IT may seem that cats are purr-fectly fine at grooming themselves.
But, there are some things you can do to help them be the marvellous moggy you know they are.
Union Lake Pet Grooming shares their top tips for getting your cat as clean as possible.
Get grooming when they're kittens
When cats are young they'll be more willing to be brushed and petted as it is what their mother would normally do.
Handle your kitten gently so they get used to being held and groomed.
Older cats may be a little more resistant to grooming so start them young.
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Brush regularly
Short-haired cats need weekly brushing.
Whilst long-haired cats, need to be brushed 2-3 times a week to avoid matting and messy hairballs.
If your cat squirms, keep sessions short. But make sure you use a good brush designed to remove excess fur, like a comb, soft rubber brush, or a bristle brush.
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Bathe your cat when they're calm
Make sure your feline friend is relaxed before you begin washing them as many are naturally averse to water.
Fill a sink or tub with shallow water.
Using a jug, slowly pour water over your cat, always making sure you avoid their face and head.
Start at the neck, lathering the body with a cat-safe shampoo.
Pour clean water over the suds, making sure to remove all the shampoo.
Keep a big towel nearby to carry your cat out of the water and then dry them off.
Some cats will never go in water so try a dry shampoo bath instead.
Pay attention to the ears
When bathing your cat, inspect the ears for any signs of discharge or redness.
If you need to clean their ear canals, use a specialist cat ear cleanser.
Use a cotton ball to remove debris but never use Q-tips as they can damage the ear further.
Clip your cat’s claws every few weeks
Most indoor cats will have overgrown nails, which can catch on things and even cause an injury.
Make sure your cat is comfortable with you touching their paws.
Once you’re both ready, use a cat nail trimmer and gently push down and extend each paw so that all the claws are on show.
This will also keep the claws from retracting.
Only clip a little at a time, making sure to avoid the quick, which is the pink section of the claw and is extremely sensitive.
Reward your cat as you groom
Whilst grooming your cat, make sure you always have catnip, treats, and toys nearby to make it as pleasant as possible.
Soon they will associate the positive things, like treats, to the uncomfortable grooming.
This will make them more open to being brushed or having their claws looked at.
For more pet stories, check out this dog groomer who turned my pet poodle into a giraffe for fun – he’s also been styled as The Grinch
Plus, your pet questions answered, such as why do dogs eat grass?
Or see why you’ve been feeding your dog all wrong – seven common mistakes most pet owners make at meal time
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