Cat Grooming – Should You Involve Your Child When Grooming Your Cat?

Your child can learn a lot about responsible pet care and the importance of personal hygiene by helping

to keep your cat well groomed. Which grooming tasks your child can take on will depend on your child’s age and ability, and on your cat’s condition, personality, and attitude toward being groomed?

If she enjoys being brushed, that is a good job for a child to begin with, although an adult may need to hold the cat throughout the process. Leave more delicate tasks such as ear and teeth cleaning and claw clipping to an adult or to an older child under adult supervision.

In fact, an adult should supervise all grooming to be sure that it is gentle and thorough and to end the session if the cat shows signs of stress. No ear swabs, please! Never insert anything, including cotton swabs, into your cat’s ears. You could impact any wax that is present and cause other serious injuries.

Because only the sharp tip of the claw needs to be trimmed, you should not find avoiding the quick too difficult. If you accidentally cut the claw too short and cause bleeding, stop it by dipping it in styptic powder (available from veterinarians, pet supply stores, or the shaving section of many other stores) or cornstarch.

If the claw continues to bleed for longer than ten minutes, or if blood is spurting, call your vet. With regular trimming, your older cat’s claw and paws will stay healthier, even if she can no longer take care of then herself.

She also will be less likely to snag your carpets, upholstery and clothes. An aging cat may have trouble keeping her claws trimmed, so regular nail care will help to keep her feet healthy.