health and wellbeing
Although diet plays a major role in keeping your cat’s skin and coat healthy, the benefits of regular grooming cannot be underestimated. Grooming really is an important part of boosting health and wellbeing.
As the seasons change, most cats develop a thicker coat/shed their coat. However, cats lose dead hair all year around and therefore benefit from regular brushing. The brushing stimulates the skin and removes dead cells, as well as removing loose hair – which in turn reduces the likelihood of tangles and mats developing. Matted hair traps heat and can home fleas and other parasites. It can be painful as it becomes tighter to the skin and can increase irritation and infection.
Different cat breeds have differing grooming needs and the length and density of their coat determines how often a cat should be combed. Long haired cats like Persians, or cats with curly/silky coats should be brushed through daily – concentrating on those thicker areas, and those that most easily tangle (tummy, armpits, flanks, trousers). It can be less frequent for cats with short hair, however some breeds (like the British Short Hair) have a thick, dense, plush coat which will mat if not brushed through regularly.
Regular brushing also reduces the amount of hair your cat swallows whilst grooming him/herself, thus reducing the chance of hairballs developing. Although usually vomited up, in the extreme hairballs can cause a blockage in the intestine.
Ask yourself :
- Is it some time since your cat last experienced a thorough grooming session ?
- Does your cat suffer from any form of tangles/knots or mats in his/her coat ?
- Has his/her mood changed ? If Yes :
- Has he/she become a little grumpy ?
- Does he/she shrink away from being petted, or enjoying your attention ?
If you have answered Yes to any of the above, it may well be that your cat is experiencing itchiness or discomfort, due to his/her thick or matted coat. Or, he/she may feel overwhelmed with the prospect of trying to keep on top of it him/herself.
We have spoken to many cat owners who have can relate to the above points. Indeed, this is often when our services at EssentiallyPurrfect are called upon. What is really satisfying for us is the feedback we receive from our customers following the grooming session, in relation to how their cat’s general happiness and behaviour has changed for the better.
“Nick and I have both noticed that Penny is a much happier cat. She loves being stroked now, whereas she could only handle a little bit of petting before you visited. She just can’t seem to get enough of our attention now ! So thank you so much.” Katy and Nick. Lowton, Warrington
“Radek is like a different cat !!!! Not just because he looks gorgeous, but he seems so much happier.” Lorraine. Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside
“It [the groom] certainly seems to have given 12 year old Bindy a new lease of life and her coat is so silky and smooth.” Lesley. Bury, Greater Manchester
“She [Bonny, 16 years old] is so much better and is having more quality of life ….. she is even grooming her face and head.” Wendy. Walton-le-Dale, Preston, Lancs
“Mo is full of himself and seems to have a new lease of life after his clip. He obviously feels so much better.” Kerry. Clitheroe, Lancs
“Marie [17 years old] has been an absolute delight since her new “haircut” and pamper session with you. She’s strolling around like a little princess.” Tracey. Preston, Lancs
“…managed to get all her [Vera’s] tangles out and she’s now feeling a lot happier and more relaxed.” Jill. Manchester
As with most things, prevention is better than cure. By brushing out your cat regularly, we can prevent crisis point and make for a happier cat, a happier you .. and in turn a happier us !
A regular appointment schedule will be cheaper for you as we will not be managing a difficult coat. It also attracts a 10% discount on the groom itself.
Why not check in with us today to discuss your cat’s needs, and arrange an appointment ? See how handsome Billy, above, looks …. His mum called us, and we would love to hear from you too !
