A healthy cat's coat looks smooth, soft and shiny. Not rough or brittle. Good nutrition and good coat care will keep your cat's coat healthy, whether your cat has long or short coat. Once you learn the basic steps for a healthy coat, you will find it easy to incorporate them into your cat's grooming routine.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Combing Cats
Step 1. Comb the cat for a better coat appearance
If you brush regularly, the external hair, dirt and parasites will come off. This regular brushing also helps to spread the natural oils produced by the skin and spread to the coat. This will make the cat's coat shinier and neater.
- Combing a cat's fur frequently also reduces the amount of hair it ingests when a cat licks itself. As a result, the number of hairballs inside the cat's body is also reduced.
- Start brushing your cat as a child so he gets used to it.
- You can also hire a professional to do cat-grooming or combing and grooming your cat. Prices for these services vary.
Step 2. Find out how often your cat should be brushed
Long-haired cats need more frequent brushing than short-haired cats. Long-haired cats should only be brushed once every few days, while short-haired cats only need to be brushed once a week. Some experts recommend that long-haired cats be brushed for at least 15 minutes per day.
Step 3. Gather the equipment you need
To brush your cat properly, you'll need a brush comb, a metal comb, and a good rubber or bristle brush. All of this equipment must be specially designed for cats.
As an added option, a chamois or rag can be used to wipe down the cat's fur after you've brushed it. By wiping, you also get rid of the hair that is still attached and makes the cat's coat even more shiny
Step 4. Brush the cat carefully
Start with a regular brush and brush the cat's fur gently from head to tail. Then, use an iron comb in the same way. This will help get rid of the dirt. Finally, use a bristle or rubber brush to remove any loose hairs.
- If any part of the fur is tangled, untangle it before brushing the entire coat.
- If you prefer, wipe your cat with a chamois or a rag after brushing to give her coat a shinier shine.
- Be sure to be careful when brushing, combing or wiping the cat's sensitive body parts such as its belly.
- To brush a long-haired cat's tail, part the tail hair in the middle and brush the fur to each side.
Part 2 of 3: Bathing the Cat
Step 1. Find out when you should bathe them
Cats are known to often bathe themselves and rarely need humans to bathe them. However, if your cat can't or won't bathe herself, you may need to bathe her more often.
How often you should bathe your cat depends on its breed and activity level. Long-haired or very active cats, for example, may need to be bathed more often. Cats who have arthritis and have difficulty bathing themselves may also need to be bathed more often
Step 2. Prepare your cat for a bath
Some experts recommend putting a few drops of mineral oil into her eyes before bathing to protect them from soap. Also, you may want to put a cotton ball in his ear to keep water from getting inside.
- Bathe the cat when your cat is calm. Try to play with him before giving him a bath to calm him down and drain his energy a little so he doesn't get too stressed out during the bath.
- Try to calm your cat down before the bath by giving him a treat, talking to him gently, or petting him.
- You can also trim her nails before bathing to protect herself from scratching.
Step 3. Prepare the cat for bathing
Before bathing him, brush his fur thoroughly. Then, take a cloth that has been soaked in warm water and use the cloth to wipe the inside and around the ear. If his face needs to be cleaned, gently wipe his face.
Step 4. Prepare the bath
Fill the tub or sink with enough warm (not too hot) water so you can wet him but he doesn't drown. If you use a tub or basin to bathe them, place a towel or mat that will prevent them from slipping at the bottom. If your cat can hold onto something while being bathed, she can feel safer and calmer.
Make sure the room where the cat is bathed is warm (21 degrees celsius or more) because the cat's body gets cold when it's wet
Step 5. Gently place the cat in the bath
Maybe you need help from someone else to put it in the bath. Cats generally don't like water and this step can be a little stressful.
You can wear gloves and long sleeves when bathing to protect yourself from scratches
Step 6. Use the right type of shampoo
Cat skin is different from human skin, so you shouldn't use human shampoo or soap to bathe your cat. Look for cat shampoos and moisturizers at a pet store or you can ask your vet for recommendations.
If your cat has skin allergies or other problems, your vet may prescribe a special shampoo. Make sure you follow the instructions on the packaging
Step 7. Give the cat a gentle bath
With a little shampoo and warm water (shampoo and water in a ratio of 1:5), massage your cat's fur. Do it quickly and calmly and make sure you focus on problem areas (dirty, sticky hair, etc.). Massage from head to tail and avoid your cat's eyes and ears.
- You can also use a hose or spray bottle to gently wet the cat.
- Talking to your cat in a soft voice can make bath time less stressful for you.
Step 8. Rinse the cat's body thoroughly
Since cats love bathing themselves, your cat will usually start "cleaning" herself with her tongue and paws after you bathe her. Before you take him out of the shower, make sure you rinse his fur to get rid of any residue from shampoo and hair conditioner so he doesn't swallow it. Otherwise, your kitty might wind up with an upset tummy or other problems.
Step 9. Dry your cat
When you're done rinsing him, lift him out of the bath. Use a paper towel or paper towel to dry the tail and legs to absorb any excess water. Wrap the cat in a towel to dry it. Keep the body warm until the fur is dry.
- If your cat's coat is short and your house is warm, you don't need to towel dry your cat.
- A hairdryer is not a good choice for cats because it can dry out their skin or cause a heat stroke. Also, the noise from this device can be annoying to some cats. If you want to use this tool, make sure you set it to the lowest level (or " cool).
Step 10. Brush the cat's fur if needed
Maybe by just bathing your cat's fur can become slippery and shiny. However, if the hair is long, tangled, or sticky, brushing afterward can help.
Step 11. Give treats to your cat
Bath time can be stressful for a cat, so give him a treat afterwards. Stroking or doing something to calm him down can help him calm down.
Part 3 of 3: Feeding Cats for Healthy Fur
Step 1. Feed your cat healthy food
To get a healthy coat, a cat must eat a healthy diet. If your cat eats canned or dry food or raw food or a combination of these foods, make sure the food is high in protein and fat. In addition you should continue to provide plenty of clean and fresh water to drink.
Try consulting your vet for specific advice on choosing the right food for your cat
Step 2. Provide high quality food for your cat
Cat food sold in the market has a variety of qualities. To make sure your cat has a healthy coat, check the nutritional content of the food (which can be found on the label) and make sure it meets your cat's current needs.
- To ensure quality, you can look for cat food made in the United States with a label that shows the food is certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
- A diet of raw meat is recommended by some experts to make it easier for cats to get the nutrients they need.
Step 3. Change cat food when needed
Your cat's food needs will vary throughout its life; Foods designed for kittens are not suitable for older cats, and vice versa. The nutrition your cat needs will also depend on individual factors such as her level of health and activity. If your cat is not getting the right type of food for her age and activity level, her coat can look dull and rough.
Step 4. Call the vet if your cat's coat looks very dull
If you've been feeding and grooming her fur as needed and it still looks dull, brittle, or rough, try talking to your vet about this. Health problems such as digestive problems, parasites, cancer, obesity, or stress can affect the appearance of your cat's coat. Veterinarians can identify other health factors that cause this coat appearance problem.
