Have you ever wondered how to groom a British Shorthair? Grooming your British Shorthair is actually very easy and only requires a few basic supplies. In this post, we will walk you through the basics of British Shorthair grooming and provide some tips to make the process easier.
British Shorthair cats require just as much attention and care as any other cats. Their grooming routine should include regular coat brushing, claw clipping, brushing their teeth, and bathing. It’s very important to start young and be patient. Read on to find out more interesting tips!
British Shorthair Cat Grooming Tips
So you’ve been wondering how to groom your British Shorthair cat?
No need to worry, we have created this guide to help you through the process of keeping your cat groomed and looking sharp.
We go through everything from building a routine, claw clipping, bathing, and teeth care.
Keep reading to get into the juicy stuff!
Start When They’re Young
It’s very important to start grooming your cat when they are young.
This will ensure that they become accustomed to it and it’s less of a hassle when they are older.
For both you and the cat that is!
Be Patient
Cats are known for being independent creatures, and they certainly don’t need or want humans to constantly fuss over them.
However, when it comes time for a cat to be groomed, it’s important to be patient. Grooming a cat isn’t a quick process.
It can take time to get all the hair and dirt out from between their toes, from under their coat, and from around their ears.
But it’s worth taking the time to groom your cat properly because a clean and healthy cat is a happy cat.
It helps to keep your cat’s coat looking shiny and healthy, which is important since cats spend so much time lounging around in the sun.
So be patient when grooming your cat!
Consistency Is Key
Similar to starting young. It’s important to be consistent, as this will help your cat get used to the process and make it less stressful for both of you.
Build A Routine
One of the best ways to be consistent is to build a routine.
Set aside some time each week to groom your cat.
This will help them get used to the idea of being groomed and make the process much smoother.
Choose The Right Products
There are a lot of different products on the market for grooming cats.
From special shampoos and conditioners to combs and brushes, to nail clippers and ear cleaners.
It can be overwhelming trying to figure out which products are right for your cat.
A good rule of thumb is to start with the basics and then add on as needed.
For example, you’ll need a comb or brush, shampoo, and conditioner.
Once you have those basics, you can add on ear cleaners, nail clippers, etc. as needed.
Some good cat cleaning combos include Pawtitas and Espree.
Brushing
First, you will want to brush your cat. This helps remove any loose hair and prevents mats and tangles from forming. It also helps stimulate the skin and promote circulation.
You should brush your cat at least once a week, but daily brushing is even better.
When brushing your BSH cat, be sure to use a soft-bristled brush and go slowly at first. Let them get used to the sensation before you start going more vigorously.
You can use a comb to help remove any knots or tangles. Be sure to start at the bottom and work your way up, being extra careful around the belly and legs where the skin is thinner.
Clipping Their Claws
It’s important to keep your cats claws clipped to prevent them from scratching furniture or themselves. This can be done at home with a pair of cat claw scissors or trimmers.
If you are not comfortable doing this, most groomers or veterinarians can do it for you.
To clip your cats claws, first, gently press on their paw to extend the claw. Next, using the scissors or trimmers, cut off the sharp tip.
If you’re having a hard time clipping their claws, wait until they are in a deep sleep. They’ll never know!
Check Their Paw Pads
Your cats paw pads can be a source of problems. They can get injured or cracked, which can lead to infection.
To check their paw pads, gently press on them with your fingers. If you see any cracks or sores, take them to the vet to have them checked out.
Brushing Your British Shorthair’s Teeth
It’s important to brush your BSH cats teeth to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. This can be done with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for cats.
To brush your cat’s teeth, start by letting them lick the toothpaste off the brush.
Next, gently put the brush in their mouth and move it in a circular motion. Don’t forget to get the back teeth!
If your cat is resistant to having their teeth brushed, you can try using a water additive or gel that is designed to help with plaque and tartar control.
Bathing Your British Shorthair
You should only bathe your BSH cat as needed. This is usually every 4-6 weeks.
However, if they get dirty more frequently, you may need to do it more often.
When bathing your cat, use a mild shampoo that is designed for cats and avoid getting water in their ears.
You will want to have a towel on hand to help dry them off when they’re done.
To start, wet their fur with warm water and massage the shampoo in. Be sure to avoid their eyes and ears.
