All breeds, regardless of coat type (long, medium-long, or short), must be groomed before and during a show. Clearly, grooming a Persian is much more time-consuming than grooming an Abyssinian, since a long coat requires much more care. However, a number of elements are common to all breeds.
Though individuals not familiar with cat fancy may find it surprising, even shorthaired cats must be bathed before a show. Shorthaired breeds should be bathed two or three days prior to a show, giving the coat time to regain its natural sheen. After your cat has been bathed, do not let him get dirty until after the show. You do not want to have to bathe him the night before the show, because his coat will look dull and dry.
All cats being shown must have their claws clipped. Use a nail clipper designed for cats. Be careful not to clip too deep.
Use a cotton ball and ear cleaning solution to remove dirt and wax from your cat's ears.
Medium-long and Longhaired Breeds
Daily care is required to maintain the coat of a longhaired cat. For example, a Persian must be brushed and combed daily, cleaned with a dry shampoo once a week, and thoroughly bathed approximately once a month (except in the case of a show).Longhaired cats, like shorthaired breeds, should not be bathed the night before a competition, since the coat requires two or three days to regain its natural luster and body.Bathe your cat using a product formulated for cats. Dry your cat in a warm room. To add volume to the coat, a hairdryer may be used.Clip the cat's claws and use a pair of scissors to snip excess fur between the toes.Use a cotton ball and ear cleaning solution to remove dirt and wax from your cat's ears. For breeds with short faces, gently clean the eyes and nose with the appropriate cleaning solutions.
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