However, kitten claws are soft, so they are usually filed instead of clipped. For adult cats, use specially designed cat-claw clippers - and keep them sharp and well maintained. These are available from pet shops or your vet - do not use human nail clippers or scissors!
Press your cat's paw gently between your finger and thumb to unsheathe the claw. Snip off just the transparent tip of the claw; always avoid the blood vessel in the centre of the claw; and never clip higher up than the pointed tip.
Apply silver nitrate sticks available from your vets to the claw and press with cotton wool for a moment. Silver nitrate may sting so it might be helpful to have someone else on hand. As well as dealing with the problem, your vet can advise you on how to avoid this complication in future. Contact your vet if you find anything unusual. The final step in your weekly cat grooming session is a quick brush of the teeth. You can either use a cat toothbrush or a cotton bud to rub the teeth with. Looking for more advice on cat grooming?
Check out our article on bathing your cat , next. We believe people and pets are 'Better Together'. Our programme promises to support you through every stage of your journey. Next article. Home Remedies for Cats. Daily Care for Cats. Related topics. Our experts are here to help you. Our experts are here to help. Get in touch with us directly any time, any way. Long-haired cats will likely need both a wide-toothed comb to help deal with tangles and a brush or glove to smooth and shine.
Matting is probably the toughest grooming problem and may need to be dealt with by a professional. Vet clinics often provide grooming services and will be able to provide advice about clipping.
Cats have in-built grooming tools in the form of their tongue and teeth, and usually they are fussy about self-cleaning, so regular grooming by brushing is usually sufficient. However, there will be times when your feline friend needs a little extra help in the cleaning department — for example, when he or she has come into contact with something sticky or smelly, or has become very dirty.
Never use human shampoo on cats as they are unsuitable for cat hair and may dry out their skin. For cats with dry skin, try a dry skin and conditioning shampoo. Make sure you have everything ready before bringing your cat in for a wash. The supplies that you will need include:. Start by brushing your cat and getting rid of much dirt as possible then fill the bath or sink with just enough warm — never hot — water to wash your cat.
If your cat is biting or scratching a lot during bathing, or appears to become distressed, stop bathing your cat and check with your vet for advice. You might be able to get someone else more experienced such as your vet or a groomer to bathe your cat without issues. Next, apply a small amount of cat shampoo and warm water to the dirty or stained area only.
If you are washing the full body, avoid the head area and only soap up the rest of the body. If you want to clean their face, use a damp towel to wipe it down. Never dunk their head into the water or splash water into their face. Repeat with a conditioner if you are using conditioner. Finally, set your cat on a towel and allow them to shake off excess water.
Help them along with towel drying rather than a hair dryer, as the sound might frighten your cat. Getting a professional groomer to bathe your kitty is one option if your cat absolutely hates baths, but another alternative is to use bath wipes specifically designed for cats. These wipes are designed to clean your cat like a bath, but without the water. When purchasing a cat bath wipe, always choose one with natural ingredients and without harsh chemicals. A detailed blog that explains cats eating behaviours and then provides some generalised mealtime guidelines for cats.
Check for skin problems. Whenever you brush, clip, or bathe your cat, check her skin for bumps, bald spots, or cuts. This can indicate health problems such as allergies or stress.
Some skin problems your cat may have are: Parasitic infections from fleas, ear mites, or harvest mites Fungal infections such as ringworm or yeast infections Infections from excess bacteria on the skin Viral infections such as feline cowpox Feline acne or seborrhea Immune disorders such as allergies and feline eosinophilic granuloma complex Sun damage like skin cancer Contact dermatitis Drug reactions Fur loss due to stress Trauma from accidents or collars.
Kill fleas. Fleas can make your kitty itch, lead to skin problems, or even other health issues such as having tapeworms. Recognize that fleas are the most common external parasite in pets. Remove visible ticks. Another common parasite that cats who go outside can get are ticks. These arachnids can spread serious diseases to your cat, so check her whenever your groom her or she comes indoors. Pull straight upwards in a steady motion and place the tick in a jar of rubbing alcohol for veterinary testing.
Get rid of ear mites. Tiny parasites called ear mites are also common in cats, though mostly in kittens and younger cats. Be aware that ear mites are highly contagious and other animals in your home will also require treatment.
Use your other hand to squeeze out a cotton ball drenched in ear cleaner at the opening of her ear canal. Release your cat, which may result in some shaking and dislodging of debris. After a few minutes reassure your cat and wipe any debris from her ears with a dry cotton ball. Repeat the process in the other ear.
Take care of problem scents and substances. Sometimes your cat might get herself into something, such as paint or a skunk, that leaves her especially dirty or in need of a bath.
Flush the eyes and mouth of a cat sprayed by a skunk with water and give her a bath if necessary. Cats are naturally inclined to lick themselves clean and you want to avoid this if you can. If your cat has a lot of oil on her fur, you may want to have your vet sedate and clean her.
Part 3. Your kitty should get routine checkups at a vet, which includes checking on the health of her ears. The color should be light pink. Every few weeks, your cat may need her nails trimmed. Use a clotting agent if you accidentally cut the quick. Ask a vet or groomer to clip the nails to prevent injury to your cat—or you. Offer her a scratching post and check her paws for wounds. Every cat needs clean, sharp teeth and healthy gums.
Dental disease is a common problem seen by veterinarians. Make sure her gums are firm and pink and not swollen.
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