Introducing a lovely kitty into your life can be one of the most rewarding experiences. However, this means you have a big responsibility. Your cat – like many other pets – needs proper food, shelter, and vaccinations. Moreover, your kitten may require regular grooming and bathing. Keeping your cat clean is essential to ensure their well-being. Nothing can be more challenging and stressful for you and your cat than a poor grooming and bathing habit. Our professional cat sitters from Critter Sitters explain more about how often you should groom and wash your cat.
What Are the Grooming Requirements for Cats?
Pet cats usually groom themselves several times a day. However, your little full ball may need your assistance from time to time. The basic grooming needs of a cat will depend on the specific breed. Some cats have a short fur or coating, which may not require as much time and effort compared to a long-haired cat. It is essential to remember your cat’s grooming needs can increase or decrease as the shedding season comes and goes. If your cat has medium to long hair, you should brush its coat every day. However, if your kitten has short hair, you can brush it once a week.
There are different benefits associated with grooming your cat. For instance, the main reason why grooming your cat is essential is because of the widely known and often unsightly hairballs. Hairballs can be detrimental to your cat’s health. By grooming your cat periodically, you can make sure they don’t swallow a hairball, which can prevent issues with their intestines.
Additionally, grooming your cat can help promote healthier, shinier coating. One of the most important benefits besides checking for fleas, twigs, and debris – along with the other discussed benefits – is that it can help establish a stronger bond between you and your fluffy friend. When you groom your cat as needed, you can help them feel happier, comfier, and more energetic.
What Are the Bath Requirements for Cats?
Bathing your cat should be part of their grooming routine. A lukewarm bath can help your cat’s fur and keep it happy and healthy. However, not all cats are created equal. Many of these felines hate water. The mere sound of a running faucet can be enough to send them running scared for their lives. Nevertheless, getting your cat used to a bathing routine can help them say healthy and stress-free.
You may wonder how often you should bathe your cat or how often it is considered healthy for them. The answer to these questions depends on many different factors. For instance, you need to see if your cat is more of an indoor or outdoor pet. Outdoor kitties are more exposed to debris, dirt, and pollution than those staying indoors. Therefore, your outdoor car may require more baths per month.
Additionally, your cat’s hair length can also play a significant role in their bathing routine and schedule. Longer hair may require more maintenance compared to cats with shorter hair. Regardless, a good, healthy bathing routine is beneficial. If your cat is very active – as most cats are – they will surely pick up dirt, mud, twigs, and other debris. A more active cat may require more frequent baths. Like grooming, bathing is part of a cat’s routine. A healthy bath or baths can provide the same benefits you may usually see with grooming. The ultimate goal here is to keep your kitty safe and healthy. Grooming and bathing your little ball of fur can do just that.
When is the Best Moment to Start Grooming Your Cat?
Grooming and bathing your cat should be an enjoyable experience for you and your loving pet. If you already have a cat or are introducing a kitten into your home, it is a good idea to establish a grooming and bathing pattern as soon as you can. Cats – like many other pets – are creatures of habit. The earlier you can start teaching your cat about grooming and bathing, the better the experience will be for both of you. There is no established day and time to start grooming your kitten. However, it is recommended to train them from an early age- if possible. If your cat is an adult, that’s fine too!
Try to pat your cat with your hand first gently. Watch their reaction and take notes on their expressions. If your cat feels comfortable, try using a soft brush and try a few gentle brushstrokes. Again, pay close attention to their reaction. If your cat feels comfortable and at peace with their grooming, try to enhance their experience with a delicious treat. By adding a treat into their grooming and bathing routine, they will associate this activity with a positive experience.
As time goes by, try to increase the number of brushstrokes until you can cover all areas of your cat’s fur. When introducing your cat to water, you should do so gently. Their paws are extremely sensitive, so try to wet them with a soft, damp towel and see how they react. Little by little, increase their interaction with water, constantly reinforcing their experience with a treat. As soon as your cat is ready, use lukewarm water and use a veterinarian-recommended solution for your cat’s fur. This will be a rewarding experience for you and your furry pal.
Professional Pet Sitting Company for Cat Sitting Services
Critter Sitters is one of Atlanta’s most experienced pet sitting companies to date. Thanks to all of our years of experience handling countless pet sittings, we have developed the skills to make sure your kitten is safe, loved, and cared for. All of our Alpharetta professional pet sitters have experience in this field and know what has to be done in order to provide your fluff ball with all of the attention they need. We can sit with you and discuss all of the details surrounding your cat’s needs so they can feel right at home with our sitters. Call our offices today and schedule your appointment with our cat-loving pros. Our phone number is (404) 793-6178.
