As a responsible pet owner we give our cats all the food, love and veterinary care they need to be happy and healthy, but have you ever considered a regular pampering session for your cat? With a wide range of DIY pampering options available, you can make your cat feel a million dollars without having to take a trip to the grooming salon.
Hair Styling
Probably the easiest pampering option, regular grooming is both enjoyable and beneficial for your cat. Using a soft brush, pet comb or slicker brush on a daily basis will remove dead hairs and dirt, stimulate circulation and keep your cat’s hair glossy and matt-free. If your cat isn’t used to being groomed, start slowly but keep at it, soon she’ll be a drooling ball of ecstasy whenever she sees you with brush in hand.
Facial
Not a facial as we know it, but keeping your cat’s eyes and ears clean is essential for good health. Cats often get discharge in the corners of their eyes, which is easily removed with a gentle wipe with moist cotton wool. Check your cat’s ears regularly, and if you notice a build up of wax you can use a cotton ball or bud to very carefully clean the visible outer part of her ears – never push the bud into your cat’s ear canal as you could cause damage. If you notice any unpleasant smelling discharge coming from your cat’s ears or eyes, it may indicate an infection, so it’s best to get her checked out by your local vet.
Full Body Massage
We all know that there’s nothing better after a long, hard day than getting a relaxing massage, and it’s no different for your cat. You’ll already know that stroking your cat is a wonderful way for you both to de-stress and bond, so investigate techniques for giving your cat a massage and you’ll both feel even more pampered and relaxed.
Body Treatment
Let’s face it, most cats will run for the hills at the merest hint of getting wet, so this level of pampering won’t be for everyone. There are some breeds that actually enjoy playing with water, and if your cat is long-haired or hairless (such as the exquisite Sphynx cat), then bathing can be a necessity. If your cat is happy to be bathed, make sure you only use lukewarm water and a mild pet shampoo, and towel dry her gently.
Pedicure
Outdoor cats generally manage to keep their claws nicely trimmed by walking around on rough surfaces, but if you have an indoor cat then trimming her claws will be a necessity, even if she uses her scratching post regularly. Neatly trimmed claws will not only save your furniture and clothes from pulled threads when she’s happily kneading, it’ll also be much more comfortable for your cat as she’ll no longer snag and split her precious claws on the carpet.
Cat Spas
For those times when you’re not at home and your cat is in need of a good pamper, a cat spa activity centre is perfect. They come in all shapes and sizes, and often include textured rubber surfaces for your cat to roll around on for some self-massage, gum stimulators and acupressure pads for purrfect paw rubs.
We all deserve a little pampering now and again, wouldn’t you agree? How do you pamper your cat?
Images: Yoppy / Devin Prewett / Jonathan Nightingale via Flickr
