Care

Cats are very clean animals and perform most of their personal hygiene themselves. They groom themselves daily and remove dirt, oils and other debris from skin and fur before it makes them smell. Depending on the species and way of life, cats require differing amounts of additional care.

Skin and fur

Long coats must be brushed regularly to prevent matting. Thick or matted hair often leads to skin disease, especially in combination with dampness or dirt. It is also a perfect breeding ground for parasites. Do not try to cut off matted fur as you may injure the cat. If you can't manage to comb it out you may have to shave the cat.

Check the teeth

Like most pets, cats have some degree of periodontal disease caused by plaque bacteria. Over time, periodontal disease can lead to erosion of gum tissue and the bones supporting the teeth, causing teeth to loosen and fall out. This can best be prevented by the right nutrition.

It is also recommended that you brush your cat's teeth once a week. Use toothbrushes designed for children or get special cat toothbrushes and edible cat toothpaste at pet stores.

Cleaning the eyes

The eyes of many cat breeds are susceptible to enhanced lacrimation and agglutination. This must be removed and to do so you should wipe carefully from the top down using a damp cloth.

Watch your cat's ears

Scratching and a discharge from the ears usually means a bacterial or fungal infection. In this case you should consult the veterinarian immediately. Other possible causes of scratching include eczema, allergies or parasite infestation, e.g. ear mites, fleas and lice.