Cats are fascinating creatures. They share a history with humans that rivals dogs. Some cultures have histories that portray cats as good warm-hearted creatures, while other cultures have folktales that tell tales about cats being the root of all that is evil. On one hand, cats are warm creatures that look forward to cuddling and loving their humans, on the other hand, the same cat can go for weeks without ever looking at its human.
One of the most intriguing things about cats is their cleanliness. Cats practically house train themselves, just show them where the litter box and they are ready to use it, if you keep the litter box clean your cat will reward you by never making a mess in your house, (although some do prefer potted plants to the litter box). Most cats are happy to spend hours cleaning themselves, using their tongues to remove the dust from their bodies, and to straighten their hair. Watching a cat bathe itself can be a hypnotic experience for its owners.
We are so accustomed to our house cats taking care of their own hygienic needs that we sometimes forget that they, just like dogs, need us to help with their grooming. It is the cat owners’ responsibility to make sure that the cat’s nails are trimmed, that any particularly nasty mats and knots are removed from their coats, and that their teeth are kept clean and free of tartar and decay. In order to make sure that your cat is properly groomed you need a very basic set of equipment, your toolbox of cat grooming supplies.
The first item you need in your cat grooming toolbox is a brush. This brush has bristles that are strong enough to remove mats and debris from your cat’s coat, but still soft enough that they won’t pull and tear at your cat’s delicate skin. If you have a cat that seems to be particularly susceptible to getting massive knots in its coat, you will want to invest in a specially designed mat spreader.
Unless you have had your house cat declawed, your cat will need to have its nail clipped. In the wild cats need their sharp claws to defend themselves and to help them capture and kill prey, Feral cats keep their nail from becoming overly long by walking around on hard surfaces that wear down the nail, keeping it sharp. The only real use house cats have for their claws is scratching furniture and occasionally swiping at their human caretakers. It is the caretaker’s responsibility to make sure the cat’s nail gets trimmed whenever they get long. If you have never trimmed a cat’s nails watch a professional pet groomer or your cat’s veterinarian trim your cat’s nail first.
Dental care is an important part of your cat’s overall health. It is important to make sure that your cat’s teeth are clean and free of signs of decay. Consult your veterinarian will be able to help you select products designed for optimal feline health.