Nine Myths About Cat Grooming

Last Updated on May 11, 2021 by Holly Anne Dustin

Most people don’t think cats need professional grooming. And certainly not bathing. But, in fact, cats are not “self-cleaning.”  Let’s debunk the most common cats grooming myths.  Read on and see why cats actually benefit from professional grooming just as much if not more than dogs.

Cats Groom Themselves

Cats do not groom themselves, they lick.  They lick saliva over their coat. That can help keep them cool in hot weather but it doesn’t clean their coat.  It doesn’t prevent dandruff, matting, or odor. The saliva causes the dander that causes allergies. A good grooming can solve all these problems.  It is much nicer to have a clean, sweet-smelling cat roaming about the house than the alternative.

Cats Hate Water

Not all cats hate water.  Some breeds are actually fond of water.  Most cats can be conditioned to tolerate, if not appreciate, the bathing process.  The easiest way is routinely bathing from kittenhood.  But a regular, low stress, grooming processing can make even an older kitty feel great.  “Dry Shampoo”, Waterless bath or cologne is not a replacement for a bath, blow dry and brush out and can actually make skin problems and matting worse.

Short-haired Cats Don’t Need Grooming

Short-haired breeds typically shed more than long-haired breeds.  Brushing, washing, and drying benefit them as well.  That separated, chunky, greasy fur can mat up on a short-haired too; although not as dramatically as their long-haired cousins.

Click here to learn how to groom your cat at home.

Hairless Cats Don’t Need Grooming

Actually, hairless cats need grooming as much or even more. Cats are greasy animals. Hairless cats require regular bathing or dirt and oily build up in the wrinkles of their skin.  If you have you have a Sphynx or a Peterbald, expect to do almost as much grooming as your friend with a fluffy long-haired cat.

Grooming is Just for Show Cats

Success in the show ring definitely requires regular grooming. But Fluffy, snoozing on your sofa, also would benefit from consistent grooming.  She will feel happy, clean, sweet, and playful with less coat to shed. You can see a difference in the cats when they feel good.

Cats Have to be Sedated for Grooming

Some do.  A very aggressive cat, a feral rescue, a cat that stresses out unduly.  But don’t assume that because your cat is fearful it can’t be groomed.   If you find an experienced groomer with knowledge of cat handling and signs of stress that cat can be successfully groomed to remove mats and return him to health and good condition.

Bathing Can Hurt Cats Skin

Humans have skin and hair and we shower every day. Dogs have skin and hair and it surprises no one when they visit a groomer.  Cats have skin and hair but the public thinks grooming cats is strange. But in fact, cat skin is different. Cats can be bathed weekly with a cat-specific shampoo without harming the coat and skin. Show cats bathe that often, or even more frequently, but an every six-week regimen will keep kitty in good shape.

Mats Aren’t A Big Problem

Mats are a health problem as well as unsightly.  A cat can not rest well on top of hard lumps of fur he can’t get away from.  Mats pull the skin every time kitty moves; and the longer it goes on will form a big pelted mess that keeps kitty from being able to walk properly, trap moisture and oils and prevent air from reaching the skin leading to skin infections, bruising and ulcerations.  If the mats form in the private areas of the cat it can lead to urine getting under the mat and scalding the skin or worse.

Hairballs Are Normal

When cats lick themselves they ingest a large amount of fur.  The more fur they swallow the more likely you are to find a hairball on the kitchen floor.  Hairballs are not something that cats and their owners have to put up with.   A good groomer will be able to de-shed your cat and remove the shedding undercoat to keep kitty from swallowing it and forming hairballs.

Grooming helps keep your furbaby’s skin and coat healthy, prevent painful mats and tangles,  reduces shedding and hairballs and detects any parasites she may have contracted.   Daily or weekly grooming at home with help keep problems at bay but if kitty is resistant, call a professional cat groomer.  Some will even come to your house!