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Important Cat Grooming Tips to Follow in the Cold Season
| 24 Dec 2021
Cats can spend a significant part of their day grooming themselves. They have an unbelievably flexible body which lets them reach all parts of their body with ease.
In fact, they also have backwards pointing spines in their tongue which acts like a comb. These attributes of cats are amazing but may have developed some misconceptions about their grooming needs.
However, this is not true, like humans, cats also require optimum care and attention to maintain good health and hygiene. According to vets, cats need regular grooming, especially in colder months to lead a healthy and happy life. And, being a pet parent, you would also like to have your cat look well-groomed and pleasing.
To achieve it, you should adopt a good cat grooming routine to keep them warm and comfortable throughout winter. Keep scrolling to discover some effective cat grooming tips to inculcate in your daily activities.
What's Inside?
How to Groom Your Cat during the Winter Season?
There are a number of simple ways you can groom your cat on a regular basis during the winters. Some of the most important ones are-
1. Brush Your Cat's Coat
At the arrival of winters, cats shed their summer coat to have a thicker and warmer new layer to protect them from freezing temperatures. That's what you can start your grooming routine with. Once it's done, you have to comb and brush their coat to avoid knots and remove loose fur.
If you have a long-haired cat as compared to a short-haired cat, they require a more frequent grooming session to maintain good coat health.
A good brushing can go a long way to help prevent matting and reduce the chances of getting parasitic infections from things like fleas and ticks.
2. Cleaning Your Cat's Ears
Your Cat's ear cleaning should be done at regular intervals. Things like dirt, germs, and leaves can get accumulated in their ears as cats are natural wanderers. So, you have to make sure that their ears are cleaned to avoid infection, be free from odor, redness or discharge.
You can schedule your cat’s ear care twice a week or as per your vet’s suggestion. Furthermore, the inner ear region can be quite sensitive for your pet. The cleansing needs to be done carefully and in a calm manner to get the least resistance from them in the process.
3. Dry Skin and Dandruff in the Cold Weather
Although your cat’s skin is protected by its fur, you still have to keep an eye on it during the chills. Extreme dry and cold weather conditions can result in dull and dry skin. It can eventually lead to dandruff related problems.
Many pet parents spot flakes on their cat’s skin during winters. If you also notice these skin issues, it is a good idea to arrange a humidifier to add moisture back indoors and keep your cat safe from harsh climatic conditions.
A healthy cat is a happy cat. Hence, you must consider following the above-mentioned methods along with regularly bathing your cat to maintain well being in winters. However, please note that some cats may become violent during grooming activities or may not prefer being touched.
In such a scenario, you can seek help from pet behaviorists or professional groomers to aid you in need. In addition, you can even consult a vet at Supertails to understand ways for developing a friendly bond with your cat to groom them well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does a cat groom itself more in cold weather or in warm weather?
Cats groom themselves more in warm weather than in cold weather. This is because their fur tends to get dirtier and more matted in warm weather, when they are more likely to shed and sweat. In cold weather, cats will groom themselves less often to conserve body heat.
2. Is it OK to groom a cat in the winter?
Yes, it is okay to groom a cat in the winter. In fact, it is important to groom your cat regularly to remove loose hair and prevent mats, which can trap dirt and bacteria. However, it is important to take care not to over-groom your cat, as this can irritate their skin and make them more susceptible to cold. Also, Ensure the indoor environment is warm and comfortable during grooming.
3. Do I need to bathe my cat during winter?
Avoid unnecessary baths during winter unless your cat gets exceptionally dirty. Cats are very good at cleaning themselves, and bathing them too often can strip their skin of its natural oils, making them more susceptible to dryness and irritation. If your cat gets very dirty, you can give them a sponge bath with warm water and a mild cat shampoo. Alternatively, you can use a dry shampoo or consult a vet for cat-safe options.
4. Would my cat be cold if I shaved her?
Yes, your cat may be cold if you shaved her. Cats' fur helps to keep them warm, so shaving them can make them more susceptible to the cold. If you live in a cold climate, it is best to avoid shaving your cat. If you must shave your cat, make sure to keep them indoors and provide them with a warm place to sleep.
5. Can I put coconut oil on my cat?
Yes, you can put coconut oil on your cat. While coconut oil is generally safe for cats, use it sparingly. Coconut oil is a safe and effective way to moisturize your cat's skin and prevent dryness and irritation. You can apply a small amount of coconut oil to your cat's fur once or twice a week. But, ensure your cat doesn't ingest excessive amounts. Consult your vet before using coconut oil or any products on your cat.
6. How to bathe a cat?
- Brush your cat's fur to remove loose hair.
- Fill a sink or tub with a few inches of warm water.
- Wet your cat's fur with warm water.
- Apply a small amount of cat shampoo to your cat's fur and massage it in with a rubber brush.
- Rinse your cat's fur thoroughly with warm water.
- Wrap your cat in a towel and dry them gently.
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