Keep Your Cat's Coat Clean And Shiny

Cats are generally very clean animals, but there are times when their coats need a little extra help. Cats with long hair, in particular, can be prone to matted fur, especially if they are older or have arthritis. If your cat has a medical condition that makes it difficult to groom, you should consult your vet.

If your cat has got something stuck in its fur, such as feces, pollen, or petrochemicals, you will need to clean its coat. You can use brushes and combs to remove small, dry pieces of feces, or trim them away with scissors. For larger areas of soiling, you can wash your cat's bottom with a mild cat shampoo. If your cat has got pollen on its coat, you should wipe it off with a paper towel, then wet a cloth and wipe the coat again to ensure all the pollen is removed. If your cat has got petrochemicals on its fur, you should trim off the contaminated fur, then wash and rinse the area with cat shampoo.

To prevent matted fur, you should brush your cat regularly. You can train your cat to enjoy being brushed by starting when it is a kitten, using a soft toothbrush, and rewarding it with treats. You should also check your cat's nails, teeth, and ears regularly, and take it to the vet for health checks, vaccinations, and parasite prevention.

Brushing your cat's fur

Getting Your Cat Used to Being Brushed

Introduce your cat to being brushed in a calm, gentle manner from an early age, and they are more likely to enjoy it. Start when your cat is relaxed. A kitten may like to be brushed with a clean, soft toothbrush.

Brush your cat's face and head in short strokes, always following the direction of their fur. If your cat isn't used to being groomed, gently stroke them with your fingers first and let them investigate the brush. Give a treat, such as food, verbal praise and gentle stroking, to reward them.

It may take a while before you are able to brush them for more than short periods. Initially, just a few seconds is fine. Never force your cat to be brushed as it will only distress them. Stop the grooming session if your cat moves away, becomes tense with a swishing tail, or starts hissing or growling.

How Often to Brush

Long-haired cats need to be brushed frequently, preferably daily. Otherwise, their fur may become matted and dirty. Short-haired cats can be brushed less often, a few times a week and as needed. It is far better to calmly brush your cat for a few moments a day than to attempt a lengthy grooming session less often.

Brushing Technique

Take your time when brushing your cat so that you do not pull the fur or frighten your cat. Be aware that elderly cats with painful joints and arthritis can become hissy when you go near their joints. Work slowly and carefully over these areas.

Use a metal comb to remove debris and other matter from your cat's fur. It can also help to untangle the coat, which is especially useful for longer-haired cats. Start by combing the hair on your cat's tummy and legs, then comb the fur on the back, combing it upward and toward their head. Comb out the tail too.

If your cat has long hair, take extra care to untangle knots before they become a bigger problem. If you find any knots, gently untangle them. You can use a comb, a mat splitter, or your fingers. No matter what you use, try to hold onto the base of the mat near the skin so that you do not pull on the skin as you work through the mat.

After combing the coat, use a rubber or bristle brush to remove loose hair. This will grab the last of the loose hair and it will also feel good to your cat. Even short-haired cats need to be brushed, otherwise, the hair that they shed can get stuck in their coat.

Additional Tips

• Use the brushing session to examine your cat's skin. Take a few moments as you brush your cat to check their skin for any abnormalities, raw or bare spots, or other problems. If you notice anything abnormal, make sure that you contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
• Keep in mind that brushing can be a bonding experience between owner and pet. But if your pet is agitated or stressed, they may start to associate negative feelings with you instead.

Removing faecal matter

• Wear gloves: It is important to protect yourself by wearing latex or rubber gloves. Cat faeces can contain toxoplasmosis, which is especially dangerous for pregnant women. If you are pregnant, it is advisable to have someone else clean the cat's litter box and fur.
• Assess the situation: Check the fur along your cat's anus for any dried faecal balls or general soiling. Diarrhoea or stomach upset can make it challenging for your cat to adequately groom themselves, leading to faecal staining.
• Remove large faecal balls: Use a brush to gently remove any small, dry faecal balls from the area around your cat's anus. If they are stuck, carefully trim them away with scissors, ensuring that the blades do not come into contact with your cat's skin.
• Spot-clean minor faecal staining: If there is only a small patch of fur stained with faeces, you can wet the area with a cloth dipped in warm water and cat shampoo. Work up a lather and thoroughly rinse the area until the water runs clear.
• Clean general soiling: If your cat has had diarrhoea or stomach upset, use a disposable kitchen towel to blot away the mess initially. Then, gently lather the area around your cat's anus with a mild cat shampoo, being cautious if the area is particularly sensitive. It is helpful to have someone assist you in holding the cat while you rinse off the shampoo. Avoid using human shampoo, as it can irritate your cat's skin due to its pH balance. Instead, opt for a cat shampoo containing oatmeal to moisturise their sensitive skin.
• Dry your cat's fur: Use a clean, dry towel to gently rub and remove excess water from the wet fur. If you cleaned a large area, you may want to use a blow dryer on the mildest setting, brushing the fur simultaneously to prevent tangling. Having an extra pair of hands to hold the cat firmly while you dry them can be beneficial.
• Address the litter box: Maintaining a clean litter box can help prevent faecal matter from getting stuck in your cat's fur. Scoop out the litter box daily and replace the litter every one to three weeks.
• Seek veterinary assistance: If your cat has open sores in the affected area or is experiencing defecation difficulties due to matted fur, it is best to consult a veterinarian. They can provide treatment for sores and address any other underlying issues.
• Consider a hygiene clip: If you find it challenging to remove the matted faeces, you may want to consider having a groomer or veterinarian clip the hair around your cat's anus. This procedure, known as a hygiene clip or sani-clip, can help prevent faeces from becoming trapped in the fur.
• Monitor your cat's health: Faecal matter stuck in the fur can lead to skin irritations and infections. Keep an eye on your cat's skin and coat, and contact your veterinarian if you notice any abnormalities.

