Elegant elixirs for aging coats

With age, you don’t just have to shower a lot more love and attention to your senior pets, but they need oodles of more care as well. Grooming senior cats can be slightly challenging, so here’s what’ll take you through the process.

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One of the most common fur related issues for senior cats is matting. Having a proper grooming routine is a must and you would know this if you are a pet parent. But handling senior cats while grooming them is something that you might not be a pro at. It is essential that senior cats stay well groomed, because if they aren’t groomed properly it can lead to matting of the fur which is quite painful to get rid of. As cats age, their skin undergoes a reduction in elasticity, amplifying the discomfort associated with matted fur. This heightened vulnerability makes them more susceptible to injuries like bruising and tearing.

It is a common myth that you don’t need to groom your senior pet as regularly. Keeping your feline friend well-groomed is not just good for their physical wellbeing, but also their mental wellbeing. Cats love to groom themselves, but if your pet isn’t grooming herself, it can be due to any underlying medical condition which may require your immediate attention. Some factors that may be preventing your pet from self-grooming are –

• Osteoarthritis/degenerative joint
disease
• Dental issues
• Obesity
• Increased production of oils on the skin

Elderly cats may face a heightened likelihood of encountering any of the mentioned conditions. If you observe signs such as matting fur or inadequate self-grooming in your cat, get in touch with your vet at the earliest.

The tale of timeless tresses

Daily brushing should be made a routine for your pet right from an early age. But for senior cats, this is all the more important. Make sure you spend around 15 – 20 minutes with your senior cat for daily brushing. This will remove loose hairs, preventing them from being swallowed and forming hair balls.

Regular brushing promotes improved blood circulation and encourages the secretion of sebaceous glands, contributing to a healthier skin and coat. Aging cats might not engage with scratching posts as often as they did in their youth, so it’s advisable to inspect their nails weekly and trim them if needed.

Golden soak – pampering bath routine for senior cats

Cats usually don’t like bathing and dread being in the water. But giving them a bath every now and then (as per your vet’s recommendation) is necessary. It is best that you keep bath sessions short for senior cats to minimize stress. Senior cat’s skin tends to be more sensitive, so make sure to use appropriate products. Do not use any shampoo, soap, or conditioner meant for human use as it may damage the pH level of your pet. Use lukewarm water for the bath, as senior cats may be more sensitive to extreme temperatures. Handle your cat gently, supporting them securely, and avoid sudden movements to reduce stress.

Cats are generally sensitive around their faces, and senior cats may be even more so. Avoid getting water or shampoo near their eyes, ears, and nose. Use a damp cloth for cleaning their face if necessary.

Rooting for right tools

You can of course take your pet to the grooming salon, but let’s be honest taking a senior cat is not an easy task. Instead, what you can do is opt for home salon services for the comfort of your pet.

As a pet parent, you should also invest in the right kind of brushes and tools to make everyday grooming easy. When you groom your pet every day, the chances of matted fur reduce and you can also keep an eye on skin issues like abrasions, rashes, or any allergies.

How to brush your senior feline friend?

Follow these tips to brush your senior cats to purrfection to avoid matted fur –

• If you notice that your pet’s fur has some mats, do not tug, cut, or pull as it can be really painful for your pet. Instead, consider gently loosening the mat with your fingers or applying some cornstarch to facilitate gentle brushing. If handling the mat proves challenging at home, seek the assistance of a professional groomer.

• Opt for a comfortable location, like a soft mat, when brushing your cat. Begin by petting them from head to tail, paying attention to any sensitive areas.

• Start brushing with a rubber brush and then gradually move to a metal comb to gently detangle the coat.

• Give special care while brushing around your cat’s hips, underbelly, and hind legs, as these regions can be delicate for senior cats.

• If you notice any lumps, bumps, or areas that are sensitive to touch on your pet’s limbs or joints, contact your veterinarian promptly for a thorough checkup for your feline friend.

• Create a calm and pleasing ambience with some aromatherapy and light ambient music in the background to reduce any stress or anxiety for your pet.

• Keep your pet’s favorite treats handy and reward her for being patient during the grooming process. Do not go overboard with treats, as it can be harmful for your pet’s general health in the long run.

The recommended brushing frequency for your cat varies based on their fur type, as each cat is unique. Generally, it’s advisable to brush long-haired cats daily, while senior cats with shorter hair can be brushed every two days. Just make sure to ask your vet for any special requirements or products that can help in making the grooming process easier for your senior cat.

The grooming session should be a time where to disconnect with the world and spend some quality time with your pet. Since every cat has different needs, you as a pet parent would know what is best for your pet!

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