Grooming Time for the Cats

February 10, 2018

It's grooming time for my three precious cats.

Although cats are remarkably clean, well-groomed animals, I've always been a firm believer in regular brushing, combing and bathing. I currently have two dominant calico Persians, Princess Peony and Empress Tang, and one greenhouse cat, Blackie - they are all very special to me and are such wonderful companions. Earlier this week, we took photos of their grooming routine, which includes a thorough combing, face cleaning and nail trimming.

All the pets did very well - enjoy.

: This is Empress Tang. Tang loves to lounge in her bed on the staircase.

: But, it was time for her grooming. My cats are groomed every day – her long, beautiful coat doesn’t stay clean and tangle-free on its own. It must be gently but thoroughly combed and brushed on a regular basis.

: I have a hydraulic grooming table in the basement of my Winter house where all the dogs and cats are brushed and groomed. This one also has a durable rubber surface, so the animals don’t slip when on it.

: First, Sanu cleans Tang’s face with a damp cotton pad – especially in between the creases. This helps to prevent possible tear staining.

: Tang doesn’t mind this at all – she actually looks as if she is falling asleep.

: Next, Sanu cleans Tang’s ears using another cosmetic pad and a bit of solution specially formulated for ear cleaning. This is done about once a week.

: Again, Tang just rests on the table – she is so used to her routine.

: We have several pin combs and brushes for grooming. The pins on these tools glide through the pet’s coat without snagging to smoothly remove tangles.

: Using a pin comb, Sanu combs the entire coat.

: Removing matted fur is important because collected mats can cause skin irritations and hair balls.

: Look how much dead hair Sanu removed from Tang’s coat.

: Finally, Sanu checks to see if any of Tang’s nails need trimming.

: After being groomed, Tang is ready to go back upstairs.

: Tang can sometimes be found resting in my foyer.

: Bust she really does love napping in this bed by the window.

: Here is Princess Peony just outside on my large porch. All the cats stay close to my house whenever they go outdoors.

: Sanu dampens another cosmetic cotton pad to wipe Peony’s face and ears.

: Peony likes all the attention so it isn’t hard to keep her from jumping off the table.

: Sanu combs her neck and and legs. Peony has been getting groomed her entire life, so this is quite relaxing for her.

: Sanu also runs the comb through her back and tail before releasing her.

: My precious Princess Peony is a little more shy. Sometimes Peony enjoys the cool tile floors in the basement, or up high on a shelf, but she also has a comfy pet bed to lay in whenever she wants.

: My cats definitely like their routines – they like to eat and go out at the same times, and they like to sleep and lounge in the same places. Here is Peony in her warm bed under my laundry table.

: Blackie is my greenhouse cat. He is so friendly. Blackie loves people and is always ready for a rub or some play time. Every day, he makes his rounds, saying hi to everyone he sees.

: Blackie sleeps in my main greenhouse, where he loves to lounge on the table after his meals. But don’t worry, he also has a very nice, warm bed.