HowTo - Petcare channel

Here are some essential tips about grooming your cats’ coat, and in particular keeping the problems of fleas at bay.

Grooming requirements varies from breed to breed. Some require daily brushing and combing – particularly the long haired variety – others less often. Most cats spend much of their day grooming themselves. Cats should get accustomed to being groomed at the kitten stage. Gradually build up the amount of time you spend grooming your cat until it is happy and relaxed about it. If the cat puts up a bit of resistance, you are more likely to put off the task.

 When you are grooming your cat, check it over for any lumps or bumps. Check the skin by parting the hair and looking closely to see if it has any skin problems like fleas or cat excema, which may require treatment from a qualified vet. Long coats on cats need a lot of attention, with grooming on a daily basis. Use a wide toothed comb to remove any dead hairs. If you choose to have a long haired cat make sure you have the time to invest in looking after it. Short haired varieties of domestic cat only need brushing about once a week, but it may still be better to spend a few minutes daily grooming them to make it a familiar issue. Use a short toothed comb or rubber brush to remove dead hairs. If the short haired cat has a delicate coat and skin, always be careful when brushing.

Using your fingers to go through the cat’s coat in the opposite direction to the hair growth to remove dead hairs. This helps to stimulate the natural oils in the skin that give a healthy shine to the coat. You might consider using a grooming glove to add lustre to your animal’s coat. Always talk to your animal to reassure it, and praise it at the end of each part of the grooming process.

Fleas on cats not only make them uncomfortable, they can cause all sorts of skin allergies and infestations, as cats ingest the flees through their own grooming. Cats who stay indoors are less likely to get fleas. By using a flea comb, you will not only see the fleas, but you can catch some of them and remove them from the cat, but if it is a persistent problem you will need to give a monthly treatment with a flea killer, which is applied to the nape of the neck. Your vet can suggest the best programme for your cat. The animal needs to be held firmly when the liquid is being applied and reassured throughout the process. You may need to recruit a second person to hold your cat while you apply the treatment.

Cats are independent animals, and will probably decide exactly when they have had enough of grooming for one session, and will take the opportunity to disappear. Follow these few simple tips and your cats will remain well and well cared for.

Rabbits can make a great domestic pet and are a great hit with children of all ages, but there are a few useful tips about caring for your animal that for a relatively small amount of time and money will keep your bunny sunny.

First it’s vitally important that your rabbit feels at home and relaxed in its surroundings. Always keep the rabbit hutch clean and looking good for the rabbit. To do this you will need the following : good quality straw, hay, sawdust, and a supply of newspapers. Clear the old bedding, and any droppings regularly so that your rabbit has a comfortable place to eat and sleep. Make sure there is sufficient newspaper, sawdust and hay in place, and clear out the straw and replace daily. Your rabbit will arrange the hay it the way it wants.

It’s fine to take your rabbit out of the hutch for grooming and stroking, as well as some gentle exercise, but if you are holding it, ensure it is well supported and held just tightly enough so that it will not try to leap away. Rabbits enjoy being stroked, and groomed with a brush, and this gives the owners the opportunity to check their coat for any unwanted dirt, droppings or even fleas that may have gathered there. You can also use a special grooming glove on your animal, which both grooms and shines the fur.

There are many types of rabbit food available and you should try to pick one that gives your animal a healthy balanced diet. Although rabbits are notorious for working their way through vegetable patches, and are certainly partial to carrots, it is preferable to give them a mix of prepared food rather than single salad items such as lettuce.

When grooming your rabbit, take the opportunity to check for any problem signs –first with the ears to make sure there is no discharge or any flaky skin which might be a sign of a tick infestation. Check the eyes to see that they are clear and not discharging any fluid. Next check the claws on both front and back paws to ensure there is no sign of infection, or if clipping is required. You can also check the tail to see that it is clean and free from dirt.

If you have any concerns about your rabbit’s health, please consult a qualified vet.

Grooming sessions should always be fun, and your should do it at a time when your dog is relaxed, especially if it is the excitable sort! If your pet is new to grooming, keep the session short – 5 to 10 minutes should be enough. Gradually lengthen the grooming time until your dog gets used to it. Don’t forget to keep praising your pooch and telling him or her how well they’re doing. Of course the grooming process includes brushing, bathing and nail clipping, but in this video, we concentrate on the brushing.

Depending on the type of coat your dog has, you can use several brushes and grooming aids to keep the pet’s hair in good condition by removing dirt and spreading natural oils throughout the coat. You’ll also prevent tangles and keep the skin clean and free from irritants.

Brushing time is a great time to check the coat for fleas and flea dirt, those little black specs that suggest your pet may be playing host to a family of fleas.

If your dog has a smooth short coat, you need to brush it once a week.The correct order of brushes and grooming aids should be adhered to. First use a rubber brush to loosen dead skin and dirt. Next use a bristle brush to remove dead hair. Now you can use the grooming glove to release the natural oils in the coat, and finally a chamois cloth to polish the coat for a shiny finish.

If you have a dog with short fur that’s likely to mat, first use a slicker brush to remove any tangles, then use the bristle brush to catch the dead hairs. Don’t forget to check the tail – that needs a comb too. Long haired dogs with a coat such as a collie or afghan hound need daily attention.