Purrfectly Healthy and Happy: the Importance of Grooming and Veterinary Care for Your Cat
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Beauty is more than fur deep
Grooming goes far beyond a great hairdo, it's essential for your cat's health. Bathing, brushing her teeth and keeping her coat clean and mat-free help prevent health issues and detect problems, like gum disease or parasites, that might otherwise go unnoticed. Cats are naturally designed to conceal signs of sickness in the wild. In the comfort of your home, this means you’ll need to be watchful for any changes in behavior that may indicate a potential illness.
Your cat will spend a lot of time licking and bathing herself, but you’ll still need to assist her with grooming. The earlier she gets used to having her coat and teeth brushed, as well as her claws trimmed, the more comfortable she’ll be with the process. In fact, it’s a great bonding time for the two of you. Brushing is good for her muscle tone and circulation, plus it removes dirt and extra fur, reducing hairballs. It also alerts you to the presence of any parasites, such as fleas or ear mites. And regular brushing can reduce the need for baths. Brushing her teeth and trimming her claws are two other areas that need your attention.
If you're a hands-on Pet Parent, make sure you have the right tools to do the job. A PetSmart® PetStylist can help you select the right brushes for your cat's fur, show you how to clip her nails and maintain that purrfect smile. Proper shampoo is important, too. Since your cat's skin has a different pH balance than yours, your shampoo won't do. You'll find that a regular grooming routine is a good way to practice preventive care and makes for a clean, attractive pet.
Professional helping hands
Clipping and primping a restless cat is not for everyone. Even if you're comfortable grooming your pet, you should still let a professional lend an expert hand every 6-8 weeks.
Clipping and primping a restless cat is not for everyone. Even if you're comfortable grooming your pet, you should still let a professional lend an expert hand every 6-8 weeks.
Vital veterinary care
Along with proper feeding, exercise and grooming, preventive veterinary care plays a crucial role in assuring your pet lives a healthy, happy life. To get started, choose a vet early on for your new kitten or cat. They'll help you set up and follow a preventive health schedule.
Along with proper feeding, exercise and grooming, preventive veterinary care plays a crucial role in assuring your pet lives a healthy, happy life. To get started, choose a vet early on for your new kitten or cat. They'll help you set up and follow a preventive health schedule.
Vaccinations mean protection
Vaccinations protect your cat from a host of viral diseases, including feline infectious peritonitis (FIP); feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection; giardia; and herpes virus infection. Just like a child, your kitten needs to be protected at an early age and given boosters as an adult. More information about recommended vaccinations can be found in Banfield's "Congratulations on Adopting Your New Pet!" brochure, or ask a caring Banfield medical team member.
Vaccinations protect your cat from a host of viral diseases, including feline infectious peritonitis (FIP); feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection; giardia; and herpes virus infection. Just like a child, your kitten needs to be protected at an early age and given boosters as an adult. More information about recommended vaccinations can be found in Banfield's "Congratulations on Adopting Your New Pet!" brochure, or ask a caring Banfield medical team member.
Three reasons to spay or neuter
Spaying or neutering helps your cat live a longer, healthier life by reducing the chances for cancer or infections. And it means a better-behaved pet for you. Plus, it's the surest way to reduce pet overpopulation.
Spaying or neutering helps your cat live a longer, healthier life by reducing the chances for cancer or infections. And it means a better-behaved pet for you. Plus, it's the surest way to reduce pet overpopulation.
Visit us in store or on the Web for more information on PetSmart Grooming and PetSmart veterinarian care.
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