Healthy skin and a healthy coat
An important part of keeping your cat in great condition is
making sure she has a healthy skin and coat. The amount of
grooming your cat needs will vary depending on her breed, but
generally the more hair a cat has, the more brushing and
grooming she needs, but all cats will benefit from a good
grooming regime. Cats use their tongues and teeth to groom
themselves, but this causes them to swallow hair. This hair is
not digested and can form hairballs. These are typically
eliminated with the stool or be thrown up, which can be an
unpleasant surprise. However, the worsed case is that they may
cause a blockage in your cat's intestines, which may require
surgery. One of the most effective ways to reduce hairballs is
regular grooming and provide a food with an appropriate level
of fibre. D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself) grooming
This is a great opportunity to spend time with your cat and
build the bond between you and your cat. Some cats enjoy being
brushed, whilst others need a little encouragement. It's a good
idea to have some snacks or kibbles close by so that when you
start brushing you can give these occasionally (without
overfeeding the cat) as a reward for calm behaviour. For some
cats it may be enough to reward them with extra cuddles. To
groom your cat at home you'll need the right equipment. There
are many types of brushes and combs available, so ask your
veterinarian or groomer for advice on which will most suit your
cat's coat. Brush regularly Long haired breeds
will need to be brushed regularly - ideally every day - to help
keep the coat in good condition and prevent tangles which can
be difficult and painful to remove. Even if you have a short
haired cat, brushing helps promote a healthy skin and gives you
the opportunity to check for signs of skin irritation or lumps.
Start by gently brushing in the direction of the hair growth.
You may need to untangle knots with your fingers or carefully
using scissors. If your cat shows signs of discomfort or
stress, don't push things. It's better to have a number of
short grooming sessions where your cat is at ease, rather than
getting involved in a struggle that may result in your cat
being afraid of the sight of the brush! Bath
time Cats do a good job of keeping themselves clean,
so it's not usually necessary to give them regular baths.
However, for treating certain skin conditions, or if your cat
has got herself particularly dirty, you may need to bathe her.
Always use a specially formulated cat shampoo and make sure the
water is not too hot or too cold. Many cats don't like being
bathed, so you may need someone to help. Be as calm as possible
and gently work from the head down to the tail. Thoroughly
rinse out the shampoo and then wrap her in a soft towel and be
sure to dry her off well - and when you've finished, don't
forget to give here a big reward! The right
nutrition Another important aspect of maintaining a
healthy coat is nutrition. Hair is mostly made of protein, and
the better your cat's nutrition, the better her coat will be.
Foods with a good quality protein as well as rich in vitamins,
minerals and essential fatty acids (namely, omega-3 fatty acids
and omega-6 fatty acids) are particularly good for your cat's
coat and skin health. If your cat's coat is dull or greasy, or
her skin is dry and flaky, then her nutrition may be to blame.
Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about which food she would
recommend for your cat's healthy skin and coat.