"But cats clean themselves..." - Are Cats Self Grooming?
Cats are well-known for their cleanliness, and it's no secret that they spend a significant portion of their day ‘grooming’ themselves. While this self-grooming behavior is essential to maintain their hygiene, it is not sufficient to ensure their overall health. Professional grooming by an experienced groomer is necessary to keep a cat's coat, skin, and nails in optimal condition.
Here are some reasons why cat self-grooming is not enough:
Limited access: While cats are proficient self-groomers, they cannot reach every area of their body. They may struggle to clean hard-to-reach areas such as their ears, back, and tail. This can lead to matting, which can be painful and lead to skin infections. Cats cannot clean their teeth, and dental hygiene is crucial to their overall health. A professional groomer can help with teeth cleaning, which can prevent dental issues such as periodontal disease.
A lifetime of grooming: As some cats age, they aren’t able to keep up their normal cleaning routine, which leads owners to bring them to a professional groomer for baths and haircuts. It is important to introduce and maintain a healthy relationship with professional grooming before an issue arises so that they are less stressed when there is an issue. Having established healthy exposure to professional grooming before an issue arises can ensure that the groomer can take care of all your cat’s needs no matter what stage of life they are in.
Identifying health issues: Professional groomers are trained to identify skin conditions, parasites, and other health issues that may be difficult to detect during self-grooming. Early detection of such issues can prevent them from becoming severe and expensive to treat.
Nail trimming: Cats' nails grow continuously and need to be trimmed regularly. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort to cats and may lead to infection. Trimming cats' nails is a tricky job that requires experience and skill, which is best left to a professional groomer.
Shedding: Some cats shed more than others, and their coats can become matted and unkempt. Professional groomers can help to remove excess fur and prevent matting, making the cat more comfortable.
Relaxation: Cats can become stressed during grooming, especially when it comes to bathing. Professional groomers can help to keep the cat calm and relaxed throughout the grooming process, ensuring a stress-free experience.
In conclusion, while self-grooming is a natural behavior for cats, it is not enough to maintain their overall health and hygiene. A professional groomer can help to keep a cat's coat, skin, and nails in optimal condition, identify health issues, and provide a stress-free grooming experience. Regular visits to a professional groomer can keep your cat healthy, happy, and looking its best.