What Vets Want You to Know About Cat Spa Services
Here in L.A., you can’t swing a cat (okay, that was a terrible pun) without hitting a cleverly-named “cat grooming salon” or “feline spa.” It’s a bonafide trend; Americans spend nearly $6 billion annually on pet grooming and boarding alone. It’s only natural that cat owners here in Southern California would pamper their pets as well as they do themselves…but what do vets think about these services?
Spa Bathing
A lot of spas offer bathing services for cats. They’re billed as “relaxing” and “experiential,” but does your cat really need a bath? For the most part, vets say, your short-haired cat doesn’t need a proper bathing – she’s great at maintaining her fur and skin herself. There’s usually no harm in cat baths as long as they don’t include any oils or harsh soaps, just be wary of over-bathing which can cause your cat’s skin to become dry and irritated.
Comb-Out
Shedding is a natural process for cats. A good “de-shedding” can do wonders for removing loose hairs but it shouldn’t include much more than a soft brush or special shedding tool. Vets say to be careful about any service for the fur that mimics a human hair salon. Here in LA, we’ve even seen something billed as a “Brazilian belly trim!” “Blow-outs,” “comb-outs,” and especially “tinting” are unnecessary and can actually cause your cat pain. Over-treating or manipulating a cat’s skin and fur can lead actually lead to itchiness, redness, and bald spots over time.
Cat Massage
In general, massage is a beautiful thing! Some cats love to be touched and will respond with pleasure to a massage, rub, or heavy petting. Of course, vets recommend you skip the cat massage if your kitty has any sensitive areas (such as a bruised back) and of course, if she’s not into being manhandled.
Nail Services
If your cat has claws, they may need to be periodically clipped or filed. Some cats do a good job of this themselves using cement or other hard surfaces; most cat owners end up clipping their own feline’s nails or having the vet do it. Cat spas that offer nail services can be a great fit for easygoing cats, but vets recommend staying away from services that offer to paint your cat’s nails. If you notice blood or pain at your cat’s nails after a clipping, they’ve probably been over-clipped and you should discontinue the service immediately.
Flea Dips
Flea dips are a decidedly old-school way of protecting against fleas but they’re still offered at cat salons everywhere. Although sometimes safe, many of these dips can contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your cat’s skin. Topical and oral medications have been shown to provide better flea resistance, anyway. You should always be sure to talk to your vet before starting any kind of flea treatment just to be safe.
