How to Buy a Cat Grooming Kit

Although cats spend a lot of time grooming themselves, they still benefit from the additional grooming you can do for them. Your grooming can help keep your cat looking good, reduce shedding, create an opportunity for bonding, and give you a chance to detect any physical problems, such as fleas, ticks or tumors.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Commercially Prepared Skunk Odor Removers
• Eyewashes For Pets
• Styptic Powders
• Moistened Wipes
• Odor-neutralizer
• Cat Combs/brushes
• Cat Nail Clippers
• Cat Shampoos
• Cat Toys
• Hairball Prevention Preparations

1. Be sure to include moistened wipes to keep your cat clean between baths. These are great for wiping off your cat's muddy paws on a wet day.

2. Look for a good cat brush to keep the fur from matting and reduce excess shedding. Brushing also helps to keep your cat's coat shiny.

3. Consider a grooming glove, which you wear on your hand to massage your cat's skin and remove loose hair.

4. Select ear and eye wash for pets. Talk to your veterinarian about which product is the best for your cat.

5. Include a cat nail trimmer to keep your cat's claws even and healthy. This is an important part of his grooming.

6. Keep styptic powder on hand, in case a nail bleeds when you cut it. This first-aid product will stop the bleeding instantly.

7. Choose a cat shampoo that is appropriate for your cat's coat. Look for shampoo and conditioner in one, as well as products that do not sting sensitive eyes.

8. Remember to buy an odor remover for the litter box.

9. Select a cat treat that also helps clean your pet's teeth by removing plaque and preventing odor.

10. Include a hairball remedy among your grooming supplies, since cats often digest hair, which can accumulate in the intestinal tract.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider buying cat shampoo that comes in a powder or foam, since these options do not need water. These are good choices if your cat hates to be bathed.
• Have a skunk odor remover on hand, in case your cat gets sprayed. This liquid takes the smell away. (See "Get Skunk Smell Out of Pet Fur," under Related eHows.)

on 11/22/2005 Many cats have an oily patch on their lower back. Two things I find that work well for this is massaging a SMALL amount of corn starch (about 1 teaspoon) into the oily area, or bathing with a shampoo that contains tea tree oil.

on 11/22/2005 Start combing your cat when it's a kitten. They will grow to love it. It makes their coat shine, and most importantly, eliminates the need for flea powder/spray/drops.

on 11/22/2005 One simple step is to get a comb that is specially made for cats. Comb through it gently, then take your brush and brush it out evenly. Or you could try to use a little baby oil. That works like magic.