A lazy gray cat.

7 Signs Your Cat Needs a Makeover

Bad fur day? It happens to every cat, no matter their meticulous grooming habits. While self-grooming and baths at home can keep your kitty looking fresh, your cat might also need a professional makeover once in a while so they can look and feel their best.

See if your cat might benefit from a kitty spa day with these seven signs:

1. A Not-So-Fresh Scent

If your feline isn’t smelling so fresh, a scented candle can only do so much. Pungent smells could indicate a build-up of oils, dirt, or other debris in their fur. Even purr-fect groomers need help with hygiene, so a trip to the spa might be in order. 

Professional grooming and bathing can remove build-up that might be causing lingering odors. It can also help prevent skin issues and matted fur, leaving your cat feeling fresh.

If odors persist even after your cat makeover, a trip to the vet might be the best next step. Lingering odors could indicate an underlying health problem, such as dental disease, parasites, digestive issues, ulcers, or poor diet. Your vet can address the root cause of odors that aren’t due to hygiene.

A brown cat with greasy fur.

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2. Matted or Greasy Fur

Matted or greasy fur doesn’t always have a strong smell. But you’ll feel these problem areas every time you pet your cat. If the problem is too big, your cat’s tongue isn’t always enough to resolve it.

Cats are usually meticulous groomers, but sometimes they need a little extra help. If their fur is tangled and unkempt, it can lead to skin issues or discomfort for your furry friend. Matted fur tends to become more matted and tangled until it’s removed or conditioned and smoothed.

While some cats may tolerate baths at home, others aren’t as cooperative. This is where a professional groomer can work their magic. They have the skills, training, and tools to handle even the most resistant felines without causing stress or harm. They also use cat-safe products that target problem areas like matting or greasy fur so you can get the best results.

3. Excessive Grooming, Especially in Certain Areas

If you find yourself constantly cleaning up fur or notice your cat is excessively licking certain areas, it might be time for a spa day. Excessive grooming in cats could indicate underlying issues, such as an imbalance in pH, skin allergies, or even fleas. 

Professional kitty makeovers can address skin conditions and remove excess fur. It’s like giving your cat a clean slate, making it easier for them to care for themselves in between baths.

Our Certified Feline Master Groomer tailors each session to your cat’s unique needs. We use specialized tools you may not have at home and techniques that put your cat at ease.

An overweight cat.

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4. Weight Gain

Just like people, your cat may put on a few more pounds as they age. While this might not be an immediate health concern, it can affect their grooming habits. They might struggle to groom themselves as thoroughly as they once did, which can lead to a build-up of dirt and oil, matted fur, or other issues.

Your cat can also hide their extra pounds under all that fluff. With routine makeovers, you can keep a better check on your cat’s weight changes. Removing extra fur can help them stay cooler and make them more comfortable, which might even encourage them to move more (and shed those extra pounds!).

5. Dull Coat

If your cat’s coat is looking a bit lackluster, a visit to the groomer can help restore the shine. Dull coats could be due to skin issues, poor self-grooming, excess fur, or even nutritional deficiencies. A kitty makeover can rule out most of these possible causes while giving your furry feline some appreciated TLC.

Remember, grooming isn’t just about how your cat looks. It’s part of their overall health and well-being. Kitty Spaw professionals can help detangle fur, remove mats, reduce shedding, and even spot potential health problems early on. 

A black cat with long claws.

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6. Changes in Claws

As a cat owner, you should actively look for changes in your cat’s claws, including:

  • Claws that constantly get caught in blankets, rugs, or other soft surfaces
  • A lack of scratching on posts or other toys
  • Hearing the tips of their claws tapping on the floor as they walk
  • Seeing the white tips of their nails when they’re retracted

If your cat’s nails are too long, they can cause pain when your cat walks or scratches. Worse yet, long nails could curl into the paw pad and lead to cuts or infections.

Kitty makeovers aren’t just glorified baths. They’re full-service experiences that keep your feline’s appearance in tip-top shape, from their whiskers to their claws. And while many pet owners may shy away from trimming their cat’s nails, our groomers embrace the opportunity to give them the complete ear-to-tail treatment.

7. Excessive Shedding

Cats naturally shed their fur, especially when the weather turns warmer. But if you can’t stand the sight of all the flying tumbleweeds of fur, a kitty makeover can help.

Professional grooming can target the thick undercoat that most home grooming tools don’t reach. This helps to remove more fur in less time. Your kitty might even look slimmer and more shapely when they’re done!

Give Your Cat the Royal Treatment at Kitty Spaw

Kitty Spaw takes cat grooming to new heights with our spa-like treatments that give your feline the total package. We exclusively work with cats, helping them emerge clean and fresh when self-grooming isn’t enough. Contact us today to learn more about our kitty makeovers!