Anyone who has a cat knows how independent and carefree they are. Getting a cat to do something it doesn’t want to do can be a battle of wits, and that includes grooming. Grooming your cat can be quite the chore if you don’t start when it is a very young kitten and keep it up regularly. Although kitty self-grooms itself, creating all those fur balls, which cannot take the place of what you can do. Grooming your cat is not for appearance as much as it is for his health. The friendly staff at your local Rockford-area Petsmart or Petco can give you tips to groom your cat as well as the tools needed for the job.
With all that self-grooming, the fur balls can cause digestive problems for your feline. Bathing and grooming your cat can help to reduce the fur ball problems as well as maintain healthy eyes, ears, nails and teeth.
The short-haired cat will not have the same grooming needs as the long-haired breeds, yet the requirements for eyes, ears, nails and teeth care remain the same. Some cats, especially those with the pushed in faces and large eyes, have problems with tearing. When the tears are in contact with the air, they turn colors and form into a tacky substance under the eye. Irritation and infection can form if not cleaned regularly. Use a warm, soft wash cloth to wipe the teary area under the eye often. If the tear matter is caked on, dampen it to let the moisture from the cloth soak in for a few minutes and wipe gently away. Hold your cat’s head and wipe across each eye lid as well, being careful not to rub and irritate the eyeball.
Use cotton balls with an ear cleaning solution to clean in and around the ear canal. Avoid using cotton swabs without special care. You don’t want to damage the ear drum. Your veterinarian can help you with the proper way to clean the ears, cut the nails and brush the teeth. The process is easy to manage once you know how to do so.
Brushing a cat’s teeth may seem futile but doesn’t have to be once you know how to do it and can start your cat as a young kitten. You will need a small soft-bristle toothbrush or finger brush and flavored toothpaste for your cat. Brush the teeth weekly to avoid buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth and gums which can easily turn into a periodontal disease. Without proper oral hygiene, the bacteria created can get into your pet’s bloodstream and affect its health.
Cutting your cat’s nails may not need to be done as often as brushing the teeth or maintaining the ears, but it is just as important. Cat nail clippers will be needed along with some quick stop in case a nail gets clipped too short. Letting the nails grow too long can be detrimental when it comes to your cat walking, jumping and climbing without pain and discomfort.
How often you brush and bathe your cat depends on the length and density of the coat. The short-haired cat will not need baths and brushing as often as the medium or long-haired felines. Long hair should be brushed weekly to avoid mats. Along with a brush, you will need to comb out the fur to check for any knots.
Bathe your kitten as soon as you get it so it can get used to the bathing and grooming process. Always use warm water and special feline shampoo. Lather and rinse very well. Towel dry. If you do start at an early age, your cat can learn to “love” the grooming procedure and it is important for their health. Grooming can be a bonding and helpful time for both you and your cat.
http://www.petplace.com/cats/grooming-your-cat-2/page1.aspx http://cat.lifetips.com/cat/55799/cat-care-and-grooming/index.html
For all your pets needs and accessories in the Rockford area, go to your local PETCO - 6305 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108, (815) 229-0184 - Petco or your local PETSMART - 6320 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108, (815) 397-7880 - Petsmart -PETLAND, (815) 332-4200 - Petland
For many of your pet essentials, visit your local Rockford-area CVS pharmacies. There are four convenient locations - 3134 11th Street, Rockford, IL 61109, (815)398-0048 - 110 S Alpine Rd, Rockford, IL 61108 - 3718 Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103, (815)877-9620 - 2454 S. Alpine Rd., Rockford, IL 61108, (815)399-5421 - CVS Pharmacy
For Rockford, Illinois and area residents, if you need great care for your furry best friends, while on vacation, at work or anytime, check out this site at Domesti Staffing Pet Care. You can contact Carol with any questions at Domestic Staffing Contact. She is quick with her responses. For other great local pet care – go to - Pet Care in Rockford, Happy Paws Pet Care, Dave’s Doggie Den Pet Care.
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