Share Your Cats Grooming

Cats spend a great amount of time grooming themselves. It is estimated they spend between fifteen to thirty percent of their day licking, combing, and washing their fur. There are several benefits to this self-bathing, and if a cat can't maintain its own coat, you may need to assist.

The cat's tongue is perfectly designed to help maintain their fur. It has small barbs on the top, which makes the surface rough and perfect for combing. Keratin, a protein which helps keep fur shiny and clean, is found in the saliva on the tongue as well.

Through this ritual, your cat is helping to ensure their fur is clean and free of tangles and mats. This is essential for the health of the cat, as mats can get infected and cause skin sores. In addition, the feline is helping to ensure their coat does not get parasites, such as fleas. It is believed that through the release of salvia as they lick themselves they keep their internal temperature down, preventing overheating. The salvia also helps add water protection to their coat.

Cats grooming also has psychological benefits. The ritual can calm a cat down, and is part of its daily routine just as your daily grooming habits are. It may also be a sign of distress, or anxiety. In social situations, a cat who is intimidated by an alpha cat may choose to groom itself rather than fight. As a sign of affection for each other, you may witness cats licking and cleaning each other. You may also receive a love bath from your pet as a sign of affection.

There are times when your a cat's grooming habits aren't enough to keep up its coats need. For example, sometimes a cat will suffer from hairballs, a condition that occurs from swallowing fur during their grooming process. Hairballs may discourage your cat from properly cleaning itself. Other times, if you have an especially furry kitty, excessive shedding may prevent your cat from properly maintaining its coat. In these situations, a cat grooming glove, a device designed for the owner to help comb and brush their cat's fur, can help. Massaging and petting your pet with a glove can bring you two closer together.

Cats grooming habits begin as kittens. As they age, the need for assistance increases. You and cat will grow closer, however, as you help groom them.