Understanding Cat Grooming Habits and How to Help Your Cat Stay Clean

Cats are known for being clean animals, often spending a significant part of their day grooming themselves. This natural behaviour is essential for their well-being, as it helps them maintain a clean coat, regulate body temperature, and even relieve stress.

However, even though cats are generally good at taking care of their own grooming, there are times when they may need a little help. In this blog, we’ll explore why cats groom, what their grooming habits mean, and how you can assist them in staying clean and healthy.

Why Do Cats Groom Themselves?

Grooming is an instinctive behaviour that serves several important purposes in a cat's life. Here's a look at why grooming is so essential to your feline friend:

1. Keeping Their Coat Clean

The most obvious reason cats groom themselves is to keep their fur clean. Cats have tiny barbs on their tongues that act like a brush, helping to remove dirt, loose fur, and parasites from their coats. This self-cleaning process is crucial for maintaining a healthy coat and skin.

2. Regulating Body Temperature

Grooming also helps cats regulate their body temperature. When a cat licks their fur, the saliva evaporates, providing a cooling effect similar to sweating in humans. This is especially important for long-haired cats or during warm weather, as it helps prevent overheating.

3. Distributing Natural Oils

As cats groom, they distribute natural oils produced by their skin. These oils help keep their fur soft, shiny, and waterproof. Without regular grooming, a cat’s coat can become dull, greasy, or prone to matting.

4. Relieving Stress and Anxiety

Grooming is also a way for cats to self-soothe. When a cat feels stressed, anxious, or uncomfortable, grooming can have a calming effect. This is why you might notice your cat grooming more frequently during stressful situations, such as a visit to the vet or a change in their environment.

5. Social Bonding

In multi-cat households, grooming can also serve as a social activity. Cats often groom each other (a behaviour known as allogrooming) as a way to strengthen social bonds and show affection. If your cat is grooming you, it’s often a sign that they feel close to you and trust you.

Common Grooming Behaviours

While grooming is normal, it’s helpful to understand the different grooming habits cats display and what they mean.

1. Regular Grooming

Most cats spend several hours each day grooming themselves. This includes licking their fur, cleaning their paws, and nibbling at any debris caught in their coat. Regular grooming is a sign of a healthy cat that feels comfortable in their environment.

2. Over-Grooming

Over-grooming occurs when a cat grooms excessively, sometimes to the point of causing hair loss or skin irritation. This can be due to stress, anxiety, or medical issues such as allergies or skin conditions. If you notice bald patches or red, irritated skin, it’s important to consult your vet.

3. Under-Grooming

Some cats, particularly older or overweight cats, may struggle with grooming. This can lead to a matted or greasy coat and may require your intervention. Cats who are in pain or experiencing dental issues may also groom less frequently. If your cat’s coat looks unkempt or you notice a decrease in grooming, a trip to the vet is advised.

4. Hairballs

While grooming, cats swallow loose hair, which usually passes through their digestive system. However, if a cat swallows too much hair, it can form a hairball. While occasional hairballs are normal, frequent hairballs may indicate that your cat needs more help with grooming, especially during shedding seasons.

How to Help Your Cat Stay Clean

Although cats are self-sufficient when it comes to grooming, there are several ways you can help them maintain a clean and healthy coat, especially if they have long fur or are struggling to groom themselves.

1. Regular Brushing

Brushing your cat regularly is one of the best ways to help them stay clean and reduce hairballs. It helps remove loose fur, prevents matting, and stimulates the production of natural oils that keep their coat shiny. Brushing is particularly important for long-haired cats, but short-haired cats also benefit from regular grooming.

• For short-haired cats: Use a soft-bristle brush or grooming glove to gently remove loose fur. Brushing once or twice a week is usually sufficient.

• For long-haired cats: Use a metal comb or slicker brush to prevent mats and tangles. Long-haired cats may need daily brushing, especially during shedding seasons.

2. Trimming Nails

While grooming, cats may nibble on their nails to keep them clean. However, regular nail trimming is still necessary, especially for indoor cats that may not naturally wear down their nails. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort or lead to injuries if they snag on furniture or carpet.

Use a cat-specific nail trimmer and trim just the tip of the nail, avoiding the pink "quick" where blood vessels and nerves are located. If you’re unsure about trimming your cat’s nails, ask your vet or a professional groomer for guidance.

3. Bathing (When Necessary)

Most cats don’t need regular baths, as they do a good job of keeping themselves clean. However, there are some situations where a bath may be necessary, such as if your cat gets into something sticky, smelly, or harmful. When bathing your cat, use a cat-specific shampoo and make sure the water is lukewarm. Be gentle and try to make the experience as stress-free as possible.

For cats that dislike water, you can use waterless cat shampoos or grooming wipes to clean their fur without the need for a full bath.

4. Dental Care

Oral hygiene is often overlooked, but it’s an important part of your cat’s grooming routine. Cats are prone to dental problems like plaque build-up, gum disease, and tooth decay. Regular brushing of your cat’s teeth with a cat-safe toothbrush and toothpaste can help prevent these issues.

If brushing your cat’s teeth isn’t possible, dental chews or toys designed to clean teeth can be a good alternative. Regular vet check-ups will also help monitor your cat’s dental health.

5. Cleaning Ears and Eyes

Some cats, especially those with long fur or flat faces, may need help keeping their ears and eyes clean. Use a soft, damp cloth or cotton ball to gently wipe away any dirt or discharge from your cat’s eyes. For ear cleaning, use a vet-approved ear cleaner and a cotton ball to wipe the outer part of the ear. Avoid using cotton swabs, as they can damage the ear canal.

When Grooming Becomes a Problem

While grooming is a normal behaviour, there are times when it may signal an issue that needs to be addressed:

• Excessive Shedding: While cats shed throughout the year, excessive shedding may indicate an underlying health problem such as poor nutrition, stress, or allergies. If your cat’s shedding seems abnormal, consult your vet.

• Hair Loss or Bald Spots: If your cat is losing fur in patches or has bald spots, this could be a sign of over-grooming due to stress, allergies, or skin infections. A visit to the vet will help determine the cause.

• Persistent Odours: If your cat has a persistent smell even after grooming, it could be a sign of dental issues, skin infections, or other health problems. Regular vet check-ups are important for identifying and addressing any issues early.

  
  

Conclusion

Cats are naturally good at grooming, but they sometimes need a little extra help from their owners to stay clean and healthy. Regular brushing, nail trimming, and occasional bathing can help maintain a clean coat and reduce the risk of hairballs.

Keeping an eye on your cat’s grooming habits also allows you to spot any changes that might indicate a health issue. By understanding your cat’s grooming needs and assisting when necessary, you can help your feline friend stay happy, healthy, and looking their best.