A cat's fur is healthy when it's smooth and shiny, not rough or brittle. Whether it's a long-haired or short-haired animal, proper nutrition and good grooming will help keep its fur healthy. Once you have learned the basic steps to follow to make their coat healthy, it will be easier to put them into practice in your cat's daily care.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Brushing the Cat
Step 1. Brush the cat to improve the appearance of its coat
Brushing it regularly will help remove any dead hair, dirt, and external parasites. In addition, it will help distribute the natural sebum produced by the cat's skin throughout the fur. In this way, the overall shine and softness of the coat will improve.
- Brushing it frequently will also help reduce the amount of hair ingested by the cat during self-cleaning and thus reduce the production of hairballs.
- Start grooming your cat as soon as he is a puppy, so that he gets used to it.
- Professional grooming services may also be available in your area, the cost of which can vary significantly.
Step 2. Determine the ideal brushing frequency
Long-haired varieties will need to be brushed more often than short-haired ones, i.e. every 2-3 days. For short-haired species, one grooming per week is sufficient. Some experts suggest brushing long-haired cats for at least 15 minutes every day.
Step 3. Get the tools you need
To brush your cat properly you will need a good quality common brush, a steel comb and a soft or rubber brush. Make sure they are specific cat cleaning tools.
If you wish, you can use a chamois leather cloth or towel to scrub the cat after brushing. This will remove the residual hair and improve the sheen of the fur
Step 4. Brush it carefully
Starting with the common brush, gently smooth the animal's fur, proceeding from the head to the tail. Then, use the steel comb in the same way - it will help you remove any dirt and other debris. Finally, use the soft or rubber brush to remove any dead hair.
- If there are knots in the fur, take care of them before brushing the fur from top to bottom.
- If you wish, you can wipe the cat with a chamois leather cloth or towel after brushing to increase the sheen of the coat.
- Make sure you are gentle on sensitive parts (such as the belly).
- To brush the tail of a long-haired cat, divide it in half starting from the center and brush the hair from side to side.
Part 2 of 3: Wash the Cat
Step 1. Decide when to wash it
It is well known that cats clean themselves and therefore only rarely need to be bathed. However, if your cat cannot - or does not want to - groom herself satisfactorily, you will need to bathe her more frequently.
How often you wash it will depend on the cat species and how active it is. For example, long-haired or particularly active cats need to be bathed more frequently. On the other hand, even an arthritic cat that has difficulty grooming itself will need frequent baths
Step 2. Prepare him for the bath
Some experts recommend applying a few drops of mineral oil to your cat's eyes before bathing to protect them from soap. In addition, also consider inserting cotton balls in your ears to prevent water from entering.
- Choose a time when the cat is quiet. Playing with him before washing him can help to calm him down and tire him a little, so that the bathroom is not too stressful an experience.
- Before the bath, try to calm him down by offering him his favorite food, talking to him softly or stroking him.
- It may also be a good idea to trim their nails to prevent them from scratching you.
Step 3. Clean it before bathing
Before washing it you should brush it thoroughly. Then take a towel soaked in warm water and use it to gently rub the area around and inside the ears. If the muzzle also needs cleaning, you can use the same towel to gently scrub it.
Step 4. Prepare the bathroom
Fill a basin or sink with just enough warm (not hot) water to get your cat wet, without it being completely submerged in it. If you decide to use the bathtub or sink, place a towel or non-slip mat on the bottom. If your cat has the ability to hold on to something while you wash it, it may feel safer and calmer.
Make sure the room you wash it in is warm (21 ° C or more), otherwise it may get cold when wet
Step 5. Gently place it in the water
You may need the help of another person to carry out this operation. Cats usually don't like water, so this step could create difficulties for you.
You may want to wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt while you wash it to protect your hands and arms from scratches and bites
Step 6. Use the right shampoo
Cat skin has different characteristics than human skin, so you shouldn't use regular shampoo or soap to wash your cat. Purchase cat-specific shampoo and conditioner at a pet store, or ask your vet for advice.
In the event that your cat has a skin allergy or another type of problem, the veterinarian may prescribe a special shampoo. Be careful to follow the package insert carefully
Step 7. Gently wash the cat
Using a little shampoo and warm water (one part of shampoo for five parts of water), massage the fur. Proceed quickly but gently and make sure you also take care of any problem areas (with dirt or matted fur). Proceed from head to paws, carefully avoiding the eye and ear area.
- You can also use a hand shower or spray bottle to bathe the cat.
- Talking to the cat in a gentle tone while you wash it can make the experience less stressful.
Step 8. Rinse it completely
As a pet that likes to groom itself, your cat will likely start licking itself as soon as you finish washing it. Before you get him out of the tub, be sure to thoroughly rinse off any residual shampoo or conditioner so your cat can't accidentally swallow them, otherwise they could be causing intestinal upset or other problems.
Step 9. Dry it
After rinsing it thoroughly, take it out of the tub. With the help of a cloth or paper towel, dab the tail and legs to remove excess water. Wrap it in a towel and keep it warm until it's completely dry.
- If your cat has short hair and your home is warm, it may be able to dry itself without the help of a towel.
- The hairdryer may not be the most suitable choice for a cat, as it could dry out its skin or even cause it to suffer from heat stroke. In addition, its noise is a source of annoyance for some cats. If you want to use a hair dryer, be sure to set it to the lowest temperature (or "cool" mode).
Step 10. Brush the cat after the bath as needed
A bath should be enough to make the cat's coat shiny and soft. However, if your coat is long, tangled, or shaggy, you may find it helpful to brush it after washing it.
Step 11. Reward him
The bathing experience can be stressful for many cats, so consider rewarding them with their favorite food after washing them. Cuddling or comforting him in another way can also help calm him down.
Part 3 of 3: Feeding the Cat to Get Healthy Hair
Step 1. Feed your cat healthily
A healthy diet is necessary for a healthy coat. Regardless of what type of diet your cat is used to (canned, dry, raw, or a combination of these), his diet should include a high protein and fat content. In addition, the cat should always have fresh, clean water available to drink.
Ask your veterinarian for advice on the most suitable food to give him
Step 2. Feed him good quality food
The quality of commercially available cat food varies by product. To make sure your cat's fur keeps a healthy look, check the ingredients list on the label and make sure it meets their needs.
- To further be sure of its quality, you can also choose food that has been certified by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials).
- Raw meat diets are recommended by some experts as they are an easy way to ensure your cat is getting the right amount of nutrients.
Step 3. Replace food as needed
Your cat's dietary needs will vary over the course of her life: foods designed specifically for kittens are not suitable for adult cats and vice versa. Furthermore, the nutrition he needs depends on other factors, such as his health and level of activity. If the cat does not receive the appropriate food for its age and characteristics, its fur may appear dry and dull.
Step 4. Contact your vet if your cat's fur looks strangely dull
If you are feeding him the right diet and are taking proper care of his grooming, but his coat is dull, brittle and rough, talk to your vet. Health problems, such as digestive disorders, parasites, cancer, obesity or stress, can affect the appearance of the coat. The veterinarian will be able to determine if a health disorder is at the root of the problem.
