This content was produced for IAMS by the foundry @ Meredith Corp. DailyPaws editorial staff was not involved in its creation or production.
We can all learn a thing or two about self-care from cats. In fact, they spend nearly half of their waking hours grooming themselves. Which is a great sign, because good hygiene is an indicator of a happy and healthy kitty. Of course, she'll need a hand from time to time and a healthy diet full of nutrients.
Thankfully, IAMS™ Proactive Health and IAMS™ Perfect Portions™ are designed to provide cats with the nutrition necessary to support their skin and coat.
Here’s everything you’ve always wanted to know about cats and their grooming habits, and how to make grooming time a bit easier for you both.
Magic Touch
Get your kitten used to being touched and groomed by you as soon as possible. Gently handling her paws, ears, tail, and belly early on will desensitize her to touch, so you'll have an easier time grooming and caring for her as she gets older. Less squirming, scratching, biting, and stress for both of you!
Bonding Time
Just like humans love a massage, cats love to have their fur brushed. Not only is this a great bonding activity, but it detangles hair, spreads naturally produced oils throughout the coat, and increases blood flow. Extra points if you can incite purrs.
Shine on
“Cats are naturally glamorous animals,” says Dr. Angela Hughes DVM PhD, the Science Advocacy Senior Manager at Mars Petcare. And in fact, “the condition of their coat is a great indicator of their health.” A cat's coat is almost entirely composed of protein, so if her diet isn't providing enough, it'll become dry and brittle. IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Healthy Adult—a chicken-first formula—is an excellent source of nutrients, including highquality protein plus Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids which promote healthy skin and a glossy coat.
Nailed it
When it's mani-pedi time, simply press the pad on your cat's toe to extend the nail and make a straight, vertical cut, being very careful to avoid the pink “quick” area, which can cause pain and bleeding.
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
Hairballs are generally the result of healthy grooming (go Kitty!), but their occurrence—and the expulsion thereof—is a rather unpleasant experience for all parties involved. Regular brushing is important, but a proactive approach like IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Hairball Care diet could help to reduce hairball formation.
Splish, Splash, a Cat Bath?!
While cats don't often need a bath, the need may arise from time to time. To begin, trim her nails—otherwise, ouch!—and brush out her coat. After getting her wet, gently massage in shampoo, avoiding her face, eyes, and ears. After rinsing, towel dry—or use a blow dryer if she doesn't mind —ensuring she stays warm, and shower her with treats and praise!
Pearly Whites
Poor dental hygiene can lead to a host of health risks, so as tricky as it sounds, with practice, you can turn teeth-brushing into a daily ritual. Start by massaging Kitty's gums so she becomes used to this new sensation. With a finger toothbrush and special feline toothpaste, gently her brush teeth and gums. Afterward, make sure to praise your very good kitty for a job well done.
By the Numbers
1–3x per week: Brush cats with short hair 1x per day: Brush cats with long hair 1x every 4-6 weeks: Bath time 1x per day: Brush teeth 2-3x per month: Trim nails 1x per week: Inspect ears and eyes
Keep your cat looking and feeling good by taking a proactive approach to her well-being. visit IAMS.com and the IAMS cat food selector.
