# Cat Grooming: More Important Than You Think
The common belief that cats are completely self-sufficient when it comes to grooming is one of the most persistent myths in pet care. While cats are indeed fastidious animals that spend up to 50% of their waking hours grooming themselves, many cats benefit significantly from human grooming assistance. This is especially true for long-haired breeds, senior cats, overweight cats, and those with certain health conditions. At Groomingdale's Pet Salon in Lakewood, WA, we have been providing professional cat grooming services for over 15 years, and we have witnessed firsthand the dramatic improvements that regular grooming can make in a cat's health, comfort, and overall quality of life. Whether you live in Lakewood, Tacoma, University Place, or anywhere in Pierce County, understanding the importance of cat grooming can make a real difference for your feline companion.
## Why Cats Need Grooming Help
### 1. Hairball Prevention
When cats groom themselves, they ingest loose fur, which can form hairballs in their digestive tract. Regular brushing removes loose fur before your cat can swallow it, significantly reducing hairball formation. This is particularly important for long-haired breeds like Maine Coons, Persians, and Ragdolls, which are popular among cat owners in the Lakewood and Tacoma area.
At Groomingdale's, we've found that cats who receive regular professional grooming experience a dramatic reduction in hairball incidents. Our de-shedding treatments remove the loose undercoat that your cat would otherwise ingest during self-grooming. Many of our clients report going from weekly hairball cleanups to just one or two incidents per month after establishing a regular grooming schedule.
Hairballs are more than just a nuisance. In serious cases, they can cause intestinal blockages that require emergency veterinary intervention. Professional grooming is one of the most effective preventative measures you can take against this common feline health issue.
### 2. Skin Health Monitoring
Regular grooming sessions give you and your groomer the opportunity to check your cat's skin for potential health issues that might otherwise go unnoticed:
- Parasites (fleas, ticks, and mites)
- Wounds or abscesses, especially in outdoor or indoor-outdoor cats
- Unusual lumps or bumps that could indicate cysts or tumors
- Skin irritations or allergic reactions
- Excessive dryness or oiliness
- Fungal infections such as ringworm
- Signs of flea allergy dermatitis
Early detection of skin issues can prevent more serious health problems and save on veterinary costs. Our groomers at Groomingdale's are trained to identify potential health concerns and will always alert you if they notice something unusual during your cat's grooming appointment. We have helped numerous Pierce County cat owners catch health issues early, from minor skin infections to more serious conditions that required veterinary attention.
### 3. Coat Health Maintenance
Even short-haired cats benefit from regular brushing to:
- Remove dead hair and skin cells
- Distribute natural oils throughout the coat for a healthy shine
- Improve circulation to the skin, promoting healthy hair growth
- Prevent matting (especially critical in long-haired cats)
- Reduce shedding around your home
- Remove environmental debris, pollen, and allergens from the coat
Here in the Pacific Northwest, our damp climate can affect feline coat health in ways that cat owners in drier regions may not experience. The humidity in the Lakewood and Tacoma area can cause long-haired cats' coats to hold moisture, increasing the risk of matting and skin irritation. Regular professional grooming helps manage these climate-specific challenges.
### 4. Special Needs Cats
Some cats have particular circumstances that make self-grooming difficult or inadequate:
- **Senior cats** often develop arthritis that limits their flexibility and range of motion, making it impossible for them to reach and clean all areas of their body
- **Overweight cats** may be unable to reach their back, hindquarters, and belly for proper grooming
- **Cats with dental problems** may find the grooming motion painful and reduce or stop self-grooming entirely
- **Cats with medical conditions** like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or kidney disease may neglect grooming as a symptom of their illness
- **Cats recovering from surgery** may need assistance maintaining hygiene while they heal
- **Cats with anxiety or behavioral issues** may over-groom certain areas while neglecting others
At Groomingdale's, we have extensive experience working with special needs cats. Our groomers use gentle handling techniques, provide rest breaks as needed, and create a calm environment that helps these cats feel safe and comfortable during their grooming sessions.
