Grooming your Selkirk Rex...

You will need alarge apron - Or your old clothes.

Tail 'de-greaser' to combat stud tail - Fairy liquid is usually not enough for a working boy with loads of hormones (or females who get stud tail also but to a lesser degree) good proprietary brands can be bought that really do the job. Do not use the hand de greasers.

Good Shampoos are a must. Pantene Volume & Johnsons Baby are favourites of mine I use it on the Persians too. Stay clear of the medicated shampoos they contain carbryls and could poison the cat if ingested. Do not use a conditioner. Floppy hairdo day!

Good quality metal comb with wide teeth. Flea combs only needed if they are found in the coat which should be a rarity if routine maintenance is kept up..in which case treat 2 days before bathing with a veterinary flea control program.

Rubber tooth brush which can be worn on the finger is a good idea used with another proprietor brand paste.

Good pair of nail cutting scissors and a file.

Cotton wool

flannel

2 towels

Wire domed pet carrier and a blow heater.

bag for the rubbish. trust me it is an inconvenience if you forget

Now the good bit

Comb through the tail. part the tail in several downward sections and run the de greaser through as if you were colouring hair. Sit hold and wait for the time suggested on the tub of de greaser and then rinse thoroughly. this is a messy job.

Next..

Have a warm bowl of soapy water and a bowl of warm clear water available and either your cats own flannel or plenty of cotton wool. cotton buds (not for inside the ears) two large towels and wide toothed comb.. toothpaste/brush.. clippers

First and foremost check their teeth. nails. ears and general health.

1) Clean teeth.

2) With the clear warm water and cotton wool wash around the eyes use a clean piece of cotton wool for each eye. Use the flannel to wash the face after.

3) Gently wash around the inside of the ears with the warm soapy water paying attention to the split fold at the edge of the ear.
This is where your cotton buds steps in. wet bud and just wipe inside the tiny split fold.. do not put the bud inside the ear canal itself rinse with the clean water paying attention not to get the water in the cats lower ear canal.
put a cotton wool ball gently inside each ear before bathing.

Put water in your sink or bath better if it has the shower attachment and tip in some of the pantene and lather. Remember that cats need the water slightly warmer than us but not alot. Fill the bath so that it is no deeper than the armpit. (The cats not yours)

Now it gets better..

Place the cat in the bath,gently wet all over with the shower spraying on gentle. pour on the shampoo and get lathering. Paying special attention to the tail making sure all residue of the de greaser is washed out. Keep water away from the face...A little known fact. water going down into the cats mouth could go into the lungs the cat does not have a coughing mechanism and it will contract pneumonia and die.

Once the cat has lathered and looks to be clean. Lift the cat from the bath whilst it is emptying place the cat in carrier. Rinse the bath clean. Fill again only not so deep this time and set the shower to the right temperature. Place the cat back in the bath and keep rinsing. empty bath again this time rinse the cat all over without the plug in the bath until the water runs really squeaky clean.

Lift from the bath and blot dry. Slightly Comb through just enough to remove any tangle no more

Place the cat in the open wire carrier and have a heater blowing through the cage but not close enough to eat the oxygen or upset the cat. They should dry in an hour.
Remove from carrier comb through against the grain after the cat is completely dry.

If your cat is still O.K with all of the unnecessary fuss
then trim the nails.. amateurs trim off not enough rather than too much as the poor cat doesn't wish to be cut to the quick..then gently go over afterwards with a cat nail file to take off the sharp edges.
If you are not au fei with this procedure your pets parlor or the vet can help. Never have your cat de-clawed. this is extremely cruel. Buy another scratching post instead

Unless your cat is a particularly messy one a bath the week or two before the shows is all that is required and a good spritzer used to refresh the coat.

I hope this is a help.

Nothing keeps the coat better than good quality food and plenty of it.
Although the food contains all the vitamins occasional added vitamins to the food can help keep good coat and eyes.

A good routine for general maintenance is a must
Regular treatment for parasites and worms
de furring creams to lessen the incidence of furballs
Routine boosters
Caring environment with plenty of cuddles

All of the grooming products can be found at pet outlets including the furball treatment. The best parasite treatments come from your vet. The shampoos can be found at most of your usual shopping places the de greaser for the tail can be bought at specialist groomers

Written by Penny Odell

Tremarie Persians. Chinchillas and Curly Selkirk Rex

A hobby breeder - Breeding for the love of cats

The Selkirk Rex Cat Club Director and treasurer

www.tremariepersians.co.uk
www.kittenlist.co.uk
www.studcat.co.uk

The Selkirk Rex and Allergies