You can often spot cat-owners when they pull a lint-roller matter-of-factly out of their backpack to run up and down their clothes, or perhaps when they arrive at work in a dark suit and immediately fasten a strip of tape around their hand and start dabbing at bits of fur on their pants. Shed fur is just a part of life when you live with a cat. However, there are things you can do to improve the situation somewhat.

A lot of basic grooming is taken care of by the cat itself, as it licks the fur to keep it shiny and clean and lying straight. But some cats could use help, even with that. If they shed a lot, the constant grooming can result in hairballs as they swallow massive amounts of fur. And sometimes they can’t groom well enough to undo tangles, which lead to uncomfortable mats that just keep growing.

You also need to do your share when it comes to your cat’s grooming by brushing it regularly. Try out different kinds of cat grooming tools to see which are most effective. Many cat owners swear by a brushing tool called the FURminator, which seems to go deeper and pull out more loose fur than other brushes. But whatever tool your cat tolerates best, every bit of combing and brushing you can manage on a regular basis will be a help.

Yet even with regular brushing, sometimes you will see that mats have formed. These can accumulate in spots where the cat can’t easily groom: the bottom of the tail, the inside of the hind legs, and so on. Mats can likewise develop in areas where the cat sleeps or rests, for example, along their right side if they most frequently rest on that area.

What should be done about these? They shouldn’t just be left to keep growing. Some mats get so tight that they painfully pull the skin, and sores and even infection can develop under and around them. Sometimes you can work them out, and sometimes you have to cut them.

However, if you get too close to the skin with scissors, you could cut the skin itself, and you don’t want to risk that for poor kitty. One surprisingly good tool for dealing with mats is a small, shielded razor-style letter opener. Sometimes these can be slipped right under the mat, and the razor edge inside will slice through the fur.

The main thing is that the cat’s hair is kept in good condition. By combing and keeping it free of tangles, you can help reduce hairballs, stimulate healthy growth, and give your kitty a beautiful coat it can be pleased with.

Pets are an important part of our lives and their well being is a priority. So when it comes to pet grooming information we want the best, most current and most reliable sources of information available. Whether it’s tips for dog or cat grooming you’re looking for, visit the Pets Grooming site.

categories: cat grooming,pet grooming,cats