Tips for grooming your feline friend at home

It can be irritating to regularly clean up after your cat, but have you thought about what else your furry friend might be bringing home? If you have an outdoor cat, chances are he sees plenty of wooded areas that are full of fleas and ticks.

To maintain cat wellness and keep your pet healthy, you'll want to groom him to get rid of any fleas and ticks that might be trying to hitch a ride. That being said, your cat might not be thrilled at the idea of getting a rub-down. Here are a few ways that you can get your feline friend clean without causing him too much stress.

1. Start off by brushing.

Ideally, cats should be brushed on a frequent basis to prevent loose hair from piling up, especially if you have a longhaired breed. However, life can get busy and this grooming technique can fall by the wayside, leaving your cat to his own devices - while cleaning himself, your pet my lick his fur and develop hairballs as a result of ingested hair (a different problem in itself).

To keep your cat healthy and flea-free, give him a good brushing on a daily basis. The Hartz® Groomer's Best® Bristle Brush for Cats can make sure your cat is relaxed throughout the process.

It might be a good idea to have a flea comb on hand to remove any pests that may be trying use your pet as a host. Try the Hartz® Groomer's Best® Flea Comb for Cats for maximum results.

2. Get the small spots.

Don't just think of fur when you consider grooming your cat - keeping him in tip-top shape is requires more than just removing a few stray hairs! Petside.com states that you should have other tools to help you give your cat the works when it's time for a cleaning.

"Essential tools for grooming your pet at home include a metal comb, a slicker, pin brush or an undercoat rake to remove loose hair," Pam Comer, a certified animal groomer, told the news source.

3. Take care of the hair.

To make sure your cat is clean and ready for whatever comes his way, finish the grooming process by untangling any hair that may cause irritation. If you have a longhaired variety and it appears that there is simply too many tangles to handle, don't hesitate to contact a professional.