Grooming Day
It’s no longer a dog-only activity but cats are getting into the act as well. Here are some info about grooming your cats; their importance and how you can do it at home.
Q: Why is grooming important?
A: Cats shed, no matter how longhaired or short haired. Grooming helps in getting rid f loose fur on the cat. When they lick themselves, the loose fur often gets ingested and hairballs are created within them. The presence of this foreign material can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms especially if it obstructs the pathway of food to the stomach. Grooming also helps minimize the amount of cat hair in the house especially sofas, carpets and beds.
Q: What are the advantages of bringing our cats to a professional groomer?
A: As cats can get quite agitated while being groomed at home, a professional groomer would know how to handle the cat with care, so as to not to injure or frighten the cat. From cleaning of ears, clipping the nails plush brushing and trimming of coat, they would also share any skin problems that they encounter like ticks or fleas to the owners and advise them on the appropriate action to take. If the coat were badly matted and they are unable to bathe the cats, they would try to de-mat coat as far as possible before restoring to really shaving it down.
Q: What advice to owners should they choose to groom their cats at home? What are the things they should look out for and to avoid?
A: Start grooming their cats when they are still kittens. Get them used to the brushing and clipping of nails and in time they will not be so agitated if you need to bring in for a proper grooming session. For shorthaired breeds, one can brush 2/3 times a week to get rid of loose fur. For longhaired breeds however, it’s a minimum once every other day, as they tend to shed more heavily than other breeds. Take note of areas as under the arms, belly, around the neck and behind the ears as they tend to mat more easily than others. Showering for cats, though can be traumatic experience for them and once a month would be adequate.
Answers provided are from Ms. Jacy Chia, a professional groomer who specializes in cat grooming in Singapore.
