Afternoon Grooming for the Cats
Every day is a grooming day here at the farm.
Although cats are remarkably clean, well-groomed animals, I've always been a firm believer in regular brushing, combing, and bathing. I currently have two dominant calico Persians, Princess Peony, and Empress Tang, and one greenhouse cat, Blackie - they are all very special to me and are such wonderful companions. Every afternoon, their faces and ears are cleaned, their coats are checked, and they're given a good, thorough brushing.
Enjoy these latest photos.
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- This is my dear Empress Tang getting ready for her afternoon brushing. She is lying on a hydraulic grooming table in the basement of my Winter house where all the dogs and cats are groomed. It has a durable rubber surface, so the animals don’t slip.
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- First, Enma checks to see if any of Tang’s nails need trimming.
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- Pet nails grow quickly, so it is important to check them often and trim whenever needed. And only cut the white part of the nail – never the pink part, which is called the quick – this is where the nerve and blood vessels are located.
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- Tang has been getting brushed and combed all her life, so she is very used to this routine. It’s always good to look for and remove any matted fur. This is important because collected mats can cause irritation and hairballs.
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- We use a variety of combs and pin brushes to gently and carefully remove any knots or tangles. Always be sure to introduce the cat to new tools before using them, so they never shy away from grooming time.
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- Tang enjoys being brushed and stays still for much of her grooming session. Here she is on her back while her stomach is combed.
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- Enma cleans Tang’s face with a slightly damp cotton pad – especially in between the creases. This helps to prevent possible tear staining.
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- Because this is done regularly, there is little dirt, but it is also good practice, so the cats are comfortable being handled. Tang loves all the attention.
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- This is my Princess Peony, who often naps while being groomed.
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- Peony likes all the attention also, so it isn’t hard to keep her from jumping off the table. Almost instantly, Peony starts to fall asleep.
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- Enma dampens another cosmetic cloth to wipe Peony’s entire face.
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- She also cleans Tang’s ears using another disposable cloth and a bit of solution specially formulated for pet ear cleaning. This is done about once a week.
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- Peony’s ears are spotless.
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- Enma also runs the comb through her back and tail before releasing her.
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- Peony runs up the stairs to the front hall before stopping for a quick photo. Peony and Tang are very healthy and happy. Peony is the one with orange markings on the front of her head.
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- Then she walked over to her kitty buffet for a snack. Cats are true carnivores, meaning they need to eat meat. My cats are fed both wet and dry food, which they absolutely love. A variety of food is left out for my cats every day at the kitty buffet. Each bowl has something different, and all the food is refreshed daily.
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- And here’s Tang not far behind – already looking for a comfy spot to rest after her grooming.
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- My cats definitely like their routines – they like to eat and go out at the same times, and they like to sleep and lounge in the same places.
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- Tang chose this chair in the hallway, so she could still watch all the activity around the house – we’re all decorating for the holidays. I always cover the pets’ favorite resting spots with towels. Doing this keeps these areas extra clean, and extra cozy.
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- Blackie is next – he’s my greenhouse cat. Blackie loves people and is always ready for a rub or some playtime.
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- Blackie also likes his grooming routines, but on this day, he seems more interested in napping in a cardboard box. How often do you groom your cats? Share your comments in the section below. I love reading your cat stories.
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