If you have a lot of cats in our family, then you must be interested in cat grooming supplies. Hairballs can be prevented with regular brushing and a monthly pedicure. When Max, our big Siberian, drooled all over his fluffy coat while recuperating from dental surgery, I was relieved we had some cat grooming equipment on hand. I grabbed a cat-friendly shampoo and gave poor Max a quick clean-up.
We’ve put up this list to help you build your must-have cat grooming products. It begins with the most fundamental items (brushes, combs, and tooth-cleaning supplies) before moving on to the nice-to-haves: nail clippers, shampoo, towel, and a variety of face and ear wipes.
Of course, the problem with some cats is getting them to accept these healthy and often necessary treatments. As quickly as feasible after bringing your cat into your home, experts recommend beginning grooming sessions with them. Begin by stroking them, then gradually work your way up to massage. To make the sessions more appealing, add a few treats. You’ll discover many ideas on how to groom a cat and which cat brushes are ideal in these articles.
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Bathing, Dental Cleaning, And Flea Prevention
Cats do not require regular bathing, which is good news since frequent cleaning may remove the natural oils their skin requires. Desert animals such as cats clean themselves automatically, and washing might remove the essential oils their skin needs.
What about when your cat needs “spot cleaning” or gets in a mess that necessitates a real bath (particularly true for older cats or those who are ill, or for a frightened cat who has an accident in her carrier)?
You can manage it, but avoid using human bath soaps or shampoos, which may irritate your cat’s skin. There are several excellent soap-free pet shampoos available, but avoid essential oil-containing pet goods (some essential oils are toxic to cats).
Dawn dishwashing liquid diluted is always an option, according to Silcox-Rather. Even more sensitive to chemicals than our domestic cats, wild animals can be cleaned safely with the unscented product.
“It gets out grease and grime, and a little goes a long way,” she adds. “Use another wet washcloth to rinse the area after cleaning it with a very moist washcloth with a tiny amount of Dawn.”
A flea comb is a must-have tool for any grooming supply arsenal. Use it to check for fleas and flea dirt, or just to remove them. If fleas are detected, there’s no need to be alarmed; see our article on the best flea treatments for cats.
Finally, some words on teeth cleaning. Plague and bacteria build-up should be removed regularly with dental care to prevent tartar formation.
You can try tooth brushing, using a customized flavored cat toothpaste that has pet-safe ingredients along with a cat-size toothbrush, if your cat is up for it. There are various alternatives if toothbrushing sessions aren’t working out well.
If you want to get your cat a hard, plastic plaque-free toothbrush, Silcox-Rither recommends using dental chew treats (just one or two a day) or adding a drinking water additive that encourages dental health.
The Most Effective Cat Grooming Supplies
Whether it’s an emergency bath or a dental care session, having the appropriate equipment makes your kitty grooming experience much more pleasant. Here’s a list of gentle brushes and combs, as well as nail clippers, washing supplies, tooth cleaning equipment, and baby wipes.
Kong ZoomGroom
The must-have gadget for short- and medium-haired cats is the inexpensive ZoomGroom from toymaker Kong. It is a rubber brush that’s gentle on cats and helps your cat get used to being groomed. It’s got a wide range of uses, including as a brush or comb for your cat if he refuses to use other brushes or combs. Even the most adamant cat will accept it, according to owners.
Well & Good Undercoat Cat Comb
This cat-scaled comb will be a pleasure to use. The teeth have rounded tips that protect the cat from harm, and the rubber handle is simple to hold onto.
Four Paws Gentle Slicker Brush For Cats
The cat grooming equipment you’ll use the most is this basic slicker cat brush. It’s simple to operate and pleasant for both the cat and the person doing the grooming. The rake removes dead hair and dirt, but after that, the slicker brush polishes fur and redistributes essential oils, giving the coat a nice gleam.
Dog And Cat Toothbrushes With Bristled Dual-ends
A soft-bristled toothbrush for cats has a huge and a tiny brush—use the smaller end on kittens and most cats. Using this brush with cat-specific toothpaste to clean your cat’s teeth gently will keep them healthy and avoid gingivitis.
Enzymatic Toothpaste For Dogs And Cats With Poultry Flavor
The market leader in toothpaste is Virbac C.E.T., which is made by Vetoquinal, a well-known French company. This and other food-flavored toothpaste are intended for both cats and dogs—who would have guessed they had similar tastes?
The flavor of this chicken toothpaste is meant to prevent plaque from forming, and some users claim that their cats enjoy it (not as much as the actual brushing). If your cat has tartar problems, talk with your veterinarian about the need for professional cleaning. Also, look for Virbac’s other flavors if your cat is scared of poultry.
Dry Kitten Food With A Flavor Of Oven-roasted Chicken Is Designed To Be Chewed And Consumed.
Greenies dental treats, which come in tempting flavors such as salmon, catnip, and roasted chicken, are an easy and delicious way to keep your cat’s dental health in good shape. (You have to wonder why they don’t make them for people!)
Water Additive For Oral Care With Oratene Brushless Cat And Dog
Enzymes in this concentrated water additive work together to reduce odor-causing microorganisms. Oratene makes the plaque water-soluble, preventing it from adhering to your cat’s teeth. Daily use of this product is recommended with a good shake and as directed in freshwater.
Nail Cap For Soft Claws
Some cat owners glue on artificial nail caps for indoor cats with scratch issues. Some cats find them more comfortable than having their nails trimmed. Others are just as unhappy about getting their claws trimmed. If your cat is a lover, Soft Claws may be the answer; they have excellent ratings.
