One of the most interesting things about cats is their cleanliness. Cats practically house train themselves, just show them where the litter box and they are ready to use it; if you keep the litter box clean you cat will recompense you by never making a mess in your house, (although some do prefer potted plants to the litter box!). For the most part cats are happy to spend hours cleaning themselves, using their tongues to remove the dust from their bodies and to straighten their hair. Watching a cat bathe itself can be a mesmerizing experience for its owners.
We are so accustomed to our house cats taking care of their own hygienic needs that we occasionally fail to remember that they, just like dogs, need us to help with their grooming. It is the cat owners duty to make sure that the cats nails are trimmed, that any particularly severe mats and knots are removed from their coats, and that their teeth are kept clean and free of tarter and decay. In order to make sure that your cat is correctly groomed you need a very straightforward set of equipment, your toolbox of cat grooming supplies.
The fist item you need in your cat grooming toolbox is a cat brush. This brush has bristles that are tough enough to get rid of mats and debris from your cat’s coat, but still soft enough that they won’t pull and tear at your cat’s delicate skin. If you have a cat that seems to be particularly prone to getting substantial knots in its coat you will want to invest in a specifically designed mat spreader.
Unless you have had your house cat declawed your cat will need to have its nails clipped. In the wild, cats need their sharp claws to protect themselves and to help them capture and kill prey. Undomesticated cats keep their nail from becoming excessively long by walking around on hard surfaces that wear down the nail, keeping it sharp. The only real use house cats have for their claws is scratching furniture and occasionally taking a swipe at their human caretakers. It is the caretakers duty to make sure the cat’s nails get trimmed when they get long. If you have never trimmed a cat’s nails watch a professional pet groomer or your cat’s veterinarian trim your cat’s nail first.
Dental care is an significant part of your cat’s general health. It is important to make sure that your cat’s teeth are clean and free of signs of decay. Check with your veterinarian who will be able to help you choose products designed for optimal feline health.
