Categories

Cats have an interesting way of taking care of their cleanliness – they lick themselves clean. And while many pets and other animals clean themselves as well, sometimes domestic cats can have troubles with this daily task. Some cats just won't clean themselves or they don't do a good job of cleaning themselves. This can lead to troubles with fur matting and fur odors. While long haired cats are especially vulnerable to cleaning issues, there is plenty you can do to help them manage their manes.

What's the Problem?

If your cat has never had troubles cleaning themselves before, chances are good that the cleaning problem is a sign of another problem. Think about the things that have changed in their environment lately. Have you changed a litter brand? A food brand? Maybe used a new cleaner in the house? Think about the sorts of changes your cat might notice and see if reverting back to old habits helps them go back to cleaning themselves. Sometimes, a new scent in the house or a new litter can make cats less tolerant of the anything that might smell like the new item – like their fur, which leads to infrequent grooming. They might adjust to the smell eventually, but if you can simply go back to what they know, this is the easiest way to help their cleaning habits. If your cat has been anxious lately, that can also lead to a lack of proper grooming. This often happens when owners are gone for long periods of time and the cats simply are too stressed to clean themselves properly. The cat might hide in a closet until their owner comes home, barely moving, which leads to fur matter. Helping your cat relax will encourage them to start their cleaning habits again. Also, a cat that might be overweight is also more prone to troubles with cleaning their fur. If their belly is too big, they might not be able to reach certain areas on their own.

Solving the Problem

Once you understand the cause of the lack of cleanliness, you need to figure out a way to help your cat get back on track. Using natural herbal supplements can help your cat relax, but setting up and sticking to a schedule is the best way to encourage fur cleaning. Your cat needs to know that things are going to happen at more or less the same time every day, allowing them to clean themselves at regular times as well. If your cat still doesn't start to clean themselves up, you can help them out by giving them a bath or by brushing them regularly. Also, there are cat wipes available which can help to clean away any excess surface during on your cat's fur. Sometimes, you might not be able to encourage your cat to clean themselves, so a trip to the groomer is going to be necessary. While this isn't going to be the most pleasant experience for your cat, it will help them maintain a clean coat more easily. If all else fails, it's time to take your cat to the vet. They might be avoiding touching their fur because of pain or another condition that needs medical intervention.