How to Groom a Senior Cat

Is Fluffy in her golden years? If so, her beauty routine may need some tweaking. Senior kitties can often have difficulty stretching and bending. This can make it difficult for them to clean themselves as they get older. Obesity can also be a problem. Additionally, more oil may be produced by your cat’s skin as she grows older, especially if she has medical conditions. Brush Fluffy regularly to get the dead fur and dander out of her coat. Here, a local veterinarian provides some advice on how to groom a senior cat.

Make It Fun

If Fluffy feels like she’s being pampered, her beauty sessions will go much better for both of you. The important thing here is timing. A good time to groom Fluffy is when she’s feeling relaxed and cuddly. Mix in some ear scritches, pets, and treats, and talk to your kitty gently in a calm tone of voice.

Do It Regularly

Longhaired cats need to be brushed daily. This can help keep their fur from matting and prevent hairballs. An added bonus is that regular grooming is good for Fluffy’s circulation.

Be Gentle

Senior cats require extreme care when being brushed. Your cat might be very sore and stiff. Pulling on the knots too hard can hurt her. And, older cats have extremely thin skin that can tear easily.

Choose Proper Equipment

While wire brushes are great to work on dogs with double coats, they’re not the right type of brush for senior kitties. Rather, use something softer. Talk to your vet clinic for recommendations.

Wipes

Does Fluffy’s behind sometimes get dirty? Use a damp washcloth or cat wipes to keep it clean. Talk to your local animal clinic for specific advice on this.

Know When To Get Help

If your feline friend ever gets especially matted or tangled, you might need to bring her to a professional groomer. Fluffy may put up a fuss about going to the pet groomer, but her safety and well-being is what comes first. 

Pawdicures

As cats grow older, their claws will thicken. Fluffy’s nails may start becoming more prone to getting caught on things. Always be sure that she has a good scratching post or board!

Regular Veterinary Care

Your furry pal should see her veterinarian regularly. Remember that skin or coat issues can sometimes be indicators of underlying health conditions. 

Contact your local veterinarian for more about grooming a senior cat!