People might be surprised at just how much fur one cat can actually shed. Long-haired breeds produce a lot of fur, but even short-haired cats can shed astonishing volumes of the stuff. Is there anything you can do to keep the situation under control?
A lot of basic grooming is taken care of by the cat itself, as it licks the fur to keep it shiny and clean and lying straight. But some cats could use help, even with that. If they shed a lot, the constant grooming can result in hairballs as they swallow massive amounts of fur. And sometimes they can’t groom well enough to undo tangles, which lead to uncomfortable mats that just keep growing.
You also need to do your share when it comes to your cat’s grooming by brushing it regularly. Try out different kinds of cat grooming tools to see which are most effective. Many cat owners swear by a brushing tool called the FURminator, which seems to go deeper and pull out more loose fur than other brushes. But whatever tool your cat tolerates best, every bit of combing and brushing you can manage on a regular basis will be a help.
Yet even with frequent combing, sometimes you’ll find that mats will form. These can build up in places where the cat can’t wash itself easily: the base of the tail, the inside of the back legs, and so forth. Mats can likewise form in areas where the cat lies down, for example, along their left side if they most frequently rest on that region.
What should be done about these? They shouldn’t just be left to keep growing. Some mats get so tight that they painfully pull the skin, and sores and even infection can develop under and around them. Sometimes you can work them out, and sometimes you have to cut them.
Sometimes, to be safe, it’s best simply to visit the vet, and let him or her do the cutting in a secure way. And once that’s done, you can pay special attention to keeping that area brushed, so the mats don’t form again. Or you can get rid of them sooner, before they get so big.
The key thing is that the cat’s fur is maintained in good shape. By brushing and keeping it mat-free, you can help lessen hairballs, promote healthy growth, and give your kitty a lovely coat it can be proud of.
Pets are an important part of our lives and their well being is a priority. So when it comes to pet grooming information we want the best, most current and most reliable sources of information available. Whether it’s tips for dog or cat grooming you’re looking for, visit the Pets Grooming site.
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