If you have an aging cat, you may want to skip grooming and leave them home to their own devices if they seem tired and cranky. Along with yearly vet check ups, grooming on a regular basis might actually be healthier for them than you think. Here are four things regular grooming sessions might offer that older cats can benefit from.
1. Catching Other Ailments
Cats tend to hide ailments and injuries as a survival instinct from their ancestors. Your older cat isn't going to tell you if something is wrong, but having a physical once over while grooming can help catch problems your cat may be having. Groomers will be assessing your cat's physical appearance and checking their nails and teeth. If anything seems amiss, you can get your cat to the veterinarian to properly diagnose.
2. Not Grooming Themselves as Well
Older cats may not be as good at grooming upkeep as they once were. They may have sensitive teeth and gums that just comes with old age. Groomers can give your cat back some dignity with proper bathing and cutting out knotted fur. Your cat won't be used to bathing and clipping so it is good to have a professional help with the process.
3. Professional Nail Clipping
If you aren't able to secure your cat and do nail clippings yourself, a groomer can take care of this for you. Active and outdoor cats usually wear down their nail tips naturally with play, stretching and climbing. As cats age, they may be less active and this maintenance will have to be done by a professional.
4. Aggression as Cats Age
Older cats may be confused and can act out aggressively when they are anxious. If you are worried your cat might hurt you for trying to clean them, a professional groomer will have the tools and skills to handle this. Since most cats are good at their own upkeep throughout their lives, they might not be used to being handled and groomed by others. Rather than being the bad guy or hurting you or your cat, a professional groomer can handle your grumpy cat safely.
While your older cat might not enjoy the groomers as much as you would like, this can be a way to keep them healthy and happy in the long run. If you notice that your cat is having trouble with self-care and may need an extra hand, set up a grooming appointment with a vet, such as at Kenhaven Animal Hospital, to get them back on the right track.
