Prevent Hairballs
Regular brushing removes loose fur before your cat swallows it, significantly reducing hairballs and the resulting vomiting.
Cat Grooming Guide 2025
While cats are famously self-grooming, they still benefit from regular human assistance — especially long-haired breeds. Grooming helps reduce hairballs, prevents painful mats, and is a wonderful bonding activity. Plus, regular hands-on grooming lets you detect health issues early.
🐱
30-50%
of waking hours cats spend grooming
🖌️
2-3x
Weekly brushing for short hair
⏰
Daily
Brushing needed for long hair
🧶
200+
Hairballs per year without grooming
Grooming Guides by Coat Type
Select your cat's coat type for specific grooming instructions, tools, and schedules.
✂️Weekly brushing
Short Hair Cat Grooming
Easy maintenance for short-coated cats like Siamese, British Shorthair, and Abyssinian.
Read full guide →💇Daily brushing
Long Hair Cat Grooming
Prevent mats in long-coated cats like Persians, Maine Coons, and Ragdolls.
Read full guide →🌸Weekly bathing
Hairless Cat Grooming (Sphynx)
Skin care for hairless cats like Sphynx, Peterbald, and Donskoy.
Read full guide →Why Regular Grooming Matters
Avoid Painful Mats
Long-haired cats can develop mats that pull on their skin and hide skin infections or parasites underneath.
Senior Cat Assistance
Older or arthritic cats can't groom themselves as effectively. They need extra help to stay clean and comfortable.
Early Problem Detection
Grooming sessions let you notice lumps, skin issues, fleas, or dental problems that might otherwise go undetected.
🧰Essential Grooming Tools
Rubber Brush or Mitt
Perfect for short-haired cats. Removes loose fur gently and feels like petting to most cats.
Slicker Brush
Essential for long-haired cats. Reaches through the topcoat to remove tangles close to the skin.
Wide-Toothed Comb
Use after brushing to check for remaining tangles, especially in long-haired breeds.
Nail Clippers
Cat nails should be trimmed every 2-4 weeks. Use cat-specific clippers with a sharp blade.
⚠️Common Grooming Mistakes to Avoid
❌
Ignoring the belly and armpits
Instead: These are mat-prone areas in long-haired cats. Gently check and brush these zones regularly.
❌
Bathing too often
Instead: Most cats never need baths — they clean themselves. Bathing can stress cats and strip natural oils. Exception: hairless cats need weekly baths.
❌
Forcing a cat to be groomed
Instead: Forcing leads to scratches and grooming aversion. Keep sessions short and positive. End before your cat gets stressed.
❌
Using dog grooming products
Instead: Cats are more sensitive than dogs. Use only cat-safe shampoos and never use essential oils around cats.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Grooming
Do cats really need to be groomed by humans?▼
Short-haired cats often manage well on their own, but still benefit from weekly brushing to reduce shedding and hairballs. Long-haired cats absolutely need daily brushing to prevent mats. Senior cats, overweight cats, and those with mobility issues often can't groom themselves properly and need regular help.
How do I groom a cat that hates being brushed?▼
Start with very short sessions (30 seconds) while offering treats. Use a rubber mitt which feels like petting. Groom when your cat is relaxed, not during playtime. Never force it — build positive associations slowly. Some cats prefer being brushed in specific areas; start there and gradually expand.
Should I ever bathe my cat?▼
Most cats never need baths and bathing can be very stressful for them. Exceptions include: hairless cats (need weekly baths due to oil buildup), cats who got into something toxic or smelly, cats with medical conditions requiring medicated baths, or elderly cats who can't clean themselves.
How do I prevent my long-haired cat from getting mats?▼
Daily brushing is essential. Focus on prone areas: behind the ears, armpits, belly, and rear end. Use a slicker brush followed by a wide-toothed comb. If mats form, never try to cut them with scissors (risk of cutting skin). Use a mat splitter or have a groomer shave them out.
Need Breed-Specific Grooming Advice?
Our AI assistant can provide personalized grooming recommendations based on your cat's specific breed and coat condition.