Older Cat Grooming

by Amity
(Columbus, Ohio)

Hello, I have a cat that is getting quite older (around 17) and recently she has stopped cleaning herself. Her hair is becoming very matty and she legs are very gray colored from her litter. She also has a drooling problem due to her bad teeth, which are soon to be removed but until then it gets all over her and dries. I have been brushing her everyday to help her but she doesn't like her belly or legs to be touched. I am trying to find how I can better clean her without giving her a bath (she has a heart murmur and I don't want to induce a lot of stress on her). She is still a lively cat and loves to eat, snoop, and be petted but I worry about her not cleaning herself and what it might lead to. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Answer by Kate
umm a difficult one to answer as the only way to keep her clean is regular brushing. You can also sprinkle some dry bicarbonate of soda on her fur and then brush it out. it will help to soak up any excess oils and dirt. this can be a good alternative to bathing.

As for grooming, well cats don't like it at first but regular brushing will allow her to get used to it. Please see my web page about grooming here https://www.our-happy-cat.com/cat-grooming.html

The problems you are having are common in some old cats and all we can do is be there to help them, as you are doing.

best wishes Kate

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