• Brushing removes dirt and dead hair, distributes natural oils and gives you and your cat time to appreciate each other.
• Start your kitten out with a small comb and teach them to enjoy being groomed.
• Watch out on that tummy and tail ... those are sensitive areas.
• Shorthaired cats start with a fine-toothed comb and finish with a brush.
• Longhaired cats start with a brush and finish with a wide-toothed comb.
• Remove mats with a seam ripper being careful to work away from the cat’s body.
• Check for lumps, sores, hair loss or rashes.
• Take a wet cotton ball and clean any discharge out of the corners of the cat’s eyes.
• Check the earflaps for discoloration, discharge or foul odor that would indicate ear mites or an ear infection. Don’t ever dig in the cat’s ear canal ... go to the vet.
• Make sure that there aren’t any Kling-ons in back. 

• Start the pedicure ritual as a kitten and keep on a schedule so things don’t go too far.
• Have some treats on hand and catch kitty during a nice relaxing nap.
• Rub the cat’s feet and toes without clipping his claws so he knows you like to play piggies and there’s nothing to fear.
• Take your time. If you trim 2 or 3 each day, it’s better than none. They’re not going anywhere.
• Gently squeeze the middle of his paw pad between your thumb and index finger to extend the claw.
• Trim the claw at the point it turns downward. Cutting too close will cut the blood vessels and nerves. It is very painful. The cat will bleed. Put styptic powder on the spot and be more careful next time. Cutting to the quick too often will make kitty run and hide when he sees the clippers.
• Have a large scratching post and/or cat tree so the cat can exercise and peel his claws. Put treats on the top of the tree so your cat is encouraged to climb. Clap your hands and say “No” in a loud voice when kitty’s attention wanders to the furniture or woodwork. Declawing creates health problems ... don’t do it. 

• Begin bathing early so your cat becomes accustomed to water.
• Be prepared to get wet!
• Bathe occasionally, if the cat’s coat is discolored, smelly or oily despite thorough brushing.
• Always brush out all the mats and tangles before wetting the cat down with water and applying shampoo. They’re harder to remove when wet and they hold dirt and shampoo.
• A sink or small tub at waist level is preferable.
• Gather towels, shampoo and a pail of warm water before you start.
• Be sure to clip those little claws so you don’t have permanent scars to show for your efforts.
• Close the door to prevent escape.
• Use warm water or slightly cool but NEVER HOT.
• If the spray hose scares your cat, don’t use it.
• You may need to hold your cat by the scruff and work with one hand. Keep the cat faced away from you if kitty is angry.
• Wash the whole cat; use a washcloth for his face. Use shampoo formulated especially for cats. No tears cat shampoo is available.
• Rinse, rinse, rinse and rinse some more. Soap residue will make you cat more miserable than being dirty ever did.
• Towel dry and then use your hair dryer on low. This is easiest in a small room. Most hair dryers get hot so stay about 3-4 feet from the cat and direct the air stream in his direction.
• Now lavish the praise and the treats .... ohhh, such a good kitty.

• You sure you want to do this? It really is a good idea.
• Begin by massaging your kitten’s gums with your finger after you’ve dipped it in baby food.
• Switch to a nice soft finger brush after the cat tolerates your finger in his mouth.
• Now change over to baking soda or cat toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste. It will make kitty up-chuck all over the place.
• Dental care treats are available if you don’t care to brush your cat’s teeth.
• If your cat develops bad breath, its time to take him to the vet to have his teeth cleaned immediately before infection begins to spread to his internal organs. Gum infection can kill your cat!

Remember there’s a kind and gentle spirit
residing in your cat ... love and respect will win.

And Please Be Kind to Me - Do Not Declaw Me
To read the problems and horrors Click to view this .pdf file
Taken from www.stopdeclaw.com