Cats are graceful creatures, known for their impeccable grooming habits and soft, shiny coats. If you’ve ever spent time observing your cat, you’ll notice that they take their grooming routine very seriously, often with a level of dedication that puts some humans to shame. They meticulously lick their paws to give themselves a full-body wash, making them the epitome of cleanliness and self-care. But have you ever wondered why they do it? Here’s some information to answer that question:
- Maintaining Cleanliness: Cats groom themselves to stay clean and maintain their grooming habits. Grooming helps remove dirt, debris, and loose fur from their coats. It also helps distribute natural oils throughout their fur, keeping it healthy and shiny.
- Frequent Grooming: Cats are known for being fastidious groomers and will often groom themselves multiple times a day—sometimes for what feels like hours. The frequency of grooming can vary depending on the individual cat, their breed, age, and health conditions.
- Over-Grooming Concerns: Some cats may over-groom due to stress, anxiety, or medical issues such as pain or skin allergies. Over-grooming can lead to bald spots, skin irritation, and even infections. It’s important to monitor your cat’s grooming habits and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any excessive grooming behavior.
- The Role of Pet Owners in Grooming: Regular grooming by pet owners is essential for maintaining a cat’s coat, skin, and overall health. It helps prevent matting, which can be very painful if left unchecked, and removes loose fur that could otherwise be ingested and cause problematic hairballs. Grooming also provides an opportunity to check for any skin issues, parasites, or abnormalities that might require medical attention. It’s strongly advised to do a full-body scan weekly.
Grooming for Our Aging Feline Companions
As cats age, they may encounter a range of health issues, including arthritis, that can impact their ability to groom themselves effectively. Cats with arthritis often experience pain and discomfort when trying to bend and reach certain areas of their body for grooming. This can lead to unkempt fur, matting, and skin issues if left unattended. Additionally, the grooming process itself, especially brushing and combing, can be painful for arthritic cats, causing further distress. As a pet owner, it’s important to provide gentle and supportive grooming practices to ensure their comfort and well-being.
- Establish a regular grooming routine.
- Opt for soft-bristle brushes and wide-tooth combs that are gentle on their sensitive skin and joints.
- Consider using grooming tools designed for arthritic pets, such as gloves or mitts that can help remove loose hair.
- If your arthritic cat is experiencing significant grooming challenges or pain, consult your veterinarian for advice and potential treatment options.
Mind-Blowing Fact
Arthritis is a very common condition in cats, especially as they age. Recent studies indicate that 60% of cats older than six years and 70% to 90% of cats 12 and older have some degree of arthritis.
Article by Krista Schulte
I am a fear-free, force-free, and positive reinforcement Certified Cat Trainer and Behaviour Specialist in Canada. I volunteer in shelters and work on feline enrichment and socialization, and behaviour modification for TLC cases. I threw myself into the Cat Behaviour community and began a path of rigour study, gaining various certificates to attain this goal and will always continue my education. After helping get cats out of the shelters, I transitioned to a Behaviour Counsellor with Toronto Cat Rescue (still with them) to keep cats from going back to the shelter. I am passionate about these cats and their welfare.
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