mind for a few moments, or just pet him. Give him a treat and end the session. Next time, work just a few moments longer before stopping. Before you know it you will both be enjoying your special time together.