Fix That Fur! 4 Reasons To Groom Your Cat

Cats are fastidious creatures. They spend large portions of each day meticulously grooming themselves with tongue and paws, so you might be tempted to think, "I don't need to groom my cat." However, proper grooming is essential to your cat's health and well-being. Here are four reasons you should have your cat groomed:

1. Minimize shedding

Cats regularly shed their undercoats. This can leave unwanted fur all over your home, clothes, and furniture. Yuck! While you can't prevent shedding, you can keep fur from getting everywhere. Take your cat to the pet groomer every few months to have your cat professionally bathed and groomed in order to keep stray fur at bay. In between trips to the groomer, you should brush your cat everyday to keep shedding manageable.

2. Prevent hairballs

Cats are infamous for coughing up hairballs, those wet, smelly lumps of fur and saliva. Hairballs occur when cats lick and swallow their own fur. Cats cannot digest fur and hair, so inevitably, the whole mass comes back up. While hairballs are not usually dangerous, they can sometimes cause constipation or stomach upset in cats. Luckily, these problems are easily avoided by having your cat groomed regularly.

3. Stop mats before they start

If you've ever gotten caught in a strong wind with long hair, you know what a pain knotted hair can be! Cat fur can get tangled in a similar fashion. While matted fur is more common in long-haired breeds, iu can happen to any cat. Mats are usually a symptom of neglect and poor grooming habits. They can be itchy and painful for your cat and may even need to be cut out. If your cat has matted fur, don't try to handle it yourself. Instead, take your pet to a reputable groomer. A cat groomer will be able to expertly detangle your cat's fur, working mats free in the gentlest and manner possible.

4. Bonding time

Grooming your cat can be an excellent bonding time for both of you to enjoy together. Especially when cats are used to grooming from a young age, they can grow to really enjoy it. If you and your cat are new to grooming, start by doing a little at a time. Brush the areas that are well-tolerated by your cat, such as its back and flanks. If your cat is agitated, stop and try again later. You don't want your cat to associate grooming with unpleasant feelings.

Cat grooming is an important part of caring for your feline. It's just as important as feeding and playing with your cat. Start a grooming routine with your pet today. Consider getting in touch with a professional grooming service like Town & Country Kennel Inc., as well, for more tips.

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