Breeders Seem Unfamiliar with Cat Grooming Needs
Recently, we attended a Cat Expo where we had the opportunity to interact with breeders and cat owners. We were approached by several owners of purebred kittens who were curious about our presence at the event since they believed that cats are self-groomers. When we asked them what the breeder had told them about their Persian cat’s grooming needs, they mentioned that the breeder had stated the grooming needs would be minimal and that the cats are capable of self-grooming.
This misconception seems to be prevalent among cat owners and apparently the myth is perpetuated by breeders. My hunch is that breeders know that it doesn’t help to sell cats by telling prospective buyers that their cat will routinely require extensive grooming. While it is true that cats can groom themselves to a certain extent, routine grooming is necessary to manage common fur problems that can be troublesome for both cats and their people. These issues include matting and knotting, excessive shedding, messy behinds, dandruff, allergies, and hairballs. Most of these problems can be attributed to excess oil in the undercoat, which can be addressed and remedied through regular grooming and bathing.
Self-grooming can lead to unwanted consequences when cats consume what they clean.
Cats use their tongue to groom themselves, and in doing so, they inadvertently ingest various contaminants, toxins, and parasites, as well as pollen, tree sap, and loose shed hair. Grooming and bathing play a vital role in preventing cats from consuming excess fur and contaminants.
It is important for cat owners to understand that their cats are not solely responsible for their grooming needs. Many longhair cats have been selectively bred to have more hair than they can effectively manage on their own. Therefore, regular grooming by a professional groomer is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of these cats.
As grooming service providers with extensive experience, we aim to educate cat owners about the importance of regular grooming and debunk the myth that cats are self-groomers. We understand that many cat owners may feel like they have failed when their cat requires grooming, but it is crucial to remember that grooming is an essential aspect of cat care. By providing professional grooming services, we help cat owners ensure that their furry companions are comfortable and healthy.
