A coat of fur on a cat is smooth, shiny, and not brittle.Good grooming and proper nutrition will help keep your cat's fur healthy.It is easy to incorporate the basic steps to promote healthy fur into your cat's care routine after you have learned them.
Step 1: The look of your cat's coat can be improved by grooming.
There are parasites and loose hairs that can be removed with regular brushing.Natural oils produced by your cat's skin will be spread.The shininess and sleekness of your cat's coat will be increased by this.The amount of fur that your cat swallows when grooming itself will be reduced if you brush it frequently.Your cat will get used to grooming at a young age.There are professional cat-grooming services in your area.There are different prices for these services.
Step 2: Determine how much your cat needs to brush.
Cats with long hair need more brushing than cats with short hair.Cats with long hair need to be brushed every few days, while short-haired cats only need grooming once a week.Experts recommend brushing long-haired cats at least 15 times a day.
Step 3: You will need some supplies.
A steel comb, a rubber or bristle brush, and a quality general brush are needed to brush your cat.The versions should be designed for cats.It is possible to wipe your cat after brushing.The shine of your cat's coat will be improved by removing any remaining hairs.
Step 4: Put your brush in the cat's mouth.
Working from head to tail, stroke your cat's fur with the general brush.The steel comb should be used the same way.It will help remove dirt and debris.Use a bristle or rubber brush to remove hairs.Before brushing your cat's coat, make sure there are no tangles.If you want to maximize the shine of your cat's coat, wipe it with a cloth after brushing it.It is important to be gentle on your cat's sensitive areas.If you want to brush the tail of a long-haired cat, make a part down the middle and brush fur to either side.
Step 5: When to bathe your cat is a decision you need to make.
Cats don't need a bath, they are self-grooming.If your cat can't groom itself well, you may need to bathe it more frequently.Your cat's breed and activity level will determine how often you bathe it.Cats with long hair might need to be bathed more frequently.A cat with arthritis might need to be bathed more frequently.
Step 6: Prepare your cat for the bath.
It is possible to keep water out of your cat's ears by placing cotton balls in their ears.When your cat is calm, choose a bath time.It's a good idea to play with your cat before giving it a bath to calm it down a bit.Try to soothe your cat by giving it a small treat, talking to it, or petting it.Before bathing, you may want to clip your cat's nails.
Step 7: Get your cat ready.
You should brush your cat before bathing it.If you want to make sure your cat's ears aren't damaged, you need to wipe them with a washcloth dipped in water.This cloth can be used to wash your cat's face.
Step 8: The bath is where you should prepare it.
If you fill a tub or sink with warm water, you'll be able to wet your cat, but not so much that it will be submerged.If you use a tub or basin to bathe your cat, place a towel or rubber mat in the bottom.If your cat has something to hold onto during the bath, it will be calmer.If your cat gets cold when it's wet, make sure the room you bathe it in is warm.
Step 9: Put the cat in the bath.
Someone may need to help you put your cat in the bath.Cats don't like water, and this step might be a little too much for them.When bathing your cat, wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your hands from cat bites and scratches.
Step 10: The right kind of wash is needed.
Cats have different skin characteristics than humans, so you should not use human products to bathe your cat.Check your local pet supply store for products that are specially formulated for cats.If your cat has an allergy, your vet may prescribe a special remedy.Follow all the instructions.
Step 11: Allow your cat to bathe.
You can massage your cat's fur with just a bit of water and a small amount of detergent.Work quickly but calmly, and be careful to attend to any problem areas.To avoid your cat's eyes and ears, work from head to tail.A spray hose or bottle can be used to wet your cat.The bath may be less stressed if you talk to your cat in a soothing voice.
Step 12: Your cat should be cleaned thoroughly.
After you bathe your cat, you can expect it to clean itself with its tongue and paws.Before you let your cat out of the bath, make sure to thoroughly rinse its fur free, so that it doesn't accidentally swallow anything.If you don't, your kitty could end up with an upset tummy.
Step 13: Put your cat down.
Remove the cat from the bath.To remove extra water, blot its tail and legs with a cloth or paper towel.Wrap your cat in a towel.It should be warm until its coat is dry.If your home is warm and your cat is short-haired, it may be possible to dry it on its own.It is not a good idea to use hair dryers on cats as they can dry out your cat's skin, or cause them to have heat stroke, and the noise may bother some cats.If you want to use a hair dryer, make sure it is on the lowest heat setting.
Step 14: If needed, brush after.
It is possible to make your cat's fur sleek and shiny with a bath alone.If the hair is long, tangled, or matted, brushing will help.
Step 15: Give your cat something to chew on.
Reward your cat with a treat after they bath.It can help to calm it down by petting it.If you don't know what kind of treat your cat likes best, most cats enjoy little pieces of fish.
Step 16: Feed your cat a healthy diet.
A cat needs a healthy diet to have a coat.Your cat's diet should be high in vitamins and minerals, even if it eats canned, dry, or raw food.Your cat should have plenty of fresh water to drink.Pick the right food for your cat by talking to your vet.
Step 17: Provide your cat with high-quality food.
The quality of commercial cat food can vary.If you want your cat's coat to stay healthy, make sure the food you give him matches his current needs and check the nutrition listed on the label.It is possible to find a cat food that has been certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.Some experts recommend a raw meat diet to make it easy for a cat to get the vitamins and minerals it needs.
Step 18: Change your cat's food when needed.
Cat food that is designed for kittens is not suitable for older cats.Individual factors, like health and activity level, affect the nutrition your cat needs.Your cat's coat may look dull if it is not getting the right kind of food.
Step 19: If your cat's coat is dull, contact your doctor.
If your cat's coat is dull, brittle, or coarse, talk to your vet about the problem.The appearance of your cat's fur can be affected by a number of health problems.If the poor coat quality is caused by an underlying health problem, your doctor can tell you about it.