MPBA 2ND QTR MAGAZINE 2024 WEB

Make it a ritual they will like. Begin the session by petting your cat. Run your hands all over them in the places you will be combing – from the top of her head, down her back, under her arms to the end of the tail. This will tell you in advance if there are any mats you could come upon unexpectedly that will take special care, and will relax your cat in preparation for the grooming. Do you know where your cat’s sweet spots are? These are his favorite places to be petted and rubbed. They often include cheeks, chin and throat, and the place right above the base of the tail. These sweet spots cause kitty to shut their eyes, purr louder or raise their butts. Begin your combing or brushing session in these sweet spots. Once you have the comb or brush in hand, start with a very light touch. Kittens especially have very tender skin. Think of it as lightly scratching the skin rather than a brushing. Your kitty will tell you how to proceed, often arching his back into the brush when he wants a heavier stroke. Carefully comb your cat’s face, pay

and the same place. Use a tabletop, some other platform, or even your lap to place kitty. Wherever is going to be convenient and comfortable for you both. Some people like to place the cat on a towel on the top of the washer or dryer. The height is good and you have space to set out your combs and brushes. Set up for success. Before starting this new lifetime practice, help your kitten or cat (if they have never been groomed by you before) to get used to the idea. The end result is that you want combing and brushing to be perceived as simply an extension of petting. So, several days before you actually begin being your cat’s hair dresser, leave the comb and brush out among your cat’s toys. Let them sniff and investigate these new, strange items. You want them to be part of their territory, a normal part of their life that becomes familiar, so those things are not scary. Let your cat play with the brush. You know your cat is feeling comfy with it if she rubs against it with her face, she’s marking it; putting her scent on it.

attention to the mat-prone area around the ears, then progress down both of the her sides. Be careful not to brush or comb too hard, especially against her spine or nipples. If your cat fidgets a lot while combing her sides while standing, try lifting one rear foot off the ground while you groom the other side. This takes away the cat’s balance, and distracts it so it is thinking about something besides the grooming. Mostly, take your time. You do not have to groom the entire cat in one session. If it gets irritated at some point, just stop and finish at a later time. Now finish the grooming session the way you started, by returning to those sweet spots. Once finished, offer your cat a favorite game or treat. That will help him associate the grooming session with positive things so he looks forward to the next time.

Article gathered from https:// nutrisourcepetfoods.com/blog/how-to- pleasantly-groom-a-cat-blog-95/

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 Hands-on Care  Professional Service  Updated Equipment  Free Microchips (for Individuals)  Over 15 years of transportation experience  Competitive Rates

 Hands-on Care  Professional Service  Updated Equipment  Free Microchips (for Individuals)  Over 15 years of transportation experience  Competitive Rates  Hands-on Care  Professional Service  Updated Equipment  Free Microchips (for Individuals)  Over 15 years of transportation experience  Competitive Rates

www.puppytravelers.com 417-451-2252

 Hands-on Care  Professional Service  Updated Equipment  Free Microchips (for

Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 35

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