How Do I Groom My Mink Cat?

The term "mink" refers to a cat's color, meaning it appears deeper and richer that the traditional hue. Grooming a mink cat is therefore just like grooming any other cat. Unless a cat has been well-habituated to grooming, however, the process can resemble a three-ring circus combined with a knife fight -- and the cat has all the knives. If the cat is the least bit resistant, an assistant will be needed, and even then it's best to groom in short bursts, letting the cat calm down between sessions. Unless the cat is long-haired and prone to mats or has another urgent need for assistance, it's easier to let the cat do most of the grooming itself.

Things You'll Need

  • Assistant
  • Nail clippers
  • Fine-toothed comb
  • Soft brush
  • Scissors
  • Cotton balls
  • Cotton swabs
  • Warm water
  • Cat shampoo
  • Towels
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Instructions

  1. Nails

    • 1

      Handle the cat's feet to see if it will permit nail trimming. If it resists and the nails need serious trimming, either restrain the cat by wrapping it snugly in a towel and exposing one foot at a time or take it to a vet for professional attention.

    • 2

      Check the claws for length. If the cat has a scratching post or other appliance for sharpening its claws, trimming will probably be unnecessary.

    • 3

      Blunt the claws a bit if desired by trimming only the very tips with guillotine-style nail clippers. Unlike a dog's nails, a cat's claws need to stay sharp for defense and for climbing.

    Eyes

    • 4

      Clean the cat's face once or twice a week.

    • 5

      Wipe the face with a cotton ball dampened with warm water, paying close attention to the eyes and skin folds.

    • 6

      Wet any tear stains thoroughly, wait a few minutes for the caked secretions to soften, and then wipe clean.

    Ears

    • 7

      Check the cat's outer ears for dirt and old, dark wax.

    • 8

      Wipe the ears out carefully with a damp cotton ball.

    • 9

      Use a damp cotton swab to clean folds and grooves.

    • 10

      Do not attempt to clean deep in the ears -- this is a job for the vet.

    Coat

    • 11

      Brush the cat daily with a small, soft brush. Cover all parts of the cat, including belly, legs and tail. Make this a part of pleasant time together and the cat will learn to tolerate it and even enjoy it.

    • 12

      Introduce the comb gradually and use it gently. If you find mats, work the comb under them to protect the skin and use the scissors to cut them off or snip them into small clumps that can be removed more easily.

    • 13

      Bathe the cat as needed, if it gets very dirty or smelly, or if it has fleas. Use only a shampoo formulated specifically for cats. In an emergency use baby shampoo, but rinse very thoroughly, because the cat will groom itself for hours after being bathed, until every hair is in place.

    • 14

      Dry the cat as much as possible with towels and keep it in a warm area until it is completely dry.