This week, we’re bringing you this awesome infographic on cat grooming. Remember, if you’re looking for cat grooming in Miami, Scottie Paws has you covered!

Let’s start with a knowledge check. True or false: cats groom themselves and never need professional grooming.

The answer? Both true and false! While cats are great self-groomers, they do need help sometimes. This week, we’re tackling cat grooming best practices — and including a great infographic for you, too!

Let’s start with brushing

Brushing has a lot of great benefits for your feline friend. Because brushing is enjoyed by many (but not all) cats, it helps strengthen the physical bond between the two of you. Beyond that, it also has several great health and beauty benefits, including increased blood flow and shinier fur. Brushing also helps remove dead hair, dirt, dust, and fleas, and can prevent hairballs!

Tools

• De-shedding combs with alternating teeth (found at Scottie Paws!)
• Slicker brush
• Alternative for nervous kitties: grooming glove!

Brushing short haired cats

• Brush once a week
• Use comb and start head to tail
• Use slicker brush for chest and belly (if the cat allows it!)

Brushing long-haired cats

• Brush daily to prevent matting
• Use comb for lets and belly (if the cat allows it!)
• Use slicker brush on the rest of the body, brushing upward to fluff the hair
• For the tail, gently brush down the length of the tail
• Gently detangle any knots you find

We all know the saying “curiosity killed the cat”. Cats are curious by nature, so be sure to let your cat inspect the brushes before using them. Be gentle when brushing and listen to your cat! If they are uncomfortable or don’t allow you to brush a certain section — like the belly — stop.

More serious matting may require the help of a professional groomer. And you’re in luck! Scottie Paws in Miami offers cat grooming to help your feline friend look and feel their best.

Pawdicures

Regular nail trims are an important part of cat grooming. Not only will it save your furniture and hands during playtime, but nail trims will also help prevent snagging. If your cat does snag their nail on something, they can hurt themselves when trying to break free.

Tools

• Small pet nail clipper or file
• Scratching posts — scratching is a natural and normal cat behavior, and providing designated scratching posts will save your furniture!
• Styptic pencil

Clipping your cat’s nails

• Wait for your cat to be relaxed. When I started clipping my cat’s nails at home, I waited for her to be asleep or in chill mode.
• Position kitty with their butt in your lap and their back to you (like a sitting baby)
• Cat claws are retractable. In order to reveal the claw, gently squeeze the paw just behind the nail.
• When looking at the nail, you’ll see the quick, a reddish triangle inside the nail. Avoid this and clip a bit above that area.
• Clipping the quick is painful so be careful! If you do clip it accidentally, use a styptic pencil to stop the bleeding.
• Provide treats and pets when done

You may not be able to clip all the nails in one go. That’s okay! Take it slow and do only what the cat will allow.

Skip declawing

Nails are a natural first line of defense for cats. Declawing removes not just the nail but the entire first knuckle — imagine living without the first knuckle on all your fingers and toes! Because you’re removing an important defense, declawed cats can display increased signs of aggression, including biting and hissing.

Scratching posts, regular nail trims, and even cat nail caps are a great, healthy alternative to declawing.

You may prefer to hire a professional to trim your cat’s nails. Professional groomers know all the right techniques to provide a quick and effective nail trim, and keeps you from having to do it. When looking for cat grooming in Miami, give Scottie Paws a call!

Cat Baths

I know what you’re thinking. You’ve watched your cat carefully lick themselves for hours, how could they possibly need a bath?

While it’s true that cats have special tools to keep themselves clean (their tongues actually have “spines” made of keratin — just like human nails!), there comes a time when kitty may need an extra hand. If you need to get something off your cat’s coat — like if, for example, they rubbed on something potentially toxic — or if you have an obese kitty who can’t fully groom themselves, bath-time may be the best solution.

Tools

• Non-slip mat to keep them from slipping
• Cat-specific shampoo. Check the label — not all pet shampoos are safe for our feline friends

Bathing your cat

Ensure your cat’s nails are trimmed and they’ve been brushed ahead of their bath. Use a cup or pitcher to wet your cat’s coat with warm water. Pro-tip: if it feels hot to you, it’s too hot for your cat. Lather their body and be careful to avoid their eyes, ears, and face.

I’ll be honest — bathing a cat is hard! It is made easier with the help of a second person or with the help of a grooming professional.

As with all grooming, it is best to expose your cat to it when they’re young, whether you’re doing it yourself or leaving it to the pros. Keep sessions short, provide treats and praise, and make the experience a happy one!