Skin and Coat Care in Cats

General Information

By following basic guidelines, you can easily care for your cat's coat and skin. Certain general principles apply to the care of all cats.
The coat and skin reflect your cat's general health. A healthy cat has far fewer skin and coat problems than cats with health problems.
Parasites, such as fleas and intestinal worms, affect the skin and coat. Follow the doctor's suggestions for parasite control. Proper nutrition 
is essential for a healthy skin and coat. Discuss your cat's diet with the doctor.

Routine grooming not only prevents skin and/or coat problems but also enables you to detect problems before they become extensive. Most 
cats do not require bathing. If bathing is necessary, use a mild shampoo, rinse well, and dry quickly with towels and a hair dryer. Both long and 
short-haired cats require regular grooming, but a long-haired cat should be combed daily without fail. A short-haired cat should be brushed at least
once a week. A good-quality stainless steel pet comb should be used to gently comb through the hair. Special attention should be given to areas 
where mats are likely to form: behind the ears, under the front legs, on the stomach and back legs, and under the tail. Some important "dos" and
 "don'ts" are discussed below.

Do:

• Do train your cat to accept regular grooming, beginning when it is a young kitten. Make the experience as pleasant as possible for the cat by being gentle
but persistent.

• Do keep the nails trimmed, check the teeth for tartar, and examine the ears, eyes, anal region, and skin while grooming your pet. If you find problems,
consult the doctor.

Don't:

• Don't lose your patience while grooming. If the task becomes trying, stop and begin later. Your cat will resist being groomed if you become angry 
and impatient.

• Don't neglect mats in your cat's coat. Tease the mat apart gently and comb it out with as little pulling as possible. Always remove mats before bathing,
as soaking a mat will only tighten it. If a mat must be cut out with scissors, be very careful not to cut the cat's skin. Sometimes long-haired cats become 
so matted that the entire coat must be clipped.