## Essential Cat Grooming Practices
### Brushing Techniques
Different coat types require different approaches, and using the right technique makes a significant difference in both effectiveness and your cat's comfort:
**Short-haired cats (Domestic Shorthair, Siamese, British Shorthair, Abyssinian):**
- Brush 1-2 times weekly with a soft bristle brush or rubber grooming tool
- Use gentle, short strokes in the direction of hair growth
- Finish with a chamois cloth to add shine
- Focus on the base of the tail and along the spine where oil can accumulate
**Medium-haired cats (Domestic Medium Hair, Birman, Manx):**
- Brush 2-3 times weekly with a combination of slicker brush and metal comb
- Work through the coat in sections, paying attention to the belly and hindquarters
- Check for developing mats regularly, especially during seasonal coat changes
**Long-haired cats (Persian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Himalayan, Norwegian Forest Cat):**
- Brush every day or every other day at minimum with a wide-toothed metal comb
- Work in sections, starting with the belly and legs where mats form most readily
- Use a slicker brush to remove loose undercoat after combing
- Pay special attention to prone-to-mat areas: behind the ears, armpits, groin, under the collar, and the "pantaloons" on the back legs
- Use a detangling spray for minor tangles rather than pulling through them dry
**Expert Tip from Groomingdale's:** *"Many cat owners make the mistake of only brushing the top layer of the coat. For long-haired breeds, you need to get all the way down to the skin to prevent mats from forming at the base of the hair. Lift the top layer and brush the undercoat in small sections for the most thorough results."*
### Bathing: Yes, Some Cats Need Baths
While most cats rarely need full baths, certain situations warrant bathing:
- Excessive greasiness in the coat, common in some breeds and overweight cats
- Substances on the fur that could be harmful if ingested during self-grooming
- Flea infestations where a medicated bath is part of the treatment plan
- Show cats prior to competitions
- Certain skin conditions as recommended by your veterinarian
- Senior or overweight cats who can no longer adequately clean themselves
- Cats with allergies where regular bathing helps remove allergens from the coat
When bathing a cat at home:
- Use lukewarm water and cat-specific shampoo (never use dog shampoo or human products)
- Place a non-slip mat in the sink or tub to help your cat feel secure
- Speak calmly and offer treats to create positive associations
- Avoid getting water directly in ears, eyes, and nose
- Rinse thoroughly and then rinse again to prevent skin irritation from shampoo residue
- Dry with warm towels and keep your cat away from drafts until completely dry
- Consider using a low-heat blow dryer on the lowest setting if your cat tolerates it
**Professional Cat Bathing at Groomingdale's:** Many cat owners in the Lakewood and Tacoma area prefer to leave bathing to the professionals, and we completely understand. Cat bathing requires skill, patience, and the right products. Our groomers use feline-specific shampoos and conditioners, handle cats with expertise, and ensure your cat is thoroughly dried in a warm, comfortable environment. If you have tried bathing your cat at home and ended up with scratches and a traumatized feline, professional grooming may be the better option for both of you.
### Nail Care
Regular nail trimming (every 2-3 weeks) prevents:
- Overgrown nails that can curl and grow into paw pads, causing pain and infection
- Damage to furniture, carpet, and household items
- Accidental scratches during play or handling
- Nails getting caught in fabric, which can cause injury
Use cat-specific nail clippers and trim just the sharp tip, avoiding the pink "quick" that contains blood vessels and nerves. If you are unsure about trimming your cat's nails, our groomers at Groomingdale's can demonstrate the proper technique and trim your cat's nails as part of a grooming appointment or as a quick walk-in service.
**Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats:** Indoor cats generally need more frequent nail trimming because they do not wear down their nails on rough outdoor surfaces. Our groomers recommend checking your indoor cat's nails every two weeks and trimming as needed.
