Every Cat

People might be surprised at just how much fur one cat can actually shed. Long-haired breeds produce a lot of fur, but even short-haired cats can shed astonishing volumes of the stuff. Is there anything you can do to keep the situation under control?

A lot of basic grooming is taken care of by the cat itself, as it licks the fur to keep it shiny and clean and lying straight. But some cats could use help, even with that. If they shed a lot, the constant grooming can result in hairballs as they swallow massive amounts of fur. And sometimes they can’t groom well enough to undo tangles, which lead to uncomfortable mats that just keep growing.

It’s also important that you do your part to keeping your cat well groomed. Regular brushing or combing with the right cat grooming tools will not only stimulate the cat’s skin, promoting circulation and good fur growth, but it will loosen fur that’s ready to shed. You can gather handfuls that might otherwise go into kitty’s tummy. And while some cats aren’t thrilled about being brushed, others love it so much that they lie down and stretch in ecstasy.

But even with regular combing, often you will discover that mats have formed. These can build up in areas where the cat can’t easily groom: the bottom of the tail, the inside of the rear legs, and so on. Mats can even form in spots where the cat lies down, for instance, along their right side if they most often stretch out on that region.

What should be done about these? They shouldn’t just be left to keep growing. Some mats get so tight that they painfully pull the skin, and sores and even infection can develop under and around them. Sometimes you can work them out, and sometimes you have to cut them.

Sometimes, to be safe, it’s best simply to visit the vet, and let him or her do the cutting in a secure way. And once that’s done, you can pay special attention to keeping that area brushed, so the mats don’t form again. Or you can get rid of them sooner, before they get so big.

The main thing is that the cat’s fur is maintained in good condition. By brushing and keeping it mat-free, you can help minimize hairballs, stimulate healthy growth, and provide your kitty a gorgeous coat it can be proud of.

When it comes to keeping your pet happy and healthy there is nothing more important than proper grooming. Whether you take your pet to a professional groomer, do the job yourself, or call up a mobile pet grooming service, you are demonstrating your love and affection for your pet. Learn more about how to care for your pet at the Pets Grooming site.

Comments are closed.