Pretty Kitty: Easy Tips for Grooming Your Finicky Feline

by Kymberlie Adams

When it comes to personal hygiene, cats are on the mark-they wash their faces after every meal, file their nails on scratching posts and use their tongues as bath sponges. That being said, even the most fastidious felines can use a bit of help to look and feel their best.

Unfortunately, many cats find grooming unpleasant – and who can blame them? It can involve hair pulling, getting soaked with water, and all kinds of scary-looking tools. However, with a few simple tips and a little positive reinforcement, your kitty will be showing off her pampered paws in no time!

Positive reinforcement is the name of the game when it comes to teaching your feline new behaviors. If your cat learns to associate brushing, bathing and nail trimming with wonderful goodies-like tasty treats, catnip toys or belly rubs, she may actually learn to enjoy the spa-like treatments.

Grooming sessions can also be a great time to bond with your kitty and should be fun for both of you. Be sure to schedule them when your cat’s relaxed, perhaps after exercise or eating. Keep in mind, a little patience can go a long way. If your cat is extremely stressed out, cut the session short and try again when she’s calmer.

Here are a few other great tips to help guide you through some of the more common kitty grooming tasks:

Bath Time

Suzi Duke / CC BY-SA 2.0

As a rule, cats don’t need frequent baths. But if your cat’s extra dirty, you may need to give her a good old scrub in the tub. If that’s the case, your feline would prefer a minimal amount of water and a wash cloth to do the job. Using a shampoo formulated especially for cats is also important. While human shampoos aren’t toxic to pets, many contain fragrances or other substances that can irritate pets’ skin, drying it out and destroying their natural oils.

Brushing 101

Pieter Lanser / CC BY 2.0

Brushing your cat’s fur is one of the easiest things you can do to help maintain her stunning looks-it’s also one of the most essential. Proper combing removes dead hair and skin, helps spread natural oils throughout her coat and prevents tangles from forming. It also reduces the risk of those icky hairballs, which are a nuisance and can create harmful intestinal blockages. For cats with short hair, weekly brushings should be enough to keep their coats in tip-top shape. Those with longer tresses may require more sessions with the brush. Be sure to match the comb or brush to your cat’s coat type.

Nail Trimming
While this task can seem quite daunting, trimming your cat’s nails is vital to her well-being. If nails get too long, they can easily break, causing pain and infection. Most people really don’t handle their cats’ feet until they are about to clip the nails, but it’s a good idea to get your cat used to having her feet touched before you attempt a trim. Be sure to use only professional-grade cat nail clippers and only clip the hook of the nail. If you’re not sure how to go about the chore or if your cat downright refuses to let you clip her claws, ask your vet or a professional groomer for assistance.