Does My Cat Need To Be Groomed?
Cats groom themselves regularly in order to keep their bodies cool and remove dirt and debris. Most people believe that since cats spend so much time grooming themselves they do not require professional grooming. However, regular professional grooming can significantly reduce shedding, ingestion of hair (hairballs) and matting of the fur.
Long-haired cats can become severely matted if they are not brushed regularly. When their fur is dirty it is even more likely to become matted. When a cat is matted, bathing them can actually make the knots worse. This happens because as their fur dries, the knots tighten against the skin. This causes your cat severe discomfort. Any knots or mats must be removed prior to bathing with the help of good quality clippers and NEVER scissors!
A cat’s skin is much thinner than a human’s or a dog’s skin. It is so thin in fact that if it is accidentally nicked with a clipper blade it can tear just like tissue paper. This is why using clippers on a cat should be left to a professional groomer that has experience working with cats.
Cats have very different grooming needs than dogs. Only certain shampoos are meant for use on cats. Using the wrong shampoo can cause severe skin irritation and other major health issues. For example, certain flea shampoos designed for use on dogs can enter your cat’s bloodstream through their pores, poisoning their body from the outside in. Similarly, if the shampoo is not properly rinsed then your cat will likely ingest the residue when they groom themselves after their bath. Professional cat groomers know which shampoos are best for use on cats.
Cats must also have their nails trimmed at least every four to six weeks. Regular nail trims reduce the sharpness of claws, decreasing the amount of damage that your cat can do to your furniture.
Cats have very special needs when it comes to grooming. An ideal cat groomer understands these needs and knows exactly how to make your cat’s grooming experience as stress-free as possible. One way of accomplishing this is by designating a special area that your cat is familiar with. A cat carrier provides a safe place where your cat can relax away from any dogs that are being groomed at the same time. When you provide your own cat carrier for your cat groomer, your cat can rest in an area that is free from any unfamiliar scents. Another excellent option for cats is mobile grooming.
Claws N Paws Day Spa has many years of experience grooming cats in Orange County, California. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 714-962-1005.
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