Cats are notorious for keeping themselves clean. Unlike their stinky canine counterparts, they are typically very methodical in their daily grooming. However, long-haired cats and cats with health issues often need help keeping neat and clean.
Long-haired cats frequently need grooming. The best time to start grooming a long-haired cat is when you bring it home from the breeder or pet rescue. Start with short sessions. Gently run a comb or brush through your cat’s hair. Offer a treat to make the experience more appealing. Never force your cat to hold still, or be rough with the grooming. If your cat becomes agitated, take a break and try again later. Begin by grooming your cat in areas he or she normally likes to be petted such as under their chin, between their ears, and along their back. Always run the comb in the same direction the cat’s hair goes. As your cat becomes accustomed to the brush or comb, increase the length of grooming sessions and try using the comb on more sensitive areas of the cat. Matting is most likely to be found behind the elbows and on either side of the tail base along the hindquarters. Make sure you thoroughly groom your cat, short haired cats with thin coats may only need to be groomed every 1-2 weeks, but long haired cats, or cats with a thick undercoat may need to be groomed every day.
If you find a mat on your cat do not reach for scissors. Mats are uncomfortable, cats unaccustomed to grooming will not be cooperative, and mats can be very close to the skin, which is very delicate making it extremely easy to accidentally cut their skin. It is imperative to take care of the mat as soon as it is discovered. A wide tooth comb can be used to work out small mats. Hold your hand on the cat’s skin, near the mat. Slowly and gently work the wide tooth comb through the mat. If your cat becomes agitated, give it a break and try again later. If you are unable to gently remove the mat with the comb, you can try clippers. Small, quiet battery operated clippers are usually less offensive to a cat. However, if your cat has not seen clippers before, you will need to slowly introduce them, with several small sessions, and treats to make it more appealing.
Cats with large mats, mats over several areas of their body or cats intolerant to clippers at home should be groomed at a veterinary clinic. The veterinarian can give injectable sedation, so the cat will not be as mobile. This prevents that cat from moving, getting a clipper rash, and allows the assistant to perform a neat, professional groom. If your cat has many, tight, mats this is the only option to remove the matted hair.
It is vital to the cat’s health to remove the mats. Not only are mats uncomfortable for the cat, but the cat may also suffer from skin infections or circulation issues due to matted hair. Cats who previously kept themselves well groomed and now shave mats may need to be evaluated by a veterinarian. Matted cats may not be feeling well enough to groom themselves, whether they are suffering from arthritis or they are experiencing an internal health issue. Cats who are obese will not be able to reach their hindquarters or back to self groom.
A clean, well kept coat is an indicator of your pet’s health. If you find your cat is greasy, flaking or has matted hair please call our clinic today to schedule both a comprehensive health exam and a hygienic shave.