Rinse the shampoo out well and then dry them off with the towel.
We don’t suggest a hairdryer because it may scare your kitty.
Check Under Your Cats Tail
Be sure to check under their tail.
This area can get wet and dirty from using the litter box and can lead to skin problems if not kept clean.
To clean under your BSH cat’s tail, use a cotton ball or pad soaked in warm water.
Gently wipe away any dirt or feces. You may need to use a flea comb to remove any ticks or fleas.
Cleaning Your British Shorthair’s Ears
It’s important to keep your cat’s ears clean to prevent ear infections.
You will want to use a cotton ball or pad soaked in warm water and gently wipe the inside of their ears. Be sure to avoid the ear canal.
If you see any dirt or wax buildup, you can use a cotton swab to remove it. But be careful not to insert it too far into their ear.
Anal Gland Expression
Your cats have two anal glands located just inside their anus. These glands produce a foul-smelling liquid that is used to mark their territory.
If these glands become full, they can cause your kitty discomfort and may even leak.
To prevent this, you will need to have them expressed by a groomer or veterinarian on occasion.
It’s best to just keep an eye on it to be on the safe side.
Check Their Eyes And Nose
It’s important to check your British Shorthair’s eyes and nose. Their eyes should be clear and free of discharge.
If you see any discharge, you can use a cotton swab to remove it.
Their nose should be clean and free of any discharge. If you see any, you can use a damp cloth to wipe it away.
Check For Any Lumps Or Bumps
It’s important to check your cat for any lumps or bumps. This is especially important if they are an older kitty.
Lumps and bumps can be harmless, but they can also be a sign of something more serious.
Do this by running your hands along their coat. Also, make sure to have a look around their tongue, mouth, and lips for any growth abnormalities.
If you find anything, be sure to take them to the vet to get it checked out.
Reward Your Cat After Grooming
After your cats done, be sure to give them a treat or two as a reward!
This will help them associate the grooming process with something positive.
A Healthy British Shorthair Diet Is Very Important
Your cats diet is very important for their overall health. They should be fed a high-quality diet that is designed for cats.
This diet should be rich in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. It should also be supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and taurine.
A healthy diet will help keep your British Shorthair’s fur healthy and lustrous.
If you’re interested, make sure to check out our in-depth guide on the foods you should be giving your BSH cat.
Exercise Is Also Important
In addition to a healthy diet, exercise is also important for your cat. This will help them stay fit and maintain a healthy weight.
A great idea when exercising is to take your cat outside into the air.
That way their coat gets lots of fresh air which helps with eliminating odors from their fur.
There are a variety of ways you can exercise your British Shorthair.
You can buy them toys that encourage them to move around, such as a scratching post or a cat tree.
You can also try playing with them yourself. Use a toy that they can chase, such as a laser pointer or a feather on a string.
Whatever you do, make sure that you don’t force them to exercise if they don’t want to.
This will only make them resent it and could lead to behavioral problems.
How To Groom A British Shorthair
Now that we’ve gone over some of the basics, let’s get into the actual process of getting your cat groomed.
Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Start by combing or brushing your cat’s coat. This will help to remove any knots or tangles and make the rest of the process easier.
- Next, use a wet cloth to wipe down your cat’s hair. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be stuck in their coat.
- Now it’s time to shampoo and condition your cat’s coat. Be sure to use a cat-specific shampoo and conditioner to avoid irritating their skin.
- Once you have shampooed and conditioned their coat, use a comb or brush to detangle it. Then, rinse their fur thoroughly with warm water.
- Finally, dry your cat’s coat with a towel.
And that’s it! Those are the basic steps to getting your cat groomed.
Conclusion
Grooming your cat is an important part of taking care of them. By following the steps in this guide, you can help keep their coat healthy and looking its best.
In addition to regular grooming, be sure to feed them a healthy diet and provide them with plenty of exercise.
These things will help them stay happy and healthy for years to come. Thanks for reading!
Elliot is the owner and lead writer at Lais Lairs. He is the proud owner of a Maine Coon/Siberian Mix cat named Lai. His oldest cat lived to be 18 years old so he’s learned a thing or two about keeping pets. When he’s not writing you can find him playing video games or playing fetch with Lai.
