by Kimberlee King

Created on: March 26, 2010

Short haired cats are not quite as low maintenance as some would believe.  They actually need as much grooming as their long haired feline elatives. Short haired cats tend to shed often and copiously. Some cats tend to get frequent hairballs from self grooming.  Their licking causes them to ingest hair creating hairballs which can lead to digestive problems.  Grooming and brushing will aid in reducing this problem.  Regular brushing will also improve your cats skin and coat and reduce the amount of bathing you need to do.  It is not necessary to bathe your cat very often if you develop a regular brushing habit.

The list of grooming tools needed for a short haired cat is very minimal.  You will need a brush, nail clippers, ear cleaner, eye cleaner and cotton balls.  If you would like to bathe your cat occasionally the best type of shampoo to buy is the waterless foam type.  Most cats simply hate water, this type of shampoo cleans very effectively and results in so much less stress for both you nd your kitty. 

There is one type of brush I cannot recommend highly enough, it is  rubber tipped brush called a Zoom Groom.  The raised rubber points grip the dead shedding hair and pull it right out.  Regular brushing distributes the oils through your cat's coat resulting in a clean, shiny, healthy coat. Cats just love being brushed with a rubber brush.  You will be amazed at how much hair comes off the first time you use this product.

Buy nail clippers specifically designed for cats.  The small scissor type work best.  Larger dog nail trimmers can be used but it is more difficult to see what you are doing. In order to cut your cats nails you must press on each toe to distend the nail.  All cats nails are white so it is very easy to tell where the quick, or vein is located.  Simply cut each nail slightly above where the pink area is. Don't forget they have dew claws or thumb nails.

The last things you need for grooming your short haired cat is ear cleaner, eye cleaner and cotton balls.  You can buy the cleaners in any pet supply store.  Once a week put some ear cleaner on  clean cotton ball and gently rub the inside of your cats ears.  Never use q-tips or dig down inside of the ear canal.  Then put some eye cleaner on another cotton ball and gently wipe the eye and nose area of your kitty and that's it you are finished.

Develop and stick to a regular routine of at least once a week with full bathing less frequently, your cat will quickly get used to it and gradually learn to love the attention you are giving them especially if you follow up with a special treat!

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