Benefits of cat grooming for your cat and you
January 14, 2023
Whilst we know cats love to groom themselves, they could always use a little extra help! How often you brush your cat depends on the length of their coat – long-haired varieties need grooming daily while cats with shorter coats will be fine with a weekly brush.
Here’s the lowdown from the veterinary nurses at The Hampshire Vet in Hampshire, on the benefits to both your cat and you, of a regular grooming routine. Still got questions? We’re here to help when you contact us for more advice.
Although cats are generally very good at taking care of their personal hygiene, sometimes the job is just too big – we’re talking thick coats, matted fur, tired from a day of sleeping… you get it. Poorly and elderly cats may struggle to take good care of themselves, and sometimes even healthy cats can do with a helping hand. This is where you come in.
Why is grooming beneficial?
According to The Hampshire Vet’s nurses, grooming a cat can be beneficial for both the cat and the person doing the grooming.
Your cat’s health and wellbeing
Our head nurse says that for your cat, regular grooming helps to maintain their overall health and wellbeing. It can help to remove loose hair and dander, which can reduce shedding and improve their coat condition. Removing moulting fur also helps to reduce the risk of your cat getting a hairball, which can cause problems in the intestine.
Cat grooming helps to keep their skin and coat clean and healthy too and can prevent the build-up of excess oils and dirt.
A grooming session can also help you to identify any potential health issues. Our nurses recommend you keep a look out for:
- Unusual lumps and bumps
- Changes in their coat or skin
- Fleas or flea dirt
If you notice anything unusual, you should call our Short Copse Lane surgery on 01256 639707 to book a check-up for your cat. This can help to catch any potential health issues early and get your cat the treatment they need.
Calming benefits for you
Grooming your cat could also be very good for you too. The act of cat grooming can be a calming and relaxing experience in humans; it can help to reduce stress and promote feelings of wellbeing. The bonding time between you and your cat can also improve your relationship and strengthen the bond between you.
Which cats need grooming?
Essentially, all cats need grooming, but the frequency can be determined by the length of coat and age of the cat.
The Hampshire Vet’s nurses have these recommendations:
- Long-haired cats need daily brushing to ensure they are keeping on top of knots, dirt, and debris in their fur.
- Short-haired cats can benefit from weekly brushing.
- Older cats will benefit from some extra help with their grooming routine, but remember to be extra gentle.
If your cat doesn’t seem happy about being groomed, it would be worth bringing them in for a check-up to make sure there is nothing medically wrong. Call us to book an appointment on 01256 639707.
What should be in your grooming kit?
As grooming is a good time to check your cat for fleas, it’s wise to make a flea comb part of your grooming kit, along with a soft brush and/or a grooming glove. If you are struggling to remove matted fur, the vet nurses at our practice in Basingstoke can help.
Overall, grooming your cat can help to support their health and wellbeing, and help you spot any issues – as well as being relaxing for you both!
If you spot anything you think could be cause for concern, we are just on the end of a phone, 01256 639707 or you can book an appointment here.
