Grooming Tips for Cat Owners
Generally, we do not recommend bathing or shaving cats unless they have skin disease, heavily matted fur, or faecal or urine staining of their coat, or if you have been advised by your veterinary surgeon where it may be a necessary procedure.
We do, however, strongly recommend regular brushing and grooming with a suitable brush or hand mitt. This is a great way to bond with your cat, whilst removing loose hair, reducing instances of hairballs and constipation, and preventing matted fur, which can cause skin disease. Regular grooming is particularly important in older cats who might not be able to groom themselves well due to arthritis or dental issues.
However, if bathing your cat is required,
here are some tips to help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible;
A play session with a cat teaser or other toy of choice before bath time can help. For your own protection, we recommend trimming claws before bathing.
Try to brush your cat 1-2 times per week, but if you struggle at home, we advise bringing your cat into the groomers at least once a month for a thorough brushing!
However, before doing so, check for any wax, debris and or infection, and be careful not to place the cotton wool too far down the canal as it may be difficult to remove later. Another option is to gently clean the cat’s ears after bathing with a veterinary recommended ear cleaner to remove any water which may have "got in".
The condition of a cat's skin is an indication of overall health. Use this opportunity to inspect your cat’s skin and take note of any injuries, abnormalities or growths and consult your veterinary surgeon if you find anything unusual.
Do not use human shampoo - this can dry out your cat’s skin. If in doubt, please ask your veterinary surgeon for a recommendation.
Use an extra-diluted solution of shampoo on your damp washcloth if your cat’s face is particularly dirty, being very cautious around their ears and eyes.
Cats with long hair may need help detangling their fur with a wide-toothed comb.
Some cats may not tolerate being groomed, but by no means does this mean you should give up on grooming.
Need assistance? Our team at Hair Force are fully certified with professional grooming qualifications from Hong Kong and Japan. Our pet grooming services are available to all cat and dog “pawrents”, however, SPCA members can enjoy a 10% discount, and earn Hair Miles loyalty points.
Good news!
Hair Force Three is now open at our new Tsing Yi Centre. To book your pet a pamper session, call 2232 5532 and start earning Hair Miles today!
