While cats are basically self-cleaning animals, there are times when they definitely need human assistance, in the form of claw trimming, detangling mats, routine brushing for prevention of hairballs, dental care products to help prevent tooth decay and loss, and the occasional bathing when they've rolled in something nasty. It pays to keep a kit for storing all those needed supplies, so that you don't come up short in an emergency. This list includes some of my own top choices.
Klaw Kontrol Pet Bag
Photo and Review © RandFsMom
Millers Forge Cat Claw Scissors
Trimming your cat's claws is really simple if you approach the task with a relaxed cat, and don't try to rush it. You may have to start off just doing one or two claws a day. If you have never attempted to trim cats' claws before, ask your veterinarian or his assistant to give you a quick demonstration, or read my online tutorial, How To Trim Your Cat's Claws.Millers Forge Cat Claw Scissors are hot forged from the the finest quality U.S. steel. The cutting edges have been heat treated to ensure the longest life.
Bamboo Nail Trim Kit for Cats
This nicely designed nail trip kit has almost everything you need for managing your cats claws: a "guillotine-type clipper" with convenient rubber-clad handles, combination styptic powder and nail file, packaged in a colorful red and white carrying case.Soft Claws Nail Caps for Cats
© Soft Claws, used with permission
Soft Claws come in Kitten, Small, Medium, and Large sizes, and in Natural, Purple, Pink, Blue, and Red colors, and are available online, in local pet stores, and from veterinarians. If you are seeking relief from destructive or painful scratching by a cat, I highly recommend Soft Claws.
Kong Zoom Groom Flexible Cat Brush
I love the Kong Zoom Groom, and so do my cats. Its size fits perfectly in the palm of my hand, and the soft rubber "bristles" get right down into those thick undercoats to whisk away loose hairs. A daily brushing with the Zoom Groom is a must for my cats - a terrific way of building quality together-time, while helping with their grooming needs.Safari Shedding Comb
Longhair cats such as Persians, Main Coons, Siberians, and such, may tolerate combing much easier than brushing. A daily combing is an absolute must for these cats, and they will appreciate it. (Did you know that mats can be very painful to cats, because they pull hair tightly together?)The skip tooth design of the Safari Shedding Comb easily lifts out loose hair, and it is also excellent for breaking up and removing mats.
Simple Solutions Grooming Glove for Cats
Simple Solutions Grooming Glove is another great way of bonding with your cat while keeping his coat free of loose undercoat which is a magnet for dust, dander, and mats. Quick Tip: Try it also for removing cat hair from upholstered furniture. It works great!4 Paws Tender Kitty Slicker Brush
© Franny Syufy
This 4 Paws brush has been designed especially for cats to eliminate all unwanted hair with a tender touch.
FURminator deShedding Tools
Longhaired cats and cats with thick double coats are particularly susceptible to mats caused by excess shedding of hair. The FURminator effectively removes the loose, shedding undercoat that is a potential mat, without cutting any hair. Read About.com Guide to Veterinary Medicine's review of this popular deshedding tool.Triple Pet Dental Kit
A regular tooth-brushing routine is essential to your cat's healthy teeth and mouth, along with at least annual oral examination by your veterinarian. This dental kit combines the TriplePet toothbrush and all natural toothpaste for a great starter kit to dental hygiene for your cat.The TriplePet toothbrush has three flexible heads that maintain the proper pressure on all surfaces of the tooth with every stroke.
TriplePet toothpaste has a natural vanilla flavor, plus it contains a tartar control formula and a touch of tea tree oil for healthy gums. It is non-foaming, so rinsing is not necessary.