### Ear Cleaning
Check your cat's ears weekly for:
- Excessive wax buildup
- Redness or inflammation
- Unusual odor that could indicate infection
- Dark brown or black discharge that could indicate ear mites
- Excessive scratching or head shaking
Clean only the visible part of the ear with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner and cotton ball. Never insert anything into the ear canal, as this can cause damage and push debris deeper.
### Dental Care
Dental disease affects a majority of cats over age three and can lead to pain, difficulty eating, and systemic health problems. Preventative care includes:
- Brushing with cat-specific toothpaste (never use human toothpaste, which contains ingredients toxic to cats)
- Dental treats and toys designed to reduce plaque
- Regular veterinary dental check-ups and professional cleanings
- Monitoring for signs of dental disease such as bad breath, drooling, pawing at the mouth, or reluctance to eat
## How to Introduce Grooming to Reluctant Cats
Many cats are sensitive to handling, especially if they were not accustomed to grooming as kittens. At Groomingdale's, we work with reluctant cats regularly and have developed strategies that help even the most resistant felines learn to tolerate grooming. To build positive associations at home:
1. **Start slow:** Begin with very short sessions of just 1-2 minutes, gradually increasing the duration as your cat becomes more comfortable
2. **Use positive reinforcement:** Offer treats, praise, and play before, during, and after grooming sessions
3. **Choose the right time:** Groom when your cat is relaxed and calm, often after a play session or a meal when they are naturally more docile
4. **Be gentle but confident:** Hesitation communicates to your cat that there is something to fear. Approach grooming calmly and with purpose
5. **Respect boundaries:** If your cat becomes stressed, stop and try again later. Forcing the issue will only create stronger negative associations
6. **Use appropriate tools:** Start with soft brushes and work up to more effective grooming tools as your cat becomes accustomed to the process. Loud or harsh tools can create negative associations that are difficult to overcome
7. **Create a routine:** Cats are creatures of habit. Grooming at the same time and place each day helps your cat know what to expect
**Success Story from Groomingdale's:** *"We had a client bring in a 10-year-old Persian who had never been professionally groomed. The cat was severely matted and terrified of handling. Through patience and multiple short appointments, we were able to groom the cat comfortably within three visits. Now she comes in every six weeks and actually purrs during her grooming sessions." - Our grooming team*
## When to Seek Professional Help
Consider professional grooming services when:
- Your cat is severely matted (do not attempt to cut out mats at home, as you risk cutting your cat's very thin skin)
- You are unable to safely trim nails without causing stress to yourself or your cat
- Your cat becomes extremely stressed or aggressive during home grooming
- You notice skin issues that need expert attention or assessment
- Your cat has special needs due to age, weight, or health conditions
- Your long-haired cat needs a sanitary trim or lion cut
- You want thorough de-shedding that is difficult to achieve at home
At Groomingdale's Pet Salon in Lakewood, our cat grooming specialists understand feline behavior and use gentle, stress-minimizing techniques to make the experience as comfortable as possible for your cat. We schedule cat grooming during quieter salon times to reduce stress from noise and activity, and our grooming area includes calming pheromone diffusers designed specifically for felines.
## The Bottom Line
Remember, regular grooming is not just about keeping your cat looking good. It is an important aspect of preventative healthcare that can help your feline friend live a longer, healthier, and more comfortable life. Professional grooming catches health issues early, prevents painful matting, reduces hairballs, and improves your cat's overall quality of life.
If you are a cat owner in Lakewood, Tacoma, University Place, Steilacoom, or anywhere in Pierce County, we invite you to experience the difference that professional cat grooming can make. Call Groomingdale's Pet Salon at (253) 301-2823 to schedule your cat's grooming appointment today.
*Written by the grooming experts at Sarah's Groomingdale's Pet Salon in Lakewood, WA. With over 15 years of professional pet grooming experience, our team specializes in breed-specific grooming for dogs and cats of all sizes. Call us at (253) 301-2823 to book your appointment.*
