Winter Grooming Tips For Cats
Cat Grooming for The Chilly Season
Ah, the air is changing, sweaters are coming as we protect ourselves from the fall chill, and while we know how to transition into the new season, our little furry friends have needs too. We thought we’d do a blog on how to groom our cats for the coming winter months. Yes, cats are no stranger to grooming (for hours it seems). However, there are a few tips we should share to help them be their best and most comfortable for the next few months.
Cats know instinctively how to groom themselves to keep their coats clean, smooth and healthy by distributing their natural oils through the endless licks we wonder at. It seems they are always cleaning themselves! But this means their dandruff and shedding, so it’s a good thing. This increases as the months move into a chill in the air and the decorative pumpkins come out.
What Can You Do to Help Your Cat?
Short-haired cats don’t need as much maintenance as long hair, usually a quick brush once a week will do. Age plays a factor as well. As a long hair cat gets older, it won’t groom itself as often, so it’s up to us to help these cats out on a regular basis.
Firstly, we recommend once in a while saving yourself some time (and maybe a few scratches or the cold shoulder for a few days) by letting us spoil your kitty for you. We love grooming cats, have lots of experience and the best technology and tools to make your kitty purr and look like a show cat. In the meantime, here’s what you can do on a daily basis for your cat…
Start slowly! And gently. Pay attention to the cues of when to stop: the flicking of their tail, lowering eyes, low growl and ears back. Should things get a little “hairy” between you two, add a spoonful of coconut oil as a tasty bribe—plus, ingesting this emollient, antibacterial superfood helps skin and hair gleam with radiance—especially important for maintaining short-coated pets’ insulation against the cold.
Regular brushing and monitoring of your cat’s coat will help prevent mats from developing and improve overall coat health.
Use a flea comb for the underneath hair to remove loose hair, matted hair and lift away dead undercoat hair.
After brushing, rub a spoonful of coconut oil between your palms and massage with your hands; this will encourage a glossy coat and remove any loose hair your brush missed, so it can’t start forming new mats.
Cats’ ears are extremely delicate and easily damaged. Healthy ears should be clean and free of odor, without redness or discharge. Check regularly for dirt, leaves, twigs, etc however, we stress not putting anything inside your cats’ ears in order to clean them. Leave that to the professionals. That’s where we come in.
Keep an eye on their movements because their joints (especially for arthritic and older cats) can become sore during the cold months just like it does for us. Due to such soreness, they groom themselves less and that’s the time their bodies will be super sensitive to the touch, so go gently.
It’s up to you to keep an eye on them and their condition as the temps drop and the air gets drier. If your cat seems to be neglecting their fur (due to old age or having the winter blahs), bring them to us and we’ll shave problem areas, cut out bad mats and tend to the key areas that need attention during the winter months.
Cozy Up With Kitty
So, don’t feel bad if you need to take your cat to a professional groomer. It just means that you’re looking out for your cat’s health and helping them be as comfortable as possible. Winter months are a time to snuggle and cozy up with our feline friends and we’re here to help you build that precious bond with your cat.
