Grooming of Senior Cats

Grooming a cat can be difficult especially as they grow older. Here are some facts you may find relating to your senior cat grooming that may help you.

Senior cats may have trouble reaching these areas of their body to groom unlike when they are younger.
• Neck
• Back
• Belly
• Tail

Brushing

Brushing will help your older cat to have a healthy coat and avoid getting mats which can cause skin irritation and bad smell. Here are some tips on brushing your cat at home. Make sure to follow these steps only when you are confident on doing so and your cat will allow you.
1. Find a place in your home where your cat likes to hang out and consider doing the grooming there. This will help your cat relax in a familiar environment.
2. Avoid getting your cat startled by slowly approaching them from the front.
3. You can wrap your cat in a towel to make them feel more comfortable and this will also help you from sudden movement and accidental scratching.
4. Start the brushing process gently and slowly from their head down to the tail.
5. Take extra caution brushing your cat from its belly as they’re sensitive on this area.
6. Reward your cat every grooming session with a treat suitable their age.
In case there are mats that already developed in their coat which are impossible to brush out, bring them to your professional groomer for a trim or shave using a cat-safe clipper.

Bathing

Cats with shorter coat may not need a bath. You can use all-natural cat wipes to clean them. Medium to long-haired cats will need a wash to maintain the coat clean and free from allergies. Prepare your tub with warm water where you can submerge your cat up to his belly only. Use a mild cat shampoo. Make the bathing quick as older cats cannot stand being cold unlike when they are younger. Dry with a towel and use warm air from your hair dryer on the lowest setting making sure their ears are covered.

Nails

Always check your cat’s nail if they need to be clipped. Your groomer can help you safely clip your cat’s claws.
Ears. Check the ears regularly for dirt or any foul smell. Bring your cat to your groomer for proper ear cleaning. And for any unusual smell, excessive scratching, bring your cat to your veterinarian for a check-up.

This blog is written by Donnie Pagsanjan – Professional Groomer at ABVC Kennels & Cattery