There are a number of reasons why your cat may suddenly become unable to groom itself: weight gain, orthopedic problems, arthritis, or the secondary consequences of another illness. When your cat stops grooming itself, matted and tangled areas, odors and - if left untreated for a long time - inflammation on the skin develop on its rear. To prevent these discomforts and health problems, you need to take it upon yourself to clean your cat yourself.
Steps
Step 1. If your cat is black or gray, shave it
If the problem is severe, shaving his rear will make things easier for you. It makes the cleaning process much faster and easier, even for him.
Step 2. Use rounded tip scissors carefully
If your cat is very touchy or difficult to handle, she may not tolerate the noise of the scissors and you may have to resort to real scissors, which are slow and riskier to use. Use a pair with a rounded tip to reduce the risk of hurting your cat if she fidgets.
Step 3. Wash the area to be shaved
An initial bath can make it easier to shorten the hair on the back by hand and will relieve skin irritation. In these circumstances, if you can, soak your cat's rear briefly in plain, warm, shallow water to loosen tangled areas and to get rid of the bulk of odor and stains. If your cat does not tolerate the bathroom, try using a soaked sponge on his rear and then pat him dry with kitchen paper to remove as much dirt as possible. In any case, if after the initial cleaning you find that your cat's skin is covered with scabs, red or purulent, still take him to the vet for a dressing that reduces inflammation and infection. While you are there, ask him for advice on how to shorten the hair on the hindquarters.
Step 4. Continue to trim the hair regularly
After the first rear bath, you may need to clean and trim the same area's coat every day or two for some time, depending on how severe the problem is and how your cat reacts to this treatment.
Step 5. Clean the cat daily
Once it is thoroughly cleaned, you will need to continue washing it every day with baby wipes to keep it that way. Combing and brushing it regularly helps.
Suggestions
- When the cat is still a puppy, wash it from time to time to get used to it. It makes your life easier for when it gets older.
- When trying to wash a cat or wet its rear, it is best to tuck the cat into a shallow sink with a towel in it. The cat will cling to the towel (if it has claws) and feel safer (and won't scratch you). If the cat has no claws, you can gently wrap it in a towel before wetting its rear to prevent it from climbing onto your shoulders or back. Only do this if you can't find someone to help you.
- If your cat was out of shape but then comes back more agile and physically healthy, he will be more able to clean himself. Try to increase your cat's activity level by playing with him more often.
- If your overweight cat loses some weight, he will be more able to groom himself. Your vet can help you select a suitable diet for him.
- An increase in the attention paid to him will serve to reassure your cat during this very personal treatment; that way you will still be friends for when he is able to clean himself again. Make sure you give him enough attention and affection, especially if your cat is overweight. Some cats eat for emotional reasons, just like some people!
- In general, cats will lose weight on a canned diet rather than eating dry food. However, remember that any change in diet should be done gradually (see the warnings for further information).
Warnings
- Giving a cat a diet of canned food only will increase the chances of dental problems later on. However, when a cat is over 11, it's best to start feeding fluffier, semi-moist, canned food.
- If keeping your cat clean is a lasting commitment, and you need to go out of town, you can entrust your cat to the vet or prepare to bring a nice gift for your cat-sitter (for the unpleasant extra service) when you return!
- Just like people, some cats are naturally fat. So take yours to the vet to make sure he really needs a diet.
- If you have other cats, they may not love diet food - give them extra treats, but don't let your cat see you on a diet!
