When you think of pet grooming, your mind probably jumps straight to dogs. But it’s actually just as important to pamper our feline friends, too. While cats do a pretty good job cleaning themselves most of the time, they still need some extra help.
Brushing your cat is one of the key ways to keep them happy and healthy. When you help remove some of their excess hair, they’re less likely to cough up those nasty hairballs. Plus, regular brushing can help reduce the amount of fur that gets left on your clothes and furniture. But don’t just pick up any old brush. Make sure you get one that reaches down to the undercoat to help brush away all that excess hair.
If you have a longer-haired cat like a Persian or Siberian, just brushing at home might not be enough. That long, soft fur sometimes requires professional attention. A professional groomer can help make sure your cat’s fur doesn’t get matted or tangled and may even give your cat a nice haircut to make that coat more manageable.
Proper paw care is another main area to focus on. Just like humans, cats need to make sure their nails don’t grow too long. Some cats wear down their nails themselves by scratching, but others might need your help. Clipping your cat’s nails is a delicate process, one that’s sometimes left to the professionals. A groomer really comes in handy here because they know how to clip those claws as smoothly as possible without causing any excess stress for your kitty.
Everyone always says that cats clean themselves, but sometimes that’s not enough. If your cat rolls in something sticky or just plain smells bad, it’s definitely time to give them a bath. This is especially true for older cats who may not be able to completely groom themselves. Most cats hate baths, so this might be another good opportunity to check out your local groomer.
PetSmart has locations all over the country and they offer different cat grooming packages starting at around $30. If you’re looking for a groomer that makes house calls, Spiffy Kitty in NYC can get the job done for a few hundred bucks. No matter where you go, it’s important that your groomer has experience with cats and knows the best ways to handle them.
If your pretty kitty is looking a little rough, it might be time for a little TLC. Whether you do it yourself or go to a professional, cat grooming is a necessary part of keeping your pet happy, healthy, and handsome.