Nail trimming

Nail trimming for cats

The upkeep of your kitty's ten tiny tools is an important job. Your pet needs her nails for scratching and climbing, and they also serve as her main means of defense.

If left untrimmed, however, her super-sharp claws can accidentally scratch you while she's on your lap or hard at play. And badly overgrown nails can grow into a cat's paw pad, potentially leading to infection.

Grooming your bird

Birds really know how to keep up appearances. As your pet draws her beak through her plumage, she removes the sheaths at the base of her feathers, allowing for new growth. Depending on her species, she may have a gland at the base of her tail that produces oil used to condition the plumage. Your companion delights in daily grooming, but every now and then she'll need an assistant to keep in tip-top condition.

Grooming hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, mice and gerbils

Talk about fastidious! Guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice and gerbils are extremely meticulous, and keep themselves looking good by grooming their coats from paw to tail several times a day. Should your pet's fur need extra attention, however, he'll appreciate some help from you to look his best.

Grooming your cat

By nature, cats are fastidious. You've probably seen your pet washing herself several times a day. But if she's like most cats, she'll appreciate, and sometimes needs, a little help from you.