Cats are captivating creatures sharing a history with humans that rivals dogs. Some cultures have histories that portray cats as agreeable warm hearted creatures, while other cultures have folktales that tell tales about cats being the origin of all that is evil. On one hand cats are demonstrative creatures that look forward to cuddling and loving their owners, on the other hand the same cat can go for weeks without ever looking at its human.
One of the most intriguing things about cats is their cleanliness. Cats practically house train themselves, just show them where the litter box and they are ready to use it; if you keep the litter box clean you cat will recompense you by never making a mess in your home, (although some do prefer potted plants to the litter box!). The majority of cats are content to spend hours cleaning themselves, using their tongues to remove the dust from their bodies and to tidy up their hair. Watching a cat bathe itself can be a hypnotic experience for its owners.
We are so accustomed to our house cats taking care of their own hygienic needs that we sometimes forget that they, just like dogs, want us to help with their grooming. It is the cat owners responsibility to ensure that the cats nails are trimmed, that any particularly nasty mats and knots are removed from their coats, and that their teeth are kept clean and free of tarter and decay. In order to make sure that your cat is appropriately groomed you need a very straightforward set of equipment, your toolbox of cat grooming supplies.
The fist item you need in your cat grooming toolbox is a brush. This brush has bristles that are strong enough to eliminate mats and debris from your cat's coat, but still soft enough that they won't drag and tear at your cat's delicate skin. If you have a cat that seems to be particularly prone to getting substantial knots in its coat you will want to invest in a specially designed mat spreader.
Unless you have had your house cat declawed your cat will need to have its nail clipped. In the wild, cats need their sharp claws to defend themselves and to help them capture and kill prey. Undomesticated cats keep their nail from becoming overly long by walking around on hard surfaces that wear down the nail, keeping it sharp. The only real use house cats have for their claws is scratching furniture and occasionally swiping at their human caretakers. It is the caretakers responsibility to make sure the cat's nails get trimmed when they get long. If you have never trimmed a cat's nails watch a professional pet groomer or your cat's veterinarian trim your cat's nail first.
Dental care is an important part of your cat's general health. It is important to make sure that your cat's teeth are clean and free of signs of decay. Consult your veterinarian who will be able to help you choose products designed for optimal feline health.
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