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September marks Happy Cat Month, and one feline care company is using the occasion to shine a light on a common misconception among cat owners: the myth that self-grooming is enough to keep the coat and skin healthy as can be.
With 17 years’ experience in animal care and pet grooming, Sherie has worked with cats of every age, breed and temperament. She is also a Certified Feline Creative Groomer and grooming educator for other Certified Feline Master Groomers across Australia, based on the Central Coast of NSW.
Her focus is always on making grooming as stress-free as possible while improving each cat’s comfort, health and quality of life.
The Truth About Cat Grooming
“Cats don’t groom themselves; they lick themselves, and licking isn’t enough,” said Sherie.
The Truth About Cat Grooming
“Cats don’t groom themselves; they lick themselves, and licking isn’t enough,” said Sherie.
“All cats – no matter their age, breed, coat type or lifestyle – benefit from regular grooming!”
- Long-haired cats are prone to matting, which can cause pain, restrict movement and trap dirt.
- Short-haired cats may not mat as easily, but they still shed, develop greasy coats and can suffer from hairballs or skin issues.
- Indoor cats collect dust and dander, while outdoor cats can pick up burrs, insects or debris.
“Grooming also offers emotional benefits for your cat, such as reducing stress and encouraging bonding and comfort.”
Beyond Licking: The Risks of DIY Grooming
With most grooming products on the market designed for dogs, many contain ingredients unsuitable for a cat’s unique needs. Sherie emphasises that the right tools are crucial for a positive grooming experience, considering cats’ delicate coat, unique skin pH level and various sensitivities.
“The right choice depends on coat type, skin health, temperament and lifestyle,” she explained. “Using the right tools and products will not only make grooming easier but also protect the health of your cat’s skin and coat.”
The Right Tools for a Healthy Cat
She recommends metal combs, silicone brushes and salon-quality shampoos for bathing. While she typically avoids leave-in waterless products due to a cat’s tendency to lick, Sherie recognises a vital need for a safe option when a full bath isn't possible, such as for highly stressed cats, those with health issues or owners without access to a professional groomer.
The Solution for Stress-Free Grooming
“Nothing will beat the results of a good bath and blow dry, but as a safe in-between option when bathing isn’t possible, La Belle Paw’s Skin & Coat Grooming Powder can help keep the coat fresh and mat-free. It’s natural, safe when used as directed, and easy to apply without water,” she said.
Plus, La Belle Paw’s Skin & Coat Grooming Powder is enriched with probiotics to support cats’ healthy skin as well as a soft, shiny coat! It’s also carefully blended with colloidal oat for moisturising and soothing relief, hydrolysed wheat for conditioning and strengthening, argan oil for nourishment, and catnip oil to create calmer grooming sessions.
This unique, lick-safe formula debuted at the inaugural Oz Feline Fair & CATstravaganza, where it was proudly showcased by world-renowned cat judge Steven Meserve.
“La Belle Paw’s grooming powder is a great way to keep your cat's coat healthy in between professional visits,” said Sherie.
Beyond Licking: The Risks of DIY Grooming
With most grooming products on the market designed for dogs, many contain ingredients unsuitable for a cat’s unique needs. Sherie emphasises that the right tools are crucial for a positive grooming experience, considering cats’ delicate coat, unique skin pH level and various sensitivities.
“The right choice depends on coat type, skin health, temperament and lifestyle,” she explained. “Using the right tools and products will not only make grooming easier but also protect the health of your cat’s skin and coat.”
The Right Tools for a Healthy Cat
She recommends metal combs, silicone brushes and salon-quality shampoos for bathing. While she typically avoids leave-in waterless products due to a cat’s tendency to lick, Sherie recognises a vital need for a safe option when a full bath isn't possible, such as for highly stressed cats, those with health issues or owners without access to a professional groomer.
