How to properly find a cat's withers? - briefly
To accurately locate your cat's withers, feel along its spine for the highest point of the shoulder blades where they meet the neck. This is typically where the cat's collar would naturally sit.
How to properly find a cat's withers? - in detail
To accurately locate a cat's withers, follow these steps:
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Understand the Anatomy: The withers are the highest point of the shoulder blades, where they meet at the spine. In cats, this area is crucial for fitting harnesses or measuring for proper grooming and health checks.
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Position Your Cat: Place your cat on a stable surface where it feels comfortable and secure. Ensure the environment is quiet and calm to avoid distractions.
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Feel for the Shoulder Blades: Gently run your fingers along the top of your cat's back, starting from the base of the neck. You will feel two protruding bones on either side of the spine—these are the shoulder blades (scapulae).
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Locate the Withers: The withers are where the shoulder blades meet and form a ridge along the spine. This is the highest point on your cat's back, typically located between the shoulder blades and just behind the neck.
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Measure Accurately: When measuring for a harness or collar, place the tape measure at the withers and ensure it sits flat against the skin. This will give you an accurate measurement of the cat’s girth around the chest area.
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Practice: Locating the withers can take practice, especially if your cat is skittish or has long fur that obscures the shoulder blades. Be patient and consistent in your approach to build familiarity with this process.
By following these steps, you will be able to accurately find a cat's withers, ensuring proper fit for any equipment and contributing to your cat’s overall comfort and well-being.