{"id":695,"date":"2019-06-05T14:08:30","date_gmt":"2019-06-05T20:08:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lonetreevet.com\/blog\/?p=695"},"modified":"2022-05-19T07:55:46","modified_gmt":"2022-05-19T13:55:46","slug":"healthy-and-clean-why-home-cat-grooming-is-so-important","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lonetreevet.com\/blog\/healthy-and-clean-why-home-cat-grooming-is-so-important\/","title":{"rendered":"Healthy and Clean: Why Home Cat Grooming is so Important"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Cats are clean by nature. In fact, it can sometimes seem that your cat<\/a> spends half its time washing its face and ears, smoothing down fur, cleaning out paw pads, and generally keeping him or herself beautiful.
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Regardless of how well your cat takes care of itself, most cats can benefit from a little help. Home cat grooming can help you keep a close eye on your cat\u2019s haircoat, skin, and nails, as well as decrease hairballs by removing loose fur. It can also help deepen the bond you share<\/a> with your feline companion. Finally, home grooming can help ward off that dreaded visit (by your cat) to the groomer to correct matting and other problems that can result when regular maintenance needs are not addressed. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Home Cat Grooming 101 <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Establishing a grooming routine with your cat while it is still young is preferred, but cats of any age can learn to accept and even enjoy grooming.
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Brushing<\/strong> \u2013 For short haired cats, brush once or twice per week from head to tail with a fine-toothed metal pet comb, and follow up with a pet specific rubber brush to remove loose fur. Long haired cats will need more frequent brushing \u2013 first, with a wide tooth comb to carefully untangle knots, followed with a bristle brush or wire brush to remove loose fur.  
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Nail trimming<\/strong> \u2013 Use high quality nail trimmers designed specifically for cats. Press gently on each toe to expose the claw, and cut parallel to the flat part of the claw. Be very careful to avoid the quick, which can be seen as the pink area of the claw.
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Paw care \u2013 <\/strong>Keeping your cat\u2019s paws and paw pads clean is also important to its overall well-being. Not only are they a primary means of transportation, they are an important tool for your cat\u2019s own self-care and grooming. Check your cat\u2019s paws regularly for debris, signs of fox tails<\/a> and other thorny foes, as well as any other dirt or residue that may be present. Keep in mind that your cat will lick off (and consume) whatever its paws come in contact with, so it\u2019s important to check the paws regularly and keep them clean!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Cat Grooming Success<\/h3>\n\n\n\n