The Solution for Stress-Free Grooming
Plus, La Belle Paw’s Skin & Coat Grooming Powder is enriched with probiotics to support cats’ healthy skin as well as a soft, shiny coat! It’s also carefully blended with colloidal oat for moisturising and soothing relief, hydrolysed wheat for conditioning and strengthening, argan oil for nourishment, and catnip oil to create calmer grooming sessions.
This unique, lick-safe formula debuted at the inaugural Oz Feline Fair & CATstravaganza, where it was proudly showcased by world-renowned cat judge Steven Meserve.
“La Belle Paw’s grooming powder is a great way to keep your cat's coat healthy in between professional visits,” said Sherie.
“Regular bathing and grooming aren’t just for fixing issues. They’re for healthy cats, too, and are a powerful way to prevent skin and coat problems before they start!”La Belle Paw Founder Snez Herve is calling on cat lovers this Happy Cat Month to make their cat’s health a priority by exploring the benefits of professional grooming and at-home solutions like La Belle Paw’s Skin and Coat Grooming Powder to help maintain their feline’s coat in between.
“Customers call it a game changer,” said Snez. “They love that it’s easy to use and provides a calming grooming experience with fresher, softer coats. They have the added confidence of knowing it's Australian-made and professionally recommended.”
For more information (and happy cats), visit www.labellepaw.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Grooming
Certified Feline Master Groomer Sherie Williams-Slattery shares some common misconceptions about grooming cats:
✔️ “Cats groom themselves.” Cats lick themselves, but licking doesn’t remove tangles, dandruff, excess oils, skin conditions, or debris. Regular bathing and combing reduce licking, which in turn helps prevent hairballs, blockages, matting, and excessive shedding.✔️ “Older cats just stop grooming due to mobility issues.” While mobility plays a role, ageing also changes a cat’s skin and coat — they often produce more oils, making the coat appear greasy or scruffy. Seniors usually need more bathing than when they were younger, and many enjoy the comfort of being clean again.
✔️ “Cats don’t need bathing.” Cats have skin and hair, and both need cleaning. Skin produces oil and sheds; hair sheds and regrows. Without bathing, oils, dander, and loose fur build up and results in matting.
✔️ “Cats don’t like water.” Many cats dislike certain aspects of bathing — such as the sound of running taps, water temperature, or being immersed suddenly. Gentle handling, correct water temperature, and a calm introduction make a big difference.
✔️ “Matting is just tangles and can be brushed out.” Cat matting is caused by loose, dead fur clumping with oils, dirt, and dander, binding to healthy hair.
Severe mats must be shaved or removed with degreasing baths and blow drying. Prevention through regular bathing is the best solution.
About La Belle Paw
La Belle Paw is an Australian-made premium feline care brand dedicated to making grooming safer, gentler and stress-free. Founded by Snez Hervé, the company developed Australia’s first probiotic-infused, lick-safe Skin & Coat Grooming Powder designed specifically for cats’ unique needs. The natural formula helps reduce matting and shedding, while supporting skin health and coat condition without the stress of bathing.
Beyond products, La Belle Paw is committed to cat welfare and community care, proudly supporting the Illawarra Cat Rescue Association through donations and volunteer work. With its focus on feline happiness, La Belle Paw is fast becoming a trusted name among cat owners across Australia.
La Belle Paw is an Australian-made premium feline care brand dedicated to making grooming safer, gentler and stress-free. Founded by Snez Hervé, the company developed Australia’s first probiotic-infused, lick-safe Skin & Coat Grooming Powder designed specifically for cats’ unique needs. The natural formula helps reduce matting and shedding, while supporting skin health and coat condition without the stress of bathing.
Beyond products, La Belle Paw is committed to cat welfare and community care, proudly supporting the Illawarra Cat Rescue Association through donations and volunteer work. With its focus on feline happiness, La Belle Paw is fast becoming a trusted name among cat owners across Australia.
Website: www.labellepaw.com.au | Instagram: @labellepaw
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