Cat Grooming

Regular grooming of your cat's coat will keep it clean and healthy, and time spent in this activity is worthwhile - providing
great pleasure for owner and pet alike. If possible, begin a grooming routine while your cat is still a kitten.

Frequent brushing is needed for cats to help prevent hair balls and maintain their coat's natural luster by distributing
natural oils from the skin. Groom shorthaired cats every few days. Longhaired cats need to be brushed daily - especially
during shedding periods. Watch for mats behind the ears, on chest and stomach, and on hind legs. These are the
areas that cats clean the least-Always brush in the direction of hair growth, beginning at the head and working toward
the tail and down the legs. For shorthaired cats, use small, quick strokes angling your brush to remove loose hair and
debris. For longhaired cats, use flowing strokes, separating the hair as necessary. To fluff the coat, brush against the
direction of hair growth.

Caution: Do not remove too much hair at one time. It is best to maintain a regular schedule of grooming vs. removing
too much hair during an individual grooming session. The undercoat is shed during spring and grows again in the fall.
During this time period in particular, avoid thinning the coat too much.