Things You'll Need
- Brushes
- Sink
- Shampoo
- Water
- Towel
- Hair dryer
Instructions
Brushing
Work from the head to the tail of the cat using a comb with wide-spaced tines. Follow the natural line of the cat̵7;s hair.
Focus on any mats located behind the ears, legs, or on by the base of the tail. To remove mats, use a comb with wide-spaced tines and work at the mat slowly until it is detangled. Your cat may struggle against the combing. If he does, stop and wait until the cat calms down to avoid hurting the cat.
Repeat Step 1 and 2 using a comb with narrow-spaced tines.
Repeat brushings daily when your cat molts, which happens twice a year, and every three to four days the rest of the year. Also brush your cat after every bath.
Nail Clipping
Hold your cat in your lap with her head facing out.
Use your index finger and thumb to squeeze your cat̵7;s toes. This will make the cat̵7;s claws pop out.
Speak softly to your cat to reassure her.
Use cat nail clippers to clip the nails. Watch for the quick inside the nail. This is the flesh and blood filled line that you can see in light colored nails. Only clip the tip of the nail to avoid cutting the quick.
Repeat the clipping once every two weeks for an adult cat or once a week for kittens.
Bathing
Bathe your cat in a sink or wash basin that is waist high. This allows you have better control over your cat, since most cats will be distressed by a bath. If your cat is particularly scared, have another person assist you with the bath. Signs of distress can including meowing, ears pinned back or panting.
Use a cat specific shampoo that you can purchase at your local pet store and lukewarm water. Avoid very hot or very cold water which could either injure or greatly distress your cat.
Rinse your cat thoroughly using lukewarm water. Make sure your remove all the soap before proceeding.
Use a towel on your cat to remove as much excess water as possible. Use a hair dryer on the cool setting to remove the excess water.
Repeat Steps 1 through 4 three to four times a year, unless your cat needs it more. If you are showing your cat, you will need to bathe him before every show. Fluff your cat̵7;s coat with your hands to finish the bath.