How to Groom Your Senior Cat: What You Need To Know

It can become more difficult for cats to clean themselves fully as they become older. This is often due to reduced mobility as they age. Today, our Rochester vets discuss grooming your senior kitty, including advice on how to clean an old cat's fur and what you can do to manage matted hair.

All About Matted Cat Hair

As cats get older, it can be harder for them to groom themselves for various reasons, such as arthritis. It's important to keep your older cat well-groomed because an unkempt coat can lead to painful matting in their fur. Matts are even more painful for cats that don't have as much excess muscle or fat, which is fairly common among senior cats. As cats age, their skin also loses elasticity, which increases the discomfort they feel with mats and makes them more prone to various injuries, including tearing and bruising.

It's always better to be proactive about your senior cat's grooming because it will save them from experiencing unnecessary pain and discomfort. It will also make the task easier and more pleasant for both of you.

Why do older cats get matted fur?

If you notice your aging kitty is not grooming themselves as often as they used to and your old cat is experiencing matted fur, you should schedule an appointment with your vet. Cats not grooming themselves sufficiently can be a sign of an underlying medical issue that has to be addressed quickly. It's not always easy to tell if your cat suffers from a painful condition because they are very good at hiding pain.

Some reasons why your senior cat might not be grooming themselves as often or as efficiently include:

• Dental problems
• Osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease
• Increased skin oil production
• Obesity

Geriatric cats can be at a higher risk of developing the above conditions. If you see your senior cat's fur becoming more matted or they aren't grooming themselves as well as they used to, contact your vet who will be able to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.

Brushing Out Matted Cat Hair

As we said above, keeping your senior cats' fur well-groomed is very important to keep them from matting. Below are tips on how you can brush your senior cat's fur:

1. Brush your cat in a place where they will be comfortable, such as on a soft mat or blanket.
2. Start by petting your cat from head to tail, looking for any problem areas that are sensitive to them.
3. Brush them in the same pattern, switching between brushes, including a rubber brush to collect loose fur, a pin brush to detangle fur (especially if your kitty has long fur), and a metal comb to help brush through mats.
4. First, brush your cat with the rubber brush and work your way to the metal comb.
5. If you find mats on your cat's fur, DO NOT try to cut, pull, or yank them because you can hurt your kitty. Instead, you can try to gently loosen the mat with your fingers or apply a bit of cornstarch to the mat and brush it through. If it's too hard to brush the mats out yourself, take your cat to a professional groomer.
6. Pay extra attention when brushing around your cat's hips, underbelly, and hind legs because these areas can be sensitive for older cats.
7. If you notice any lumps, bumps, or sensitive-to-touch spots on your cat's limbs or joints, call your vet for a checkup. 
8. Give your feline friend lots of calming praise and treats during the process. You can also help distract your cat by giving them some of their favorite food to munch on.

The frequency at which you brush your cat depends on their fur type because every cat is different. Typically, long-haired cats should be brushed once a day, but if your senior cat has shorter hair, they can benefit from being brushed once a week. Remember, the more often you brush your cat, the easier it will be. Your veterinarian will also be able to provide you with advice on the best types of brushes and equipment to use and can inform you how often you should brush your kitty.

How to Clean an Old Cat's Fur

Most people know that cats don't like water, so it's normal for them to hiss, struggle and try to fight when you go to bathe them. You must stay calm and talk to your cat in a soothing, calming voice during the entire process. You should also keep the door closed to keep them from running away.

Here is how you can bath your senior cat:

1. Fill a large plastic bin or bathtub with enough warm (not hot) water to cover their underbelly.
2. Ensure you brush your cat first and that they are free of any mats or tangles.
3. Gently place your furry friend into the tub, reassuring your cat by giving them praise and petting them.
4. Carefully wet your cat's fur with a cup full of water or a wet cloth. Keep your cat's head and face dry to prevent irritation to their eyes, ears, and nose.
5. Lather your kitty in a special cat shampoo (do not use human shampoo), avoiding the head and face.
6. Using a cup or a detachable showerhead, rinse the soap off of your cat. To prevent irritation, rinse the soap off (this could take several rinses).
7. Wrap your cat in a clean, dry towel and pat it dry. Don't use a hairdryer, as it can burn their sensitive skin.
8. Until your cat is completely dry, keep them in a warm area.

Every cat has different needs. Your primary care veterinarian will be able to tell you how often you should bathe your senior cat. However, as a guideline, to keep long-haired cats clean, it's best to bathe them once a month. Short-haired cats or senior kitties will only have to be bathed as needed when they are dirty or smell bad to guard them against infection.

Pet Bathing Services at Ridgemont Animal Hospital in Rochester

Grooming sessions at our veterinary clinic will have your pet looking their best. The Hydrosurge Bathing System deep cleans and massages your pet's skin to remove loose hair and leave your pet feeling great!

We offer bathing packages to meet many different needs. These include a basic examination with a veterinary technician, the Hydrosurge bath with a choice of pleasantly scented shampoos and a brush out.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.