Cats spend a lot of time grooming themselves, leading people to believe that’s the only grooming they need. While that’s true for the most part, cat groomers exist for a reason. There are plenty of unique situations that require cats to need professional baths, haircuts, and brushing to keep them healthy. So, how do you know when you need to seek out professional cat grooming? And what can you expect from the process?
What are a Cat’s Grooming Needs?
A cat’s grooming needs include the following:
- Brushing
- Bathing
- Nail trimming
- Teeth cleaning
- Ear cleaning
Your cat can handle a lot of their hygiene on their own, such as cleaning themselves. Yet, you will need to help with certain aspects. For example, you should brush your cat at least weekly and trim their nails every two to four weeks. Your cat’s individual grooming habits and health will determine how involved you need to be with grooming.
Do Cats Need Professional Grooming?
It depends on the cat. While many cats can groom themselves, others benefit from some help occasionally. As much as cats hate baths and haircuts, those can be helpful for keeping cats clean and preventing matting. If your cat puts up a fight when you try to trim their nails or if they’re constantly getting matted, it may be time for a professional to step in.
If you’re ever unsure if your cat needs professional grooming, discuss it with your vet. They can examine your cat and determine if there are any concerns with their hygiene.
What Does Professional Cat Grooming Include?
Professional cat groomers can typically help with any hygiene needs that you and your cat are struggling to keep up with. Below are a few services most cat groomers provide.
If you need to turn to a groomer because your cat has stopped grooming themselves or isn’t acting like themselves, it’s a good idea to visit a vet too. That way, they can identify any underlying health concerns.
Remove Mats and Tangles
Sometimes, matted fur becomes so thick that it’s difficult to brush out on your own. Cat groomers can use special combs and dematting tools to detangle small mats. However, dense mats that are close to the skin can be extremely painful for your cat, so a groomer might need to shave your cat to safely remove the matting. Before your appointment, you can talk with the groomer to find out the best option for your cat’s health and safety.
Trim Fur
Most cats don’t need haircuts because their fur sheds rather than continuously growing. However, there are instances where you may need to trim their fur, such as matting or certain medical treatments. If you think your cat might benefit from a haircut, talk to your groomer so they can help you decide if that’s the right call. Most of the time, brushing and bathing will be the better option if your cat isn’t grooming themselves enough.
Bathe
Cats don’t need regular baths because they’re great at self-grooming. Yet, if a cat isn’t grooming themselves as much as they should, their coat could become dirty. They may also struggle to keep clean if they get covered in a dense substance, such as mud or paint. In these instances, cats need a human’s help to clean them. Since cats often put up a fight for bathtime, it can sometimes be easier to have a professional bathe them.
Trim Nails
Your cat needs a nail trim every 2 to 4 weeks to prevent their claws from getting caught on things. While you can trim your cat’s nails at home, many cats are very dramatic for nail trims. If you don’t think you can safely trim your cat’s nails yourself, you can have a groomer do it. Some vets can also do nail trims.
Clean Teeth
Poor dental hygiene in cats can lead to severe health problems, so it’s a good idea to brush your cat’s teeth at least a few times a week. Like nail trimmings and baths, cats often hate having their teeth brushed. If you feel like your at-home teeth brushings aren’t as effective as they could be, consider having a groomer or vet brush them sometimes if that’s a service they offer.
How Much Does Cat Grooming Cost?
Professional cat grooming services typically fall between $50 and $120, but it varies based on what you need done. It can be pricey because cats are usually fussy for grooming services, making the process complicated. For the most accurate rates, contact local cat groomers to find out what they charge.
Signs Your Feline Needs a Professional Cat Grooming
You and your cat can handle most of your feline’s grooming needs. You only need a professional groomer’s help when things get out of hand. Below are some signs that you should turn to a professional cat groomer.
Smelly Fur/Skin
If there’s an unusual odor coming from your cat, it could be a sign that they’re not grooming themselves enough. You might even see dirt and debris in their coat if you look closely. Whenever your cat’s fur is smellier and dirtier than usual, that’s when they need a bath from you or a professional. However, if the odor is related to a skin infection or another medical problem, have a vet examine your cat too.
Excessive Matting
Minor matting is possible to brush out at home, but if it gets bad enough, it can apply pressure to your cat’s skin and cause them pain. So, excessive matting must be handled with care. If the mats are too thick to get a comb through, it’s best to visit a professional groomer. They can use specialized deshedding tools or they may have to cut some of the fur.
Excessive Shedding
While shedding is normal for cats, the frequency of loose fur varies. If your cat is shedding way more than normal and your at-home brushing schedule isn’t enough, professional cat groomers offer deshedding services. They can use special brushes to get loose fur out of your cat’s undercoat and remove mats in the process. If your cat’s shedding remains out of control after that, there might be an underlying health condition.
Irritated Skin
There are lots of reasons for red, itchy skin in cats, and a lack of grooming is one of them. When debris builds up in your cat’s coat or mats form, that can irritate their skin. Fleas could also cause this issue. Have a groomer brush your cat and bathe them with gentle shampoo to remove anything that could be irritating them. If fleas are the cause, talk to your vet about flea preventative options to ensure they don’t come back.
Overgrown Nails
Your cat’s claws should be short enough that they don’t make a clicking sound on hard surfaces. If they’re longer, sharper, and more curved than usual, they’re more likely to get snagged on things and dig into your cat’s paw pads. If they get too long, they may also stop retracting. If your cat’s nails are getting too long and you’re struggling to trim them yourself, it’s time to visit a groomer.
When to Be Concerned About a Cat’s Grooming Needs
While a groomer can help keep your cat clean and healthy, they can’t fix underlying issues. If your cat’s grooming needs suddenly change, you may want to consult a vet to make sure they’re still in good shape. Below are a few causes for concern in cats.
They Suddenly Stop Grooming Themselves
Grooming is a natural part of a cat’s behavior. You’ve probably seen your cat licking their fur more times than you can count. If that behavior suddenly stops, that’s when their hygiene can rapidly worsen, requiring a professional groomer’s help. A groomer can get them clean temporarily, but a lack of personal grooming could mean your cat isn’t feeling their best. Illness, pain, and stress could all affect how often your cat grooms.
Their Coat is Often Dull, Matted, or Greasy
You might not notice your cat is grooming less, but there will be other signs. Their coat won’t look as healthy as usual. It could be greasy, matted, or full of debris. If your cat’s fur is constantly like this even after the groomer gives them a nice bath, there’s likely something going on health-wise.
They’re Behaving Differently
Any time your cat acts strange, it’s a good idea to visit your vet. If your cat is hiding more or acting unusually irritable in addition to not grooming themselves, they’re likely in pain and need a vet visit.
Have Your Cat Sitter Look for Grooming Concerns
Keep an eye on your cat’s hygiene as often as you can. Make sure their coat is healthy and free from mats. That way, you can quickly schedule a professional cat grooming appointment when you need help.
If you’re away from home for long periods, it’s harder to keep an eye on your cat’s health. So, make sure you hire a cat sitter that has lots of experience with cats so they can keep an eye out for hygiene concerns. Let them know if they need to help with any of your cat’s grooming needs, such as brushing, while you’re away.
The Comforted Kitty has lots of responsible cat sitters that can ensure your cat is as healthy and content as possible when you’re traveling. They’ll happily keep up with your cat’s grooming needs while they give your feline love and care.