Cats are perhaps the most independent pets. If your furry friend is potty trained, you’ll find that all you need to do is feed them and provide a safe living space. Cats seem to have a handle on their grooming, and they do a great job. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t require some pampering from time to time.
Not to mention, providing additional grooming for your cat will go a long way in ensuring their overall wellbeing. But where do you start if this is your first time grooming a cat? What do you need? We’ve provided 5 useful tips to find the perfect grooming set for your cat. Let’s get this show on the road.
1. Understand What Your Cat Needs
Before you begin your search for the best cat grooming tools, it’s crucial to understand what the set needs to include, depending on your cat’s lifestyle. For instance, if your cat spends a lot of time outdoors, there’s a high chance their fur will have more tangles than usual and other things stuck to it. In this case, you’ll need a kit that includes pin brushes because they’re the best brushes for preventing matting and removing tangles.
You should also consider your cat’s fur type and length when buying grooming kits. In most cases, the most important tool in the grooming kit is the brush because brushing is the primary way of grooming a cat’s fur. Some of the brushes you’ll find on the market include:
- Molting comb: Works for all fur types, particularly long-haired cats. The comb has two lengths of pins that help in detangling and prevents matting.
- Slicker brush: It’s perfect for all types of fur. However, it’s made of metal. So be careful when brushing to avoid hurting your cat.
- Grooming comb: It’s used for removing tangles for all cats. Use a wide-toothed comb for cats with long and thick hair and finer-tooth combs for cats with fine hair.
- Bristle brush: Best for cats with short or sleek hair and works perfectly as a finishing comb for cats with long hair.
- Rubber brush: Perfect for skittish cats. The rubber massages the cat’s skin, removes loose hair, and stimulates oil production.
- Pin brush: Great for removing tangles and preventing matting in cats with medium to long hair.
2. Research and Read Customer Reviews
Searching for cat grooming tools can be a lot like pulling teeth. There are a plethora of options to choose from, and it doesn’t help that all manufacturers tout their products as the best, even if they’re not.
The best way to identify the best grooming tools is to rely on other user’s experiences. Begin by researching and identifying the best tools by top brands. Next, find out what customers have to say about the different things you’re planning to buy. Finally, narrow down to the best products.
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3. Consult Your Vet
If you’re a new cat owner, chances are you don’t know much about cat grooming, your cat’s hair type, or what kind of grooming your cat would benefit from. If this describes you, the best thing you can do is consult your vet before purchasing any grooming set.
Your vet will give you all the information you need and recommend the best brands to purchase grooming sets from. Besides, if your cat has any ailments, your vet will inform you which products to avoid that may make the problem worse.
4. Think Beyond Brushing
Most people believe that cats only need their fur brushed, and that’s it. This couldn’t be further from the truth. You also need to give your regular cat mani-pedis, depending on how fast their nails grow. As a rule of thumb, cut their nails when they become too sharp and ensure there are no injuries before doing so.
To clip your cat’s nails, you’ll need:
- High-quality cat nail scissors or clippers: Always trim the white tip of each nail at the point where it begins to curl.
- Styptic powder: If you accidentally cut too deep, the powder will keep the bleeding in control.
Apart from trimming your cat’s nails, you may also need to bathe your cat, especially if they have a skin condition. This grooming step is, however, not necessary for all cats. Speak to your vet to find out if you need to bathe your cat. If you do, make sure you invest in a feline-friendly shampoo.
5. Figure Out How to Deal with the Gunk
Grooming your cat doesn’t end with brushing, trimming your cat’s nails, and bathing them. You also have to think about how you’re going to deal with issues like wax in their ears, gunk in their eyes, and other d bathing your cat doesn’t end after trimming their nails, brushing their fur, and bathing them. It’s also essential to deal with gunk on their face and ears. Feline-friendly wipes do a great job of getting rid of accumulated wax in the ears and gunk around the eyes. Research and find the best brand for your cat’s needs.
Wrapping Up
Finding the best grooming kit for your cat solely depends on what your cat needs. If you don’t plan to bathe your cat, for instance, you don’t need a kit that includes shampoo. Therefore consider what your furry friend needs and begin searching for the perfect kit. Don’t forget to read customer reviews to get an idea of the level of quality you’re getting.