What Can a Professional Groomer Do for Your Cat?

Many people regularly take their dogs to the groomer, but taking cats to the groomer seems to be less common. Cats, in general, do a better job of keeping themselves clean than dogs. But there are several benefits of taking your cat to a professional groomer regularly. Here are some of the ways a professional groomer can help your cat.

When a cat is unable to properly clean its coat, the coat can develop mats, which are tight tangles of hair. Mats can cause skin irritation and discomfort, and they're difficult to comb out - often, they must be trimmed away.

Long-haired cats are at high risk for mats, as are overweight cats who can't reach certain areas of their body. A professional groomer can safely remove mats from your cat's coat and also detangle and brush the hair to prevent additional mats from forming.

Does your cat have dry, itchy skin? Perhaps they have feline acne around their face, or maybe they have stud tail, a condition that causes acne-like bumps around the base of the tail. A groomer can use soothing shampoos and rinses to ease the discomfort these skin conditions cause. They can work with your veterinarian to come up with an effective treatment routine.

As your groomer works their way through your cat's coat, they will keep an eye out for any fleas. If fleas are present, the groomer can use a flea shampoo that gets rid of the parasites without stinging any skin that has been irritated by the fleas.

Your groomer will also check for ticks, which are less common in cats than in dogs, but which can spread diseases like Lyme disease. Groomers know how to remove ticks safely and effectively, and they can also preserve any ticks they do find to be tested for Lyme disease.

Some cats do not do a very good job of cleaning their ears. Poor self-grooming leads to a buildup of wax and dirt, which increases your cat's risk of an ear infection.

Your groomer can clean inside your cat's ears with a special, mild cleanser that won't cause irritation. They know just how and where to clean without causing damage to the delicate ear structures. If your groomer discovers symptoms of an ear infection, they will refer your cat to a veterinarian for further treatment.

Having your cat's nails trimmed every few weeks is a kind alternative to declawing and helps prevent your cat from ruining your carpet, furniture, and drapes. Many owners are not adept at trimming their own cats' nails, but professional groomers have the right tools and skills to do so safely and without hurting your cat.

Cats have glands to the side of their anus that are meant to release pheromones. Sometimes these glands become blocked, which causes itching, unpleasant odors, and infections. Not all cats need their anal glands expressed, but if yours does, your groomer can handle the job.

Expressing the anal glands as needed can help keep your cat from rubbing their bottom on items in your house, and it can prevent painful abscesses in the future.

Like dogs, cats can benefit from regular visits to the groomer. For the best experience, look for a groomer who is associated with a veterinary office. This way, if your groomer discovers an issue such as an ear infection or abscessed anal gland, they can easily collaborate with your veterinarian to find a solution that works for your pet.

Contact Alta Vista Veterinary Clinic if you are looking for grooming and veterinary services in the Hayward, CA area.