subject: Keeping Your Cat Purrfect [print this page] Cats can be fussy creatures, especially when it comes to looks. After all, if you are one of the most beautiful creatures in the world you have to be a bit particular about appearances. Grooming your cat regularly is therefore very important as it helps your cat stay clean as well as cute but - more important it lets you spot health problems. Grooming means brushing to keep the cats hair from becoming hairballs. It also removes loose hair. Many cats have trouble dislodging hairballs. If the cat isn't able to get a hairball out, it could result in a blockage of the intestines. Such blockages are very serious and can quickly become life threatening for your pet. Cats with long hair need to be brushed and combed daily, while cats with short hair only need a weekly brushing. When you brush your cat watch for lumps in the coat and for skin irritations. Start brushing along the cat's back, going from head to tail. Do this a few times on one side, and then switch to the other. Each area should be brushed a few times in the direction of the way your cat's hair is growing. If a cat doesn't like to be brushed try using a grooming glove. This is an excellent alternative to the brush and most cats don't mind it at all. Starting out young is the key to grooming. Some cats that start grooming when kittens grow to love it. When brushing your cat make sure that you check his ears, eyes, teeth, and claws. His eyes should be bright and clear with nothing residing in the corners. His ears should be clean, pink in color, and no sign of ear mites. Ear mites result from dirt build-up in a cat's ears, and can result in the ears shriveling up and your cat losing his hearing. Ear mites are very annoying for the cat, and hard for you as an owner to get rid of. You'll know if he has ear mites if he keeps shaking his head regularly. The best way to get rid of them is to ensure that your cat's ears stay clean and healthy. I clean my cat's ears out with wet wipes that have a mild disinfectant on them and then dry them. It's amazing how much dirt collects in an animal's ears. When you groom your cat aim to go a bit further each time with your examinations. When your cat remains still, you should always praise him and give him a treat. If your cat doesn't co-operate and starts to struggle, don't fight with him. Just let him go and try again next day. Once your cat gets used to grooming he will look forward to it every day. After all, cats like to look purrfect
