There's been quite a few questions on keeping show cats in show condition. There's no easy answer.
Firstly determine if your cat is a Show Cat. Easier for pedigrees since we have breed standards to go by. Slightly harder for Domestics but personality and color/markings will tell.
As for grooming and conditioning, some basic rules:
1. Love your cat
2. Feed your cat(s) the very best that you can afford (which includes supplements)
3. Groom your cat on a regular basis - this does 2 things: a) gets them used to it and b) keeps the coat in good condition
4. Know what "type" of coat your cat has. Is it cottony (eg. Bi-color Persians), somewhat shaggy (eg. Maine Coons), coarse (eg. Amercan Shorthairs) etc.
5. Use the right products. Shampoos and conditioners play a very important part.
For shampoos and conditioners, there is really no easy answer. I personally have spent hundreds of dollars looking for the "right" ones to use. I know which are the wrong ones but I have yet to find the ultimate one...still!
When I groom other people's cats, one of the first things I do is notice:
1. Coat type and color
2. Amount of greasiness
3. What needs be done for that one bathing/grooming session which will make the cat shine or at least look a heck of a lot better then when it came in
From there, I will determine which is the correct brand (I have more than several) of shampoo and conditioner I should use.
It take time and a whole lot of love, time and effort to keep a cat in show condition. Of course, it's a whole lot easier if they're neutered!
Firstly determine if your cat is a Show Cat. Easier for pedigrees since we have breed standards to go by. Slightly harder for Domestics but personality and color/markings will tell.
As for grooming and conditioning, some basic rules:
1. Love your cat
2. Feed your cat(s) the very best that you can afford (which includes supplements)
3. Groom your cat on a regular basis - this does 2 things: a) gets them used to it and b) keeps the coat in good condition
4. Know what "type" of coat your cat has. Is it cottony (eg. Bi-color Persians), somewhat shaggy (eg. Maine Coons), coarse (eg. Amercan Shorthairs) etc.
5. Use the right products. Shampoos and conditioners play a very important part.
For shampoos and conditioners, there is really no easy answer. I personally have spent hundreds of dollars looking for the "right" ones to use. I know which are the wrong ones but I have yet to find the ultimate one...still!
When I groom other people's cats, one of the first things I do is notice:
1. Coat type and color
2. Amount of greasiness
3. What needs be done for that one bathing/grooming session which will make the cat shine or at least look a heck of a lot better then when it came in
From there, I will determine which is the correct brand (I have more than several) of shampoo and conditioner I should use.
It take time and a whole lot of love, time and effort to keep a cat in show condition. Of course, it's a whole lot easier if they're neutered!