A good grooming session will certainly work wonders on your furball. By nature, cats are renowned to be fastidious groomers. However, even if your pet can manage his grooming needs, he will still benefit from some grooming help from you.

 

What does it mean to groom a cat?

Grooming sessions should be positive experiences. They should be fun and enjoyable for both of you. Grooming assistance should be introduced as early as possible so your kitty will get used to having his hair combed, his tooth brushed, his ears cleaned, and nails trimmed regularly. Make each grooming session something to look forward to with lots of positive reinforcements including your cat’s favorite treats. Schedule a grooming session when you and your cat are relaxed, perhaps after playing together or after a meal. If you are in a bad mood or have been through a stressful day, grooming your cat won’t be a good idea. Cats are extremely sensitive creatures, and they can feed on the vibes of their humans.

 

The first grooming sessions should be kept short (about 5-10 minutes), just enough time to give your cat a feel of the regimen. Gradually extend the time of each grooming session until your cat is used to the routine. It is important for pet cats to get used to being handled. When cuddling with your kitty, make a habit of touching his ears, belly, tail, feet, and back.

 

Bathing your pet cat

Most cats do not really need a bath except when they get into something icky, greasy, or smelly. Unfortunately, most cats hate baths. It is a good idea to have another person to help you. Always be quick to offer your pet a treat after each session. In this way, your cat will associate grooming sessions with his favorite treats and other rewards for desired behavior.

 

Brushing your cat’s hair coat

Regular hair brushing sessions keep your cat’s hair and skin in good condition. It removes dirt and debris while spreading the natural skin oils throughout your pet hair coat. Brushing also prevents the formation of mats and tangles. Short-haired cats will benefit from a weekly brushing while long-haired ones will need brushing every day or several times a day during periods of heavy shedding.

The type of grooming tools that you will need will depend to a large extent on the type and length of your pet’s hair coat. Be sure to know what each grooming tool is used for and how to use it properly. A bristle or rubber brush is generally used to remove any dead and loose hair before they can fall off from the cat’s body. This is one way to minimize cat hairs around your home. Be extra gentle when brushing your pet’s chest and belly.

When brushing a long-haired cat, start by using a metal comb on her belly and legs, untangling any knots that you may find. Next, use a bristle or rubber brush to brush your pet’s hair coat in an upward motion. When brushing the cat’s tail, part the hair on the middle and brush out the hair on either side.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to groom a cat?

In Singapore, the average cost for grooming a cat ranges from $70 - $120. The cat grooming cost details include bathing, nail clipping, and fur trimming. The cost will also depend on several factors such as the size of the cat, transportation, service packages, frequency, temperament, and location.

 

Is it good to groom your cat?

Yes, it is important to groom your cat! This is because it:

  • Decreases the occurrence of mat, tangles, and hairballs.
  • It is an opportunity to check your pet for any lumps, bumps, skin irritations, and other skin issues.
  • A healthy skin and hair coat can contribute significantly to your pet’s overall health.
  • Grooming is also a wonderful opportunity to create a long and close bond with your pet.

 

How can I calm my cat down for grooming?

Some cats hate grooming and will try their best to avoid one. Many cat parents have ended up with bites and scratches from trying to give their pet cats a bath or a nail trim. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep a cat calm for grooming. These include the following:

  • Play with your cat before a grooming session so he will be tired after burning some energy.
  • Schedule grooming sessions after a meal when your cat is full and mellower.
  • Use natural preparations with sedative-like effects such as synthetic pheromones that are available as sprays, collars, wipes, or plug-in diffusers.
  • Using a body wrap or towel wrap that is fitted around a cat’s torso, like swaddling an infant.
  • Use of food supplements that help cats combat anxiety or stress.
  • Homeopathic preparations to treat anxiety in cats.
  • Natural herb, such as chamomile, valerian, and passionflower.
  • In extreme cases, your veterinarian may prescribe sedatives or even general anesthesia if there are no other options that would work.