Kitten tips

pip895 · 04-07-2011, 12:46 PM

We have a 9week old kitten who has long fur - not quite Persian but pretty long -

I have a picture of her in introductions but she seems to have fluffed up more since it was taken.

Any tips - I am guessing I should get her used to grooming from an early age? Do I start with something like the furminator or a soft brush.

Also is there a good book or web artical you could recommend - I have loads of questions - re time to spay, vaccinations etc. - there doesn’t seem to be a kitten section on here - although I am sure most of the questions have been answered before.

angieh · 04-07-2011, 01:59 PM

A very good idea to get Mittens used to grooming especially if she is going to be a long or semi-long haired girl. A soft brush to start with. Have a look at one of the online pet supply firms such as petplanet - they all have a kitten section with equipment. Mind, you could end up spending a small fortune!!! The PDSA has a good website with basic sensible information on it.

Ask around friend and neighbours in the area to see if you can get a recommendation re a local vet for vaccinations and spay advice.

dandysmom · 04-07-2011, 04:21 PM

Yes, earlier is better, I'd start with the soft brush, move to the FURminator later. We don't have a Kitten section as such, but do please feel free to ask as many questions as you want; there is a wealth of experience here and we're glad to help.

Kay · 22-07-2011, 10:55 AM

As a Persian breeder this is the information sheet I give my new kitten owners on grooming and bathing their Persian kitten. Hope it helps:-

GROOMING AND BATHING.

Tilsie kittens are groomed from a very early age and therefore when you take your kitten home it is best to continue this from the beginning. If the grooming is done gently, but thoroughly, your kitten will enjoy this time with you. All Persians require regular grooming due to their thick, long coats. A Persian that is regularly groomed is a most beautiful sight, but one that is not soon becomes matted and looks neglected.

You will need the following items for your basic grooming kit:-

Slicker brush. (included in the Kitten Pack)
Wide toothed comb. (included in the Kitten Pack)
Fine toothed comb. (included in the Kitten Pack)
Cotton wool. (included in the Kitten Pack)
Cotton buds. (included in the Kitten Pack)
Cat shampoo or baby shampoo. (included in the Kitten Pack)
Nail clippers. (included in the Kitten Pack)
Baby powder. (not for dark coated cats)
Washing up liquid.
Towels. (one included in the Kitten Pack)
Hairdryer.

Starting with the face use a piece of cotton wool, dip it in clean warm water and gently wipe from the inner corner of the eye, being careful not to poke the eye, outwards. Use a clean piece of cotton wool each time you wipe the eye, thus preventing any possible spread of infection which may be present. This removes any staining that may be there as Persians can have weepy eyes, some more than others. How often this is done will depend on the individual kitten/cat, some need doing every day while others only every few days. If the staining is really bad then you will have to get a commercial product especially for stain removal. Repeat the above procedure around the nose to clear it of any dirt that may be there. Then take a cotton wool pad, again dipped in clean warm water, and gently clean the ears. Use a fresh pad for each ear. Do not poke into the ear as you could cause damage just clean where you can see. A commercial ear cleaner can be used to loosen any dirt that is further down in the ear. If there is excessive black dirt that may or may not be accompanied by a smell take your kitten/cat to the vets as this is not normal and he may well have an infection or ear mites. When cleaning the eyes, ears and nose be careful not to over soak the cotton wool.

Next you need to start on the main coat. Gently brush the coat against the lie, the wrong way, and using the wide toothed comb carefully comb through the coat removing any loose and dead hair. Removing the dead hair helps promote hair growth. Repeat this with the fine toothed comb. When this is done you can, if you wish, sprinkle a little amount of baby powder into the coat. Gently massage it in and then brush it out. Putting powder in the coat separates the hair and fluffs the coat up and also helps remove any grease that may be present but it isn’t an essential part of the grooming routine. Don't use powder in dark coloured cats. If you intend to show your kitten/cat you must make sure there is no powder left in the coat on show day or you risk disqualification. A good way of making sure is to blow the coat with a hairdryer on a cool setting. If you come across any knots while you are grooming don’t tug at them but carefully tease them out. If you hurt your kitten/cat while getting out knots he will remember and next time you come to groom him it will be harder.

While you are grooming your kitten/cat pay close attention to the skin, fur, ears and eyes for any sign of parasites such as fleas, ticks, ear mites or ringworm, infection or any injuries such as cuts or scratches. This way you can deal with any problems as soon as it is necessary and keep your kitten/cat healthy and happy.

A show kitten/cat will need bathing about three/four days before a show and even a Persian who is just a pet will require a bath occasionally to keep his coat clean. Tilsie kittens will have had at least two baths prior to leaving to get them used to bathing. Firstly thoroughly groom your kitten/cat, as above, to make sure the coat is free of any knots or tangles but don’t put powder in the coat. Then using neat washing up liquid, preferably a lemon one, gently rub some into the fur behind the ears, under the chin and armpits, between the back legs and along the top of the tail. This is done on these areas as they can get greasy easily, due to sebaceous glands, and the washing up liquid cuts the grease. Then using a shower attachment, if possible, thoroughly wash and rinse these areas. When that is done wash the coat with either baby shampoo or one of the many specialist cat shampoos that are on the market, being careful not to get any water or shampoo in either the eyes or the ears. Next thoroughly rinse the coat until the water runs completely clear, using a shower attachment is preferably to putting water in a bath or sink as the water can run away from the kitten/cat and you are therefore guaranteed a soap free coat. When this is done gently rub the excess water off your kitten/cat with a towel, used only for your pet, and dry gently with a hairdryer making sure it isn’t set too high. Gently brush the coat with the slicker brush while you are drying, lifting the coat to allow the undercoat to dry thoroughly as well. Remember not to pull the coat. When the coat is completely dry and only then should you add any powder, preferably leaving this until the following day. If you add powder before the coat is completely dried then it will clag in the coat and you will have to bath your kitten/cat again.

The only other aspect of grooming is clipping the claws. You don’t need special clippers just a pair of ordinary nail clippers will do. Gently press on the paw at each claw so it comes out and just clip the very end off, be careful not to clip the quick as the claw will bleed profusely. Do this with every claw not forgetting the dew claws. If you are not sure about this ask your vet to show you. It is very easy once you are used to it.
Now you should have beautiful clean Persian.

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