Cat Grooming Guide & Tips
Welcome to our grooming tips guide. Cats are famously fastidious self-groomers — a healthy cat can spend up to half their waking hours keeping themselves clean. But that doesn't mean they don't need your help. Regular grooming sessions are one of the best things you can do for your cat's health, your bond with them, and your furniture.
Here's everything you need to know.
Why grooming matters
Grooming your cat provides an opportunity to spot parasites, skin conditions and allergies, cuts, abscesses and any mysterious lumps. And while coughing up hairballs is a normal feline habit, regular brushing can help reduce the amount of loose hair your cat swallows while self-grooming.
It's also one of the simplest ways to bond with your cat. Most cats, once used to it, genuinely enjoy the attention — even if they're determined not to show it.
Brushing — how often and with what
How often your cat needs brushing depends entirely on their coat.
Short-haired cats — a short-haired cat may only need a weekly brush, though some benefit from twice a week, particularly during shedding season. A soft bristle brush, rubber grooming mitt or fine-toothed metal comb all work well. Grooming mitts are particularly good for cats who are new to brushing as they feel more like being stroked than groomed.
Long-haired cats — semi-long-haired cats need grooming at least twice a week to prevent knots forming, while long-haired breeds like Persians should ideally be groomed every day. Pay particular attention to areas prone to matting — behind the ears, under the armpits, around the belly and near the tail. A wide-toothed comb or slicker brush works best for longer coats.
A note on matting — never try to cut out a mat with scissors. Use a specialised dematting comb instead — scissors carry a real risk of cutting your cat's skin, which sits closer to the mat than it appears. If the matting is severe, a professional groomer or your vet is the safer option.
Older cats — as cats age, they may not groom themselves as meticulously as before. Cats with arthritis may struggle to reach hard-to-reach areas, leading to potential issues like hairballs, skin irritation or matting. Regular brushing becomes even more important as your cat gets older.
Nails
Trim your cat's nails every two to four weeks to prevent overgrowth and reduce the risk of scratching. Use cat-specific nail clippers and trim just the sharp tip — avoid the pink quick, which contains blood vessels and nerves. If you accidentally catch it, apply a little styptic powder or cornstarch to stop any bleeding.
If your cat finds nail trimming stressful, it's better to trim just a few nails at a time over several sessions rather than forcing a complete trim in one sitting. Offer treats and praise after each paw to build positive associations. If you're not confident trimming nails yourself, your vet or a professional groomer can do it quickly and safely.
Ears
Check your cat's ears weekly for wax buildup, odour or redness. Clean only the visible outer ear with a vet-approved cleaner and a soft cotton pad — never insert anything into the ear canal. A healthy ear should be pale pink, odour-free and have minimal wax.
Watch for: excessive scratching at the ears, head shaking, dark or crumbly debris, unpleasant smell or any signs of discomfort. These can indicate ear mites or infection and warrant a vet visit.
Teeth
Dental disease is the single most common health condition in UK cats — and regular tooth brushing is one of the most effective ways to prevent it. Aim to brush your cat's teeth two to three times per week using cat-specific toothpaste and a soft brush. Never use human toothpaste — it contains ingredients that are toxic to cats.
Start slowly, letting your cat get used to the toothpaste flavour first, then gradually introduce the brush. Even a brief session a few times a week makes a significant difference over time.
If brushing is truly not possible, dental treats, water additives and specialist diets can help — but nothing replaces the brush. Ask your vet for advice on the best options for your cat.
Eyes
A small amount of discharge in the corner of the eye is normal in most cats. Gently wipe it away with a soft damp cloth, using a separate piece for each eye. Watch for persistent discharge, cloudiness, redness, swelling or your cat pawing at their eyes — any of these warrant a vet check.
Bathing
For the majority of cats, bathing is unnecessary — they keep themselves clean very effectively. The exceptions are cats who have got into something sticky or harmful, hairless breeds whose skin needs regular cleaning, or cats with certain medical conditions. If your cat does need a bath, use lukewarm water and a cat-specific shampoo, keep water away from their ears and eyes, and keep the whole experience as calm and brief as possible.
When to see a vet or professional groomer
If your cat's fur is seriously matted and you can't tackle it at home without causing discomfort, contact a professional groomer or your vet. And if you notice anything during grooming that concerns you — unusual lumps, skin changes, persistent scratching, coat changes alongside weight loss or lethargy — always get it checked. Grooming sessions are one of the best early warning systems you have.