How to Groom Your Cat Effortlessly

Regular grooming keeps the stray cat hairs to a minimum and prevents scratching.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small plastic people comb
• Small pet nail clippers
• Favorite chair
• Cat treats
• Basket to keep supplies in

1. Determine where is your cat's favorite place to sit on your lap. It could be when you are working on the computer or watching tv. Keep your basket of supplies within easy reach of this seat.

2. When your cat jumps into your lap looking for attention, this is the perfect time to gently comb kitty's fur. If this is new to kitty, go easy, just do a little and then give love and cat treats, so kitty associates this with pleasure. As kitty gets used to it, you will be able to get most of the loose fur off.

3. This process is also a good way to bond with your cat, and kitty will be more trusting after a while. Once kitty is comfortable with the combing, you can try to trim kitty's nails. If kitty is normal, you might only be able to clip two or three claws before you hit resistance. Again, give some treats and praise and let kitty go. It is not necessary to clip all the nails at one time, do a few at a time and they will all get done.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the supplies within easy reach, you will lose the opportunity if you have to get up to get them, kitty will take off.
• I find an inexpensive people comb (they come in packs of 5 or 6 for $2 at discount stores) is perfect, they even have two widths of teeth, use whichever is suitable for your cat's fur.
• Be careful clipping the nails. Don't clip too low or kitty will bleed and not trust you again. Just clip a little off more often.
• If you cause the nail to bleed, you can dip it in styptic powder or just put pressure on it with a clean tissue (assuming you can catch the cat after this happens!)
• Don't force this on your cat, it takes time to build up trust and for the cat to associate grooming with fun with Mom or Dad.

Resources

• Petfinder's Online Library
• All About Cats
• Humane Society's Cat Page

[AmyRose]

on 8/25/2009 Very good article on how to ease a cat into being groomed, 5*

[slphilbrick]

on 12/21/2008 Never thought of keeping supplies where he sits with me. I usually sit on the floor next to the "treat" cupboard. It works, but isn't so comfortable ! Thanks for the idea !

[GreenGardenChic]

on 9/20/2008 Darn cats, they really do take off. Thanks for the awesome tips. 5*

[pianistic]

on 8/21/2008 Great!

[LilacGirl]

on 7/29/2008 Great suggestions.