Cat Coat Care. As part of being a responsible pet owner it is important to look after your cats coat. Cat coat care includes regular grooming, and possibly bathing your cat.

The cat's coat is often one of the most striking features of its appearance. Feeding a good quality balanced diet, and regular flea and worm treatment, are essential elements in producing a healthy coat.

Regular grooming is recommended to avoid the development of hair mats and knots in the coat.

Most domestic shorthairs need relatively little grooming. Regular brushing, at least once a week helps to keep the coat looking good, by removing dead hair.

Many domestic longhairs need to be brushed daily, or at least three times a week, depending on fur length and density. This is necessary to prevent tangles and matting of the fur.

You should also comb your cat for ticks, fleas and flea eggs. If you own a purebred cat, it is best to consult with the breeder about the special care its coat needs.

Parasite Control

Cats and kittens are affected by several different types of worms. These include roundworms. hookworms, and tapeworms. Young cats/kittens and hunting cats are most at risk from worms and their effects.

Fleas are small brown wingless insects that feed on the blood of their host. Fleas and flea droppings may be seen on the skin and in the fur, most commonly about the base of the tail, the head, ears and neck.

It is important to combat fleas on the cat, as well as any other contact pets in the house. Options include topical liquid agents applied to the cats fur, oral flea fertility modifying drugs given in the food, collars, sprays and powders.

Even though cats are very clean animals, a bath may be necessary in the following situations:

• Your cat's coat is very dirty and greasy.
• Your cat's fur is matted and ungroomed.
• A poisonous material is in your cat's fur.
• You need to give it a flea, tick and lice dip.
• Your cat is going to be in a cat show

How to Bathe Your Cat:

The following tips will help make your cat's bathtime a less stressful occasion for both you and your feline:

Try to bathe your cat in a sink or plastic tub. This is less threatening than a large bathtub.

Pre-adjust the water temperature and lower your cat into an empty tub before filling it with water. This works better than attempting to lower your cat into standing water.

Gently wet the entire coat to the skin, being careful to avoid the eyes and ears.

Use a shampoo product that is specifically labeled for cats, since some dog products are lethal to cats. Emu oil pet products work well, giving your cat a shiny coat without leaving residue.

After you have lathered shampoo into your cat's coat, be sure to completely rinse out all traces of shampoo. A gentle spray attachment is easiest to use here.