Daily Cat Grooming
Every day is a pet grooming day here at my Bedford, New York farm.
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. Every afternoon, their faces and ears are cleaned, their coats are checked, and they're given a good, thorough brushing.
Enjoy these latest photos.
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- This is my Princess Peony looking out the window of my Winter House porch. As part of their daily routine, the cats are brought down to the basement, one by one, for a short grooming session.
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- Peony knows when it is grooming time. Sometimes she is even ready to go downstairs on her own.
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- In my basement, I have a hydraulic grooming table where all the dogs and cats are groomed. It has a durable rubber surface, so the animals don’t slip.
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- One of our favorite grooming products is my own Martha Stewart Pets Lemongrass Verbena Cat Wipes. These wipes are available in my shop at Amazon.com. They help remove dirt, odors, and stains from the cat’s delicate coat while conditioning the skin. They’re perfect to use daily. Also check my Amazon Shop for dog and puppy Wipes.
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- We use them to gently clean Peony’s face especially in between the creases. This helps to prevent possible tear staining. Just keep them out of the eyes. Peony likes all the attention also, so it isn’t hard to keep her from jumping off the table. Almost instantly, Peony starts to fall asleep.
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- We also use them to carefully clean around the outside of the ear canal – never inside. Since this is done regularly, there is little dirt, but it is also good practice, so the cats are comfortable being handled.
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- Enma checks to see if any of Peony’s nails need trimming. When trimming, be sure to only trim off the tip. When nails are white, it is easier to see what part can be safely cut off.
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- I have several good grooming tools available on my shop on Amazon, including my massage brush, my multipurpose brush in two sizes, and my 2-IN-1 detangling comb. I love using the dual sided comb for the cats because it is so light and easy to use, gets out tangles and dander, and makes grooming so quick. It’s great for cats and dogs.
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- Enma loves how comfortable it is to hold. One side has tightly spaced tines and the other has tines a bit further apart. It can also be used to check for fleas and ticks.
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- Enma combs with one hand and uses the other to hold the fur down where she is combing – this prevents pulling, which could be uncomfortable.
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- The comb removes any dead hairs and because it is made of stainless steel, it is easy to clean.
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- Peony has been getting brushed and combed all her life, so she is very used to this routine. It’s always good to look for and remove any matted fur. This is important because collected mats can cause irritation and hairballs. My cats are brushed every day to keep their coats as tangle-free as possible. Baths are done when needed.
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- Enma also brushes under Peony’s arms and on her stomach. Always be sure to introduce the cat to new tools before using them, so they never shy away from grooming time.
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- And lastly, Enma combs Peony’s legs. She enjoys being brushed and stays still for much of her grooming session.
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- Once she’s released, Peony scurries to her bed for a little cat nap.
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- And here’s Tang not far behind – I think she knows it’s her turn to be groomed.
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- Enma uses another Martha Stewart Pets Wipe to clean Tang’s entire face.
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- And then gives her nails a little trim.
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- She also cleans Tang’s ears.
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- And then gives her a good combing just like she did for Peony.
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- Here, Enma runs the comb through her back and tail before releasing her.
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- Tang is quick to run up the stairs to the front hall but stops for one photo. Peony and Tang are very healthy and happy. Tang is the one with only black markings on the front of her face.
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- There you are, Blackie – ready for some grooming? Blackie is next – he’s my greenhouse cat. Blackie loves people and is always ready for a rub or some playtime.
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- Here’s Blackie rolling on the gravel outside the greenhouse.
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- Is Blackie really sleeping? Blackie also enjoys his grooming sessions, but on this day, he seems more interested in playing and napping. How often do you groom your pets? Be sure to check out my collection of grooming supplies on Amazon – just click on the highlighted link.
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