Kittens and Cats
Routine Grooming
When your kitten is young, this is the time to
get her/him accustomed to anything and everything that we'll want
to do throughout his/her lifetime.
It is very important that you spend time brushing
your kitten's haircoat daily. For all cats a brush called
a slicker brush is ideal - they have wire bristles that are very
effective in removing loose hair. A comb is another good grooming
tool especially for longhaired cats.
Brushing your kitten's coat is important for many
reasons. It increases circulation to the skin, which helps promote
healthy skin and fur. It removes loose hair and this helps to
prevent hairballs and blockages from hair. This also helps to
decrease the amount of hair that you will find around your house.
Although it may sound funny, you should get
your kitten used to having her teeth brushed. The teeth
should be brushed daily to twice weekly. Brushing with a non-fluoride
paste is advisable as kittens will swallow the paste, unlike humans,
and the fluoride can make them sick. Start with just your finger
on your kittens' teeth and gums. Try this when he/she is resting
and peaceful instead of during playtime. You are more likely to
be successful and your fingers will appreciate it! Once the kitten
is used to your fingers, you can use some paste on your finger,
possibly move to a piece of gauze with paste on it or move directly
to a small kitten brush with paste. Brushing action is the same
as with our teeth - from the gumline down on the top teeth and
from the gumline up on the bottom teeth. The insides of the teeth
are often very difficult to reach; the tongue tends to "brush"
them as well. So if you are only able to do the outside surfaces,
that's fine. The farthest back teeth are the most difficult to
reach, but they tend to build-up tartar more quickly and therefore
particular attention should be given to these teeth.
Although this can be a difficult habit to establish
with kittens - it is easier at a younger age. Persistence is the
key as it is with many things in life!! The rewards that will
be enjoyed by your pet include healthy, clean teeth and gums.
Tartar build-up on the teeth is a source for bacteria and causes
gum disease as well. Furthermore, you will appreciate your pet's
breath much more when it is fresh. Routine brushing, along with
prophylactic dental cleanings, are the key to good oral hygiene
with your pet.
Nail trimming should
also be initiated at a young age. Instruction will be given on
this during your kitten's health exam, as well as a complimentary
nail trim. Then there is a little homework to do. Play with your
kitten's feet while he/she is resting or sleeping to get him/her
accustomed to having the feet held. Hold your kitten frequently
as if you are going to trim nails, then just let her/him go. Bring
your nail trimmers out and get your kitten used to the sight and
sound of them so that they do not cause stress whenever the kitten
sees them.
With nail trimming remember to be aware of where
the "pink triangle" or "quick" is - these
are the blood vessels that supply the nail. Trim close to but
never in this sensitive area. If you do happen to get too close,
it's okay - becoming stressed will transfer to the kitten - remain
calm. Unless you cut quite deeply into the "quick",
there is not likely to be any blood with kittens or cats. If bleeding
does occur, place pressure on it and use one of the many commercially
available products to stop the bleeding. Kwik-stop powder is one
of the easiest to use - we use this at Vetcetera. Nails should
be trimmed routinely every 3-4 weeks.
Remember that lots of
praise for good behavior is important. Treats can also be given
while you are attempting to introduce new habits.
We understand that new habits are not always
easy to establish - it does take time and effort which in our
busy lives is not always easy to find. But once the routines are
established it takes only minutes a day to perform them. We're
sure your pet will enjoy the benefits of your time and effort….and
will be healthier and happier because of it.
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