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 worst
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.