by Nomi Berger
 
Have you recently noticed an increase in the amount of matted fur on your senior cat?
 
While some are more enthusiastic about self-grooming than others, most take particular pride in their appearance throughout their lives. Therefore, if your favorite feline has either stopped or reduced the amount of time she’s typically spent grooming herself in the past, an underlying health issue could be the culprit. Whether it’s a dental condition, degenerative joint disease, a urinary tract infection or some other problem, it’s essential to have her examined by your vet.
 
Once you’ve determined and addressed the physical (if any) cause of her fur matting, it’s then vital to address the quality of your cherished cat’s coat, i.e. through regular grooming sessions – courtesy of you! Why? If left unkempt, her once neat and self-groomed coat will continue to mat, resulting in tiny tangles that turn into small, tight knots. This is particularly painful for senior cats since they now lack excess body fat and muscle tone, leading to thinner skin, loss of elasticity, and making their skin all the more prone to bruising and tearing. Therefore, to reduce the amount of matted fur on her body, spend a few minutes each day on some form of “assisted” grooming.
 
Not only will this grooming routine be much easier on your cat, it’s a ritual that will, hopefully, be an enjoyable experience for you both. (If, however, you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of taking this on, enlist the help of a cat groomer who specializes in working with senior cats).
 
When choosing the ideal setting for these highly anticipated “beauty sessions,” your surroundings should be quiet and calm. Some cat experts suggest placing a rubber-backed, carpeted bath mat on top of the washing machine or dryer. These machines are the perfect height for people and felines will feel safe and secure on the soft, comfortable surface of the bath mat. Before you begin, though, keep a generous supply of your kitty’s favorite treats close by and “gift” her frequently to distract her and create a positive association with your new ritual.
 
Begin then, by petting your cat from head to tail, searching for specific problem areas. Slowly make your way through her entire coat, alternating between a rubber brush to sweep up any loose hair, a soft-pin slicker brush to work through any tangles and a stainless steel comb to gently target any mats. Pay extra attention to her hips, hind legs and underside where mats commonly form. Because these spots may be especially sensitive, go slowly, very slowly, and do so even more gently.
 
If parts of her coat are thickly matted, lightly rub a small amount of cornstarch into them with your fingers and then carefully brush through them. Some of the powder will stick to her coat, making it easier to grip. Failing that, use a bristle brush to work in the powder, thereby distributing natural oils through her coat. Oftentimes, simply pulling the knotted fur apart, slowly and carefully, with your fingers will free the mat. If that doesn’t work, though, contact a professional groomer. Mats that are close to the skin must be shaved off with cat-appropriate clippers used by someone familiar with the practice to prevent even the tiniest of nicks in her skin.
 
Experts also suggest keeping these items in your home: a cat flea comb, particularly if your cat goes outside or shares her space with a dog, a set of cat nail clippers, soft cotton gauze pads to clean around her ears, eyes and claws, and a detangling spray.

by Nomi Berger
 
What IS it about cats and their affinity for cardboard boxes?
 
If you’re curious, do paw-lease consider the following five reasons.
 
1. Cardboard boxes provide them with a sense of security: Despite being domesticated for some, today’s cats retain much of their original, natural instincts. One way for cats in the wild to remain vigilant and keep themselves safe from predators is by squeezing into small spaces that make them feel secure. Studies show that those cats given cardboard boxes as hiding places adapted more quickly to changes in their environment than those who weren’t. Many animal behaviorists, therefore, recommend that cat owners provide their feline friends with cardboard boxes in such paw-tentially stressful situations as bringing home a new pet, home renovation, moving and/or after visiting the vet.
 
2. Cardboard boxes are purr-fect for scratching and biting: Both are normal, instinctive behaviors and serve several purposes. Cats utilize the boxes to express their emotions, sharpen their claws and “mark” them with the scent glands located in their paws. The texture of the cardboard is ideal, allowing cats to sink their teeth and claws into it while rewarding them with a most satisfying sound. Not surprisingly, due to its popularity, many commercial cat scratchers today are constructed out of cardboard.
 
3. Cardboard boxes are warm: Famous for finding comfy, cozy places in which to nap, cats will typically curl up contentedly in the sunniest areas of their homes, next to heat-generating sources like radiators and on top of their owners’ beds. Since cardboard retains its heat so efficiently, it’s an especially effective insulator and allows cats to control their own body temperatures when they cram themselves into snugly fitting cardboard boxes.
 
4. Cardboard boxes are fun: Cats may be creatures of habit and comfort, but as natural-born predators, they must still exercise their hunting instincts through play. And because cats love hiding and stalking their prey before pouncing on them, they find that cardboard boxes will allow them the precise concealment they need from any and all unsuspecting targets. Although the “prey” for indoor cats is most often restricted to their owners, their feline and/or canine friends and their toys, a cardboard box affords them the concealment they crave while they wait to pounce, albeit playfully, on their next chosen “victim.”
 
5. Cardboard boxes satisfy their curiosity: As affectionate, active and entertaining as they are, our cherished cat companions are purr-haps best known for their endearing, enduring and boundless curiosity. Luckily for them, having a cardboard box in their midst is both enticing and exciting, definitely peaking their interest and sparking that oh-so-legendary curiosity. Wondering what this mysterious material is all about, they will gravitate towards the cardboard, and in the blink of a kitty-cat eye discover its various awesome uses. Whether it serves as their new, favorite napping spot, a secret space from which to view their indoor world, a multi-purpose makeshift toy or a surprisingly efficient scratching post, endless hours of self-entertainment are as limitless as their own imagination.