You’ve no doubt seen your cat grooming itself multiple times a day. Any cat owner knows that cats are some of nature’s biggest neat freaks. While they love to be clean, there are lots of things you can do to help groom your cat as well. However, cat grooming isn’t as straightforward as grooming a dog might be.
You’ve asked them, and we’ve got your cat grooming questions answered. Read below to find out all about cat grooming.
What Is Normal Cat Grooming?
That depends. Your cat will naturally groom themselves and possibly their friends. It’s just their way. A normal cat spends between fifteen and fifty percent of their day grooming. Your cat will groom after most meals and maybe even after you pet them to get rid of your scent.
Why Is My Cat Grooming Excessively?
Well, what is excessive? Cats spend a lot of time grooming! If they develop hair loss, skin wounds or ulcerations then they could have psychogenic alopecia. This displacement behavior is often a way to cope with stress. Your cat might need more stimulation.
Why Isn’t My Cat Grooming Herself?
A cat that stops grooming can be a bad sign. Usually, it’s a sign of pain. An older cat might have arthritis, or an overweight cat might not be able to reach certain areas. Either way, a vet should be consulted to figure out what lifestyle changes can be made.
Why Is My Cat Grooming My Dog?
There are a bunch of reasons why your cat might groom your dog. It’s a sign of love, or it can mark territory. It can also be returning a favor from earlier. If your cat’s grooming becomes excessive, be sure to seek a vet to rule out any issues.
Why Is My Cat Grooming My Hair?
Just like grooming a dog, your dog will groom you to mark you as their own, or they may just be showing affection. If this is an unwanted behavior, simply move away from them. Pushing them away might be taken as a slap in the face for showing you affection. That’s not the message you want to send.
What Does Cat Grooming Include?
If you wanted to help groom your cat, it would likely include:
- brushing
- bathing
- nail clipping
- ear care
- dental care
If you do trim your cat’s nails, this area can be just as sensitive as a dog’s nail. Be careful not to trim too close to the quick.
How to Stop Excessive Cat Grooming?
Like we said above, excessive grooming can be a sign that your cat is stressed out. Step one to stopping excessive grooming would be to find the root cause of the grooming behavior. Has a familiar person left? Have you moved?
Whatever the cause, play therapy can be a real boost. Short of that, your vet may be able to prescribe an anti-anxiety drug to help break the cycle of grooming.
Is Cat Grooming Necessary?
Before humans domesticated cats, they were perfectly happy grooming themselves. Most house cats would be happy to not be groomed too. But even the cleanest cat can use a helping hand sometimes. Grooming will keep them looking their best and will promote a healthy coat and skin.
How Much Does Cat Grooming Cost?
As with anything, cost can depend on several factors. Your geographic location, the groomer’s reputation or even your cat’s attitude can affect the price of a grooming session. For your first session, be prepared to spend at least twenty-five dollars. The prices only go up from there and can reach as high as one hundred dollars or more.
What Is the Best Cat Grooming Brush?
There are several different brushes you can use, and they usually fit specific purposes. A slicker brush, dual-sided brush or a mitt brush will be able to handle most cat’s coats. A mat breaker brush is excellent for matted hair. And a shedding comb, shedding blade remove shedding hair.
Once you get the hang of grooming your cat, it becomes second nature. It’s also an excellent bonding experience to share with your cat.