Cat grooming plays a big part in caring for your pet and also means your cat gets to look and feel great. Cat grooming allows you to bond with your pet and observe any signs of health problems. Here we discuss Importance and Ways Of Cat Grooming at home as well.
Cat grooming typically refers to when a cat licks its coat. Some call this behavior washing, cleaning, or just licking their fur. When grooming, cats often move on to lick whoever is next to them, which is often another cat, but it could also be a dog or any other animal. Cats can be groomed by professionals or at home with the proper kits and expertise. The cost of cat grooming can range between $20 to $200. Here we discuss Importance and Ways Of Cat Grooming at home as well.
Cat Grooming Services, Products, and Their Costs
If you prefer grooming your cats by yourself at home instead of going to a professional, this is for you. Below are some great products for doing this efficiently from the comfort of your home.
Cat Wipes: this is usually hyper-sensitive and has no fragrance. It ensures ragweeds, dirt, and saliva remnants are safely removed. It is on Amazon for $20.
A FURminator: it reaches below the topcoat of the cat to gently remove its loose hairs and also reduce shedding. It is on Amazon for $32.
A Mat Removing Comb: if your cat is having a hard time removing the mats from her fur, this is a great tool. If the mats are in places the cat cannot reach, this can also be used. It is on Petco for $9.
Cat Grooming Post: this requires little or no effort from a cat owner. The cat rubs itself on the bristles and this automatically removes loose fur while giving it a good massage. It is on Amazon or Petco for $6.
Pet Nail Clippers: this has been approved by various top veterinarians. It is used to clip the cat’s nails so they do not overgrow and injure it or other people around it but it has to be done carefully to ensure some sensitive nerves in the cat are not clipped. It is on Amazon for $8.
Dental Kit: it is specially designed to fit into the cat’s tiny mouth. Regular oral care and dental visits can reduce the chance of oral diseases. It helps to remove the buildup of bacteria in its mouth. It is on Amazon for $9.54.
Tips To Successfully Groom Your Cat At Home
Start while they are still very young: it is very advisable to start while they are still kittens. It feels natural to them because their mothers usually groom them and it helps them to get used to being touched and held. Older cats can be trained by handling them more but starting while they are young is preferable.
Brushing them regularly: brushing them weekly or 2-3 times per week helps to avoid matting (matting is a situation whereby longhaired cats get their fur knotted and entangled). A good comb or bristle brush is very vital to do this properly.
Clip their claws frequently: a lot of cats have overgrown nails which could lead to an injury. Your cat should be okay with you touching their paws and used to the feeling for a few weeks before you clip. To make it easier, play with its feet before you start. Once you’re both ready, start by clipping a little at a time while avoiding the quick (the pink or red section of the claw).
Pay attention to its ears: when bathing your cat, make sure to check its ears for any signs of discharge or redness. If you wish to clean the ear canals, use a delicate cleanser and it should be done according to the instructions provided on the product. Remove all debris and cleanser with a cotton ball, but avoid Q-tips because they can cause damage to the ear.
Dental care: Your cat needs clean teeth and healthy gums as damage to the tongue, teeth, palate, and gums can lead to health risks. It can be prevented with regular home check-ups and proper brushings.
In a situation whereby one chooses to go to a professional to groom their cat, it is usually more expensive. The following table is a list of the services offered by professionals and their estimated costs:
| Services | Estimated cost |
| Nail clipping | $10 to $40 |
| De-matting | $30 to $60 |
| De-shedding | $90 per hour |
| Full clipping | $120 to $180 |
| Lion clip | $90 to $120 |
| Ear Clipping | $10 |
| Pedicure | $20 to $26 |
Conclusion
A cat owner must groom the cat when necessary to keep it healthy and avoid future risks. It could be at home or in a professional’s office depending on the budget. Here we discussed Importance and Ways Of Cat Grooming at home as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does my cat need to be sedated before grooming? How much does it cost?
Answer
Cats usually need to be sedated before grooming to reduce the risks as they can get restless and fidgety. The cost is between $200 and $300 depending on the size of the cat and the sedative being used.
Is grooming your cat worth it?
Answer
Absolutely! Having a healthy and neat cat is very crucial. Cats usually clean themselves but frequent grooming is needed to ensure a good and healthy cat.
How often should one groom their cat?
Answer
Every four to six weeks. If cat grooming is done too frequently, it could lead to balding or thinning of its hairs thereby making it more susceptible to injuries or scrapes.
