Cat hygiene: what to do for its cleaning

The cat is very concerned with its hygiene: it is estimated that our friend spends about 10% of his time cleaning himself. He does it with precision and meticulousness: with his rough and spongy tongue he removes dirt starting from the front legs, then moving on to the shoulders, the hips, the hind legs and finally the tail. However, there are some points, such as the ears and eyes, that remain out of reach of him.

In addition, in some cases human intervention is required, since the hair may require more care than do-it-yourself ones.

Let’s see what we can do for our cat’s hygiene.

The care of the cat’s coat

The cat’s fur is the mirror of its health. By brushing it regularly, you can check for the presence of parasites such as fleas and ticks. For a short-haired cat, a weekly brushing using brushes with soft bristles is sufficient, while for a long-haired cat it is recommended a daily frequency using a carder and a metal comb.

In any case, the hair should be brushed gently, starting from the head and reaching the tail. In this way knots are untangled and dead hairs are removed, keeping the coat soft and shiny.

Periodically it is necessary to wash the hair with a specific shampoo for cats. Do not use detergents marketed for people, too aggressive or even harmful for our four-legged friend.

Cut the cat’s nails

It is good practice to round your cat’s nails. Your vet will be able to suggest how much and how to cut them. In any case, to perform this operation with care, you must use a specific nail clipper for cats, with which to remove only the white end of the nail.

Ear care

The cat’s ears are to be checked periodically. If you notice secretions, odors, or if your cat seems to be in pain, consult your vet.

Do not use cotton swabs to clean your cat’s ears (our ears are different from theirs), but aqueous or alcohol-based solutions.

Cleaning the eyes

Some cats accumulate tears under their eyes: in the long run they can cause spots. You can clean the cat’s eyes with a swab soaked in detergent (the vet will show you which one) by moving it from the inner corner of the eyelid to the outer one.

Teeth and oral hygiene

Even in cats, poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth loss. To combat tartar, it must be made to munch on foods with a shape and consistency suitable for recreating the brushing effect. Regular meals based on kibble help, for example, the cat’s teeth to remain healthy.