Summary
Cats are fairly independent and strong-willed so accepting help with grooming isn’t always welcomed with purrs and kisses. Leaving the work to the professionals is less stressful (and safer) for you and your cat. Here are five reasons professional grooming for your cat makes purr-fect sense.
Like people, cats are capable of keeping a clean appearance. Kittens learn the art of grooming quickly, and cats can spend up to 50% of their day cleaning themselves. It may appear to be a matter of vanity, but it’s also for health reasons like keeping calm, cool, and free of parasites. We have some more reasons below on why you should have your cat professionally groomed.
“People believe that cats are low-maintenance pets, but they do need help with grooming,” said professional groomer Paige Walters with Holiday House Spa on State.
Here are five reasons professional grooming for your cat makes purr-fect sense.
- Don’t try this at home!
Cats are fairly independent and strong-willed so accepting help with grooming isn’t always welcomed with purrs and kisses. Leaving the work to the professionals is less stressful (and safer) for you and your cat.
According to Paige, “Professional groomers have the proper tools and techniques for handling cats easily and safely.” This leads to a more pleasurable experience for the cats and peace of mind for you!
- Reduces dander and fur
Loving and living with Miss Kitty can sometimes be accompanied by hair covering the furniture and your clothes. Frequent brushing can help reduce shedding and improve coat health. Regular bathing with professional products formulated for cats can reduce the dander that causes allergic reactions.
“A cat’s undercoat can be dense. I use a professional brush that helps release the undercoat hair that’s ready for shedding without damaging the cat’s sensitive skin. Also, using a waterless shampoo before brushing helps reduce shedding,” said Paige.
- Maintains healthy skin and coat
The condition of a cat’s skin and fur is an indication of overall health. For multiple reasons, professional grooming helps cats when self-grooming is not effective. Professional grooming also provides an extra set of trained eyes to identify potential health concerns.
Yes, cats spend a lot of time cleaning, but a bubble bath might be necessary after rolling around in litter or spending time outside. The Spa on State uses high-quality salon products that are free of fragrance, harsh chemicals, or dyes so that when the cat resumes self-grooming, an upset tummy or excessive hairballs from product residue will not be a concern.
Even hairless cat breeds like the Sphynx require professional skin care. These breeds tend to develop blocked hair follicles resulting in blackheads or infections. Specific hypoallergenic shampoos are necessary to care for sensitive skin. Proper nail care is also important in reducing skin infections common to these breeds.
“Short-hair breeds can benefit from professional grooming. Age and certain health conditions can cause changes to the skin and fur or make self-grooming more challenging,” explained Paige.
Proper brushing reduces matting, especially in long-hair breeds like Maine Coon and Himalayan. The long, soft hair can mat easily even with regular at-home care, so professional grooming for long-hair breeds is recommended every four to six weeks.
- Ear care
A cat’s ears might be furry on the outside, but they don’t have hair on the inside of the ears or floppy ears that cover the canal as many dogs do. Without protection from hair, the inner ears are exposed to dirt and bacteria that can lead to infection. Cleaning out the wax and dirt help maintain Miss Kitty’s hearing and health.
- Nail care
Proper nail care also helps keep the germs that lead to infection out of the ears. Scratching the skin and ears with damaged and dirty nails can lead to discomfort and even the need to see a veterinarian.
The hollow outer sheath of cat claws shed often to keep nails sharp. However, the nails can become too long or damaged. If your cat doesn’t use their nails to jump or scratch objects often, the nail sheath can become overgrown leading to injuries to the nail bed or paw pads. Professional groomers have tools designed for clipping cat nails to avoid shattering the nail.
For cats that easily scratch objects around the house, the expert cat groomers at The Spa on State can apply caps to the nails. And for the high-fashion felines, the caps come in different sizes and colors—including glitter!
Whether your cat is a Maine Coon, a domestic short-hair tabby, or a hairless Sphynx, Holiday House Spa on State offers full grooming services with Cat-Only Monday appointments. Our expert cat groomers will provide a luxurious spa experience for your feline during quiet dog-free days.