Keeping a kitten’s fluffy fur in check is an important part of keeping them healthy. Whether you do this at home or take them to a professional groomer, everything goes smoother if they’re well-behaved. Instilling good behavior through practice and routine is the best way to get your kitten used to grooming.
Make brushing your kitten part of your daily routine! Photo courtesy of www.house-of-pets.com
- Be handsy with your kitten. Right from the start, get your kitten used to human touch, especially in areas that require detailed grooming –ears, paws, tail, and belly. A kitten that has known and been handled by humans all its life will be friendlier and more well-behaved. When playing with your kitten, be firm but gentle, and discourage nipping or play-swatting. This will help your kitten associate positive touch, like petting, with human contact and encourage them to enjoy it or even seek it out.
- Incorporate grooming into your routine. Set aside a time every day to brush your kitten – this well help the little one anticipate the ritual. As long as you’re not holding your cat down, most felines enjoy being brushed – it’s just like a more intensive petting! Clip your kitten’s nails monthly – but only if they need it.
- Don’t stop. Some pet parents find it discouraging or get impatient with kittens that fight being groomed. If you give up mid-session after scratching or biting, this teaches the kitten that these unpleasant behaviors get them what they want.
- Reward good behavior. Giving your kitten a reward after a grooming session – like a treat or playtime – allows them to associate grooming with positive things to follow. Over time your kitten will come to enjoy being groomed for the special treats that come afterwards.
Acclimating your kitten to grooming activities like brushing and clipping nails is a relatively easy activity that will save you pain when they’re an adult. Not all breeds of cats need professional grooming, but they do need to be brushed – this provides an opportunity to inspect the skin for any abnormalities. It may take some time for your kitten to adjust to grooming, but if you start early they’ll be more inclined. Good luck!
