Too Furry, Purry Baby!

By instinct, kittens are taught by their moms to self-groom. 

According to Hillspet.com, cats groom themselves not only to keep clean, but for several other health reasons:

• To regulate body temperature

• To keep their coat clean and smooth by distributing natural skin oils

• To stimulate circulation

• To cool themselves down through evaporation of saliva

• To eliminate parasites, infection, and allergies

• To prevent hairballs 

• Displacement behavior: If your cat feels embarrassed, anxious, or as though she’s in a conflict, she may lick to calm herself.

Healthy felines should have a shiny, smooth coat with clear skin underneath. But some cats can’t properly clean themselves and have dry, brittle fur with flaky skin. 

In an article from petslovetoknow.com, they state that fur and skin conditions may be caused by allergies, fleas, mites, fungus (ringworm), acne, wounds and abscesses, dermatitis, ulcers, excessive shedding and furballs.  

Common signs that your cat might have a skin condition or allergy are fur loss, rashes and irritations on the skin, fleas, and poor health in general.

Professional grooming can be a preventative solution to managing cat fur and skin conditions. A Professional Feline Groomer can help keep a cat’s fur consistently brushed, free of mats and their skin clean and nourished. A regular grooming schedule reduces hairballs that can cause dangerous blockages in a cat’s intestinal tract, which in some cases, requires surgery. 

Whitney Bullock of The Charleston Cat Groomer in Charleston, SC says, 

“When they lick themselves, they’re just licking. They’re not cleaning themselves, but they are ingesting fur.”

When is grooming necessary? 

Writer Paul White and Certified Veterinarian Marissa Morton from Petsleaf.com recommend seeking professional cat grooming services when your cat:

• has long or thick fur, and it may require regular maintenance to keep it healthy and free from tangles and matting

• has matting, tangles, or excessive shedding

• is senior and/or has mobility issues

At Pets On The Bay, Emily is our Professional Feline Groomer. She has been grooming for over 20+ years and even has three cats of her own. To book a cat grooming service with Emily, she is available mornings starting at 7am Tuesday to Friday. Contact 386-690-1288 or request online at petsonthebay.com