The importance of grooming

As a cat owner you’re bound to appreciate the need for a proper grooming routine. But, there’s more to it than meets the eye—you’re not just making your pet look good but are potentially staving off a whole range of health conditions, so implementing a proper routine should be high on the list of priorities.

Let’s start with the basics—the fur. Brushing will not only keep the coat and skin in great condition but it can cut down the incidence of hairballs too, and although these are common and usually harmless a severe hairball (which could well be the result if you don’t brush your pet regularly) can potentially cause intestinal blockages.

You’ll want to keep the eyes, nose and ears nice and clean too, with sparkling eyes being a great indicator of good health. If you notice any irritation, redness, inflammation or anything else that doesn’t look quite right it’s time to consult your vet, and to ensure the ears stay in top condition you might want to try liquid ear cleaners for optimum cleanliness. Nails will need to be trimmed on a regular basis too—long nails can snag on carpets and furniture, and in extreme cases they can grow into the skin and toe pads if left unchecked.

Having a proper routine in place also means you can monitor your pet and keep an eye open for any changes—a change in condition of the coat or skin (for example) can often be an indicator of wider health concerns, so it makes sense to keep on top of things. So, never underestimate the importance of grooming and you can help ensure your pets stay as happy and healthy as possible.