The reason cats are so meticulous about keeping clean has to do with survival instinct. In the wild, cats need to clean off all blood and odor-causing material to prevent attacting flies, or bigger predators that might be attracted to the scent.

When your cat is truly grooming herself, she does so with long, slow licks indicating that she is relaxed and content. However, short slow licks may indicate "displacement grooming." This occurs when a cat is unsure or anxious about something.

Overgrooming is a serious problem; it can indicate a hormonal imbalance or pain. Also stress can cause a cat to overgroom. If your cat seems to be licking one part of his body excessively, or if you notice a hair-loss in one place, consult your vet.

It is usually not necessary to give your cat a bath; cats keep themselves clean naturally, but if a cat needs bathing there are several things you can do to make the experience as untramatic as possible.

Find a small container in which to wash your cat, a dishpan, for example. A large bathtub is intimidating to an already frightened cat. Dab some cotton balls moistened with a little mineral oil in your cat's ears. This will protect the ear from getting water in the canal. Use a shampoo designed for cats-no products for humans! Wash your cat in as warm a room as possible. Be sure to rinse all soap thoughroughly out of the cat's fur and towel dry as much water out as possible. A good brushing after the coat air-dries will make your cat look better.

In fact, even though cats groom themselves, they generally love to be brushed and combed. Long-haired cats must be brushed daily to prevent their hair from matting, while short-haired cats enjoy the bonding that can result from regular brushng.

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