Ask the expert…. July-Aug 2009

Dr. K. G. Umesh (MVSc, MSc (UK)) is a Postgraduate in Clinical Medicine. He is working for WALTHAM as Regional Associate for South Asia.
Q: I have five Persians, how do I groom them?
Adil B Khan, Delhi
Dr K G Umesh: Cats need a balanced diet to keep fit and healthy, research developments over the last sixty years have shown that cats have very specific requirements. There are a variety of Whiskas products to choose from, including diets specifically designed for different stages of life, from kittens to senior cats, and foods with additional health benefits. Cats are naturally clean animals and  normally devote a lot of time to groom themselves, they have rough tongues to assist them in this task. Long-haired cats need to be groomed more regularly, possibly as much as once a day, and it is best to get your cat used to this when she is a young kitten. While you are grooming your cat, you can take the opportunity to check the condition of her coat and skin and to look for any abnormalities, such as swellings, wounds or evidence of fleas and other parasites. Cats seldom require a bath and your vet will advise you about a suitable cat shampoo. You should also check that their teeth, eyes and ears are clean, clear and free from excessive discharge.