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Claw-trimming is not difficult, especially if
the cat is docile. A vet can show you how to trim
claws. An older cat's claws also become more
brittle and may not fully retract as the muscles
become less efficient. A scratching post is still
recommended (and helps to stretch and exercise leg
muscles), although an older cat may use it less or
its use will be less effective.
Grooming
& Hairballs
Adult cats spend a third of their time
grooming. This decreases as they grow older, less
supple and less energetic. They need more help
with grooming and keeping clean. Some only groom
after meals or only groom easily accessible areas
(face, chest). Senile cats may stop grooming
entirely. Extremely old cats may pay little
attention to their own hygiene, but appreciate it
if you help keep them clean, comfortable and sweet
smelling. If you have two companionable cats they
may groom each other. As well as keeping the coat
in good condition, grooming helps to establish a
strong bond between cats and between cat and
owner. Daily brushing can be relaxing and
enjoyable quality time for both of you.
Brushing removes dead hairs from the coat and
helps prevent matted fur. It stimulates blood
circulation and sebaceous-gland secretions in the
skin, making skin and coat healthier. A fine
toothed comb removes skin parasites. The area
under the tail sometimes needs a gentle wipe with
a damp tissue or pet wipe. Few cats like having
their belly combed; there is no need to press the
point unless the belly fur becomes matted. While
grooming your cat, check for unusual lumps, bumps,
wounds or external parasites. Unusual or
unexplained lumps or wounds should be examined by
a vet for appropriate treatment. External
parasites can be controlled by treating the cat
and its environment with recommended
pesticides.
Grooming reduces the formation of hair balls by
removing loose fur before the cat swallows it
during self-grooming. Hairballs can cause problems
for an older cat because his stomach and bowel may
become lazy and more easily obstructed (See Products
for Hairballs). If he does
not self-groom, his coat quickly develops mats.
Cats use their teeth to "comb" out mats,
so cats with painful, few or no teeth have
problems in preventing mats. Daily brushing
prevents shaving or clipping later on. Mats are
commonest on the flanks, inside thighs,
"armpits" and ruff (of longhairs). Mats
containing cat litter or faces can form under the
tail or on the back legs. Mat breaker combs are
useful and may prevent the need for de-matting
under anesthetic.
Longhaired elderly cats may become messy around
the backside because they cannot do the necessary
contortions to reach this area. Few cats like
being combed in this area so you may want to trim
the fur under the tail (britches) to stop faeces,
cat litter and mud sticking to it. Cats rarely
need to be bathed, but if he becomes very dirty a
bath may be necessary. Most cat care books will
tell you how to do he is completely dry before
allowing it outdoors.
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