Getting your pet groomed might seem like something that's a bit extravagant or unnecessary, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Whether your cat has short hair or long hair or is big or small, getting regular grooming treatments for your cat could protect their well-being. Read on to discover the three ways neglecting regular grooming can harm your kitty.

Gastrointestinal Blockages

When your cat swallows its own fur, it doesn't just exit the body readily on its own. Hair can build up in the intestines, creating a hair ball. If that hair ball isn't voided, it will become a blockage in your cat's intestines, which can prevent them from eating or using the litter box. This problem is simplistic in its cause and can generally be completely avoided just by having your cat thoroughly brushed and groomed to remove excess fur on a regular basis. However, if you think your cat already has this problem, it's a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention. If your cat produces hair balls or seems to be straining in the litter box, get help from a vet right away.

Embedded Claws

Cats do a good job in taming their own claws in the great outdoors, but not so much when they're kept inside all the time. Without rough and strong scratching surfaces, your cat can't remove the dead layers of its claws and prevent them from becoming overly long in the process.

When your cat's claws become too long, they can actually start to puncture your cat's pads. This is very painful and can also lead to an infection in your kitty's pads. Getting your cat groomed and having their claws trimmed during the treatment will keep this from ever happening to your cat.

Flea Removal

Lastly, keep in mind that professional pet groomers are the best at finding fleas and other biting pests on your pet. While regular anti-flea treatments can help to keep fleas from spreading their eggs and biting your cat, sometimes some fleas survive. To make matters worse, just because the fleas are dead doesn't mean they're off your cat's coat. Your cat can potentially lick up the flea remains and contract tapeworms as a result. Getting fleas - even dead ones - off your cat's coat is something to leave to the professionals.

Pet grooming can do a lot for your cat's well-being and in maintaining their overall health. If your cat isn't seeing a groomer regularly yet, sign them up for a session today.

To find more, visit a local veterinarian.