Why is My Cat Not Cleaning Itself?

Although we can now understand why there is the saying "cats love to be clean", considering that humans and animals have different standards for "clean", this statement is actually not very scientific. In fact, cat cleaning is mostly due to biological habits, such as avoiding exposing themselves and supplement vitamins. Of course, they do not have requirements for cleaning that exceed their physiological needs like humans.

For example, cats pay great attention to "toilet etiquette", in fact, in order to prevent natural enemies and prey from discovering their own smell, they will bury and clean up the smell around them and themselves after eating.

Fur licking is of great significance to cats. This is also an important reason why we think cats clean. In addition to socializing, it can also clean up various foreign objects and odors on the body, comb knotted hair, help the body dissipate heat, and supplement vitamins and other trace substances.

Cats also have the habit of washing their paws and face. In order to clean up the debris left on their beards after eating to keep their beards clean and sensitive, they can also massage facial nerves to make cats feel relaxed.

The "dirty things" that cats think need to be removed are things that leave odors, not dirt + smell + bacteria that humans think.

It should be noted that the cat's cleaning cannot completely rely on the cat's self-cleaning ability. The ability varies from cat to cat. Some cats are naturally not proficient in licking their fur, or there are always some parts that cannot be licked, so they are more likely to get dirty than other cats. At this time, it is necessary to increase the number of baths appropriately.

So when you think your cat is not clean enough, you need to clean cat.

What should you do t clean cat?

1. Hairballs

When cats cleaning themselves, they ingest loose hair, which can lead to hairballs forming in their stomachs. These hairballs can cause digestive problems and even blockages in the intestines. Regular grooming, such as brushing or combing, can help to remove loose hair before the cat ingests it, reducing the likelihood of hairballs forming.

2. Skin problems

When cats cleaning themselves, they distribute natural oils throughout their fur to keep it healthy and shiny. However, cats can sometimes over-groom certain areas, leading to bald patches or skin irritation. Grooming can help identify these areas early on and prevent them from developing into more severe skin problems.

3. Health problems

Regular clean cat can help to identify fleas, ticks, and other parasites that may be lurking in a cat's fur. These parasites can cause a range of health problems, from skin irritation to more severe conditions like anemia. By removing parasites and keeping the coat clean and well-groomed, owners can help to prevent these health problems from occurring in the first place.

4. Relax

Grooming can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity for both cats and their owners. By spending time grooming their cats, owners can strengthen their bond with their pets and help them feel more comfortable and secure.

What does cat grooming involve?

Cleaning your cat at home is an integral part of cat care that can help prevent health issues and strengthen the bond between you and your feline companion. In this section, we will discuss the different aspects of cat grooming that can be done at home and provide tips for how to clean your cat effectively.

Brushing and combing

Brushing and combing your cat's fur can help to remove loose hair, prevent hairballs, and distribute natural oils throughout the coat. Short-haired cats may only need to be brushed once a week, while long-haired cats may need to be brushed daily.

Bathing

While cats are generally good at keeping cats clean, they may occasionally need a bath to remove dirt and odors. However, it’s important to note that cats are not like dogs and should not be bathed too frequently, as this can strip their fur of natural oils and lead to skin problems.

Nail trimming

Regular nail trimming can help to prevent your cat from scratching furniture or people. It can also control their nails from growing too long and causing discomfort or injury.

Ear cleaning

Cats can sometimes develop ear wax buildup, which can lead to infections or other health problems. Cleaning your cat’s ears regularly can help to prevent these problems from occurring.

Seeking professional help

While some aspects of cat grooming can be done at home, there may be instances where seeking professional advice is very crucial. This is particularly true for issues that require a deeper level of knowledge and expertise, such as severe skin problems or parasite infestations. In this section, we will discuss the role of groomers and veterinarians in cat grooming and when it's appropriate to seek their help.

It is also important to note that some cats may require more frequent grooming than others. Long-haired cats, for example, may require daily grooming to prevent their fur from becoming matted and tangled. Similarly, cats with certain health conditions, such as arthritis or obesity, may require special grooming techniques to avoid causing discomfort or pain.

In addition, the cleanliness of the cat has a lot to do with the cleanliness of the home. Regularly vacuum and clean the house and give cats a clean living environment is also very helpful for cats cleaning.