Cleaning lily pollen from fur

Lilies are toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure, so it's important to act quickly if you find lily pollen on your cat's fur. First, stop your cat from grooming, as pollen can be toxic if ingested. Then, use a disposable kitchen towel to wipe the pollen from your cat's coat. Try to remove as much of the pollen as possible while the fur is dry, using a new area of the towel for each wipe to avoid spreading the pollen. If pollen remains, dampen a cloth and wipe your cat's coat to remove any residue. If you're still concerned, you can also rinse your cat's coat with water to ensure all pollen is removed. Finally, pat your cat's coat dry with a clean towel. If you suspect your cat has ingested any pollen, contact your vet immediately for advice.

Using rubber gloves to remove hair from furniture

Rubber gloves are a great, inexpensive way to remove pet hair from your furniture. The friction between the glove and the fabric creates static energy, causing hair to stick to the glove.

Step 1: Find a pair of rubber gloves

Check your cabinets for rubber gloves. You can use disposable latex gloves, or the colourful pair you use for washing up. Some people prefer rubber gloves with tiny nubs or bumps, which help to dislodge the hair.

Step 2: Prepare your gloves

Some fabrics, like silk, are best tackled with a dry glove. For sturdier materials, like velvet, slightly dampen the gloves. Be careful not to make them too wet, and test on an inconspicuous piece of fabric first.

Step 3: Rub down your furniture

Try different gloves for different fabrics to find out what works best. Tight rubber gloves are good for small surfaces, like lampshades, while loose kitchen gloves are ideal for large areas, like sofa cushions and curtains. Use overlapping strokes to avoid missing spots, and remember you may need to repeat the process a few times.

Step 4: De-shed

After a few passes, you'll need to remove the hair from the gloves. You can dunk the gloves in a sink of water and watch the hair float away, or you can pick the hair off and throw it in the bin.

Step 5: Clean your gloves

If you're using reusable gloves, give them a thorough scrub with hand soap or dish soap to remove any lingering hair and residue. Hang them to dry.

Trimming your cat's nails

• Gather your supplies: Ensure you have everything you need within reach before you start. You will need a nail trimmer or grinder, styptic powder (or flour/cornstarch to stop bleeding), a towel to wrap your cat in (optional), and a helper (optional).
• Find a quiet spot and a comfortable position: Trim your cat's nails in a quiet area away from distractions. Try to find a comfortable position for both you and your cat. You can try holding your cat lengthwise across your lap, standing and holding your cat on a flat surface, reclining with the cat on your chest, or seated with the cat lying between your legs. If your cat is squirmy, you can wrap them in a towel with only one paw outside the burrito at a time.
• Isolate the nail to cut: Pick up one of your cat's paws and apply slight pressure to the paw pad to extend their nail. Use your non-dominant hand to place your forefinger on your cat's paw pad and your thumb on the top of the toe. Gently squeeze to extend the nail and locate the quick, the pink part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves.
• Cut at a 45-degree angle: Use your clippers to trim the tip of the nail at a 45-degree angle, which allows the nail to rest comfortably when your cat walks. Use firm and decisive pressure to cut the nail cleanly.
• Take off a little at a time: Start by clipping just the tip of the nail, being careful not to cut the quick. Take off a small amount at a time, especially if you're a beginner. You can give your cat a treat after each nail to help them enjoy the experience.
• Cut the rest of the claws: Repeat the above process for each of your cat's nails, including the dewclaws, which are a little higher up on the front paws. Remember that some cats may only tolerate nail trimming for a few minutes, so you can always take a break and finish the rest of the nails in a day or two.

Some additional tips for trimming your cat's nails:

• Practice first: Before using the clippers, put your cat in position and practice extending their nails to help them get used to the process.
• Stay relaxed: Cats can sense your energy, so try to remain calm and relaxed during the process.
• Play soft music: Play soothing music, such as classical guitar or meditation songs, to help you and your cat relax.
• Use feline pheromones: Spraying pheromones like Feliway onto the area or blanket 15 minutes ahead of time can help keep your cat calm.
• Use cat treats as a reward: Treats can be a powerful motivator to help your cat feel at ease during nail trimming.
• Use a padded ironing board: If sitting your cat on your lap is not feasible, a padded ironing board can provide a good alternative grooming surface.
• Use minimal force: Avoid using forceful techniques like scruffing, as this can increase your cat's stress and aggression. Instead, hold your cat securely and comfortably.
• Learn to read your cat's warning signs: Tail twitching, growling, body stiffening, and panting are signs that your cat is becoming upset and may bite or scratch.

Frequently asked questions