Cats are extremely clean animals, but even the most fastidious cat will benefit from a little help with grooming, especially if they have long hair. Grooming your cat is also an excellent way to bond. Grooming is also a good opportunity to check for any skin and coat irregularities.
It's a good idea to get your cat used to being brushed and combed from an early age. This will prevent irritating knots and remove dead hair. Do this regularly and not only will it keep your cat's coat clean and healthy, it'll help reduce hairballs forming.
How often? If your cat is longhaired, you should comb her once a day, or at least a, couple of times a week. Short- haired cats only need to be brushed once a week.
What you'll need. There are specially designed grooming tools for longhaired cats, but at the very least you'll need a good brush and comb. If your cat is shorthaired, a veterinarian recommended brush is all you'll need.
Brushing. If your cat's fur isn't too tangled just give her coat a good brush. This shouldn't take longer than five to 15 minutes. Most cats love to be brushed, but if yours doesn't, let her go and try again later. Longhaired cats' fur sometimes gets matted. If you notice tangled masses of knotted hair in your cat's coat, you'll need to make time for some careful, patient brushing. Holding on to the fur just below the knot while you brush will prevent the hair from pulling. If your cat's coat is really unmanageable, you could consider professional grooming. Also consider finding the right nutrition to help reduce shedding.
Bath time. Shorthaired cats do not need to be bathed, unless they are very dirty or have allergies. But for longhaired breeds, the occasional bath will help keep her coat in good condition and prevent a build up of grease. Your vet will be happy to advise you how to bath your cat and will recommend a special cat shampoo.
Prepare for the bath. Most cats don't really like getting wet, but if you have the shampoo and towel nearby, bath-time will be quicker and easier. To make things even easier, ask someone to help — then one can hold the cat while the other does the washing.
Wrap up warm. As soon as you take your cat out of the water, wrap her in a towel and gently pat the fur dry. If your cat has long hair it's particularly important to be gentle to avoid knots and tangles. You won't get her completely dry with a towel, so make sure she stays inside until she's completely dried off. And never be tempted to use a hairdryer as the hot air could burn your cat's skin.
Trimming nails. Cats scratch to keep their claws trim, but you'll need to help out too. Make sure you get your cat used to it while she's young and it'll be easier in the long-term. Ask your vet to demonstrate the correct technique and the correct clippers to use.
One of our staff authors prepared this article for you
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Nutrition to support urinary care and weight management with added ingredients to reduce stress in cats
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Delicious seared tuna paired with tender carrots in a mouthwatering sauce
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Supports urinary care with added ingredients to help reduce stress in cats
Delectable chunks with tender ocean fish smothered in a rich gravy
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Fewer calories for less active cats
Learn about common houseplants that can be dangerous or poisonous to cats. Get tips on how to keep your cat safe around houseplants.
Learn why cats waking up owners is a long-standing tradition between pet and pet parent. Sometimes, it's the funniest part of your relationship.
Discover how to train your cat, starting with very basic first steps that both reward good behavior and discourage the bad.
Learn the importance of changing your cat's food with their changing life stages because one size does not fit all.
Learn to decipher your cat's numerous non-verbal language queues, including the meanings behind expressions through her eyes, ears, tail and stance.
Understand reasons why your cat might be limping, from joint problems to excessive jumping, as well as when you should be concerned and how you can help.
Understand how adopting an adult cat from a shelter is different than adopting a cat, and what to expect when you bring her home for the first time.
When a cat wants attention, she'll pull out all the stops until she grabs your interest, such as these seven classic behaviors guaranteed to distract you.
Just like people, cats can experience occasional stomach upset. If your cat exhibits any of the following, especially after eating, she may have a sensitive stomach.
Use these 4 steps on how to properly brush and provide the right dental care for your cat's teeth.
Learn about the different types of cancer in cats, how to spot the signs of cancers in your kitty, and treatment options for improving her quality of life.
Senior Cats & Their Special Care Needs
Learn tips for managing your cat's diarrhea, including how to recognize it, what might be causing it and treatment options your vet could recommend.
Learn from a Veterinarian: Discover the underlying causes, typical symptoms and possible treatments for both type 1 and type 2 of diabetes in cats.
Learn about stomatitis in cats, an inflammation of the mouth, including the two types, symptoms of the condition, and treatments your vet might recommend.
Read about how to introduce a new cat into your household of current pets to help reduce stress and make sure they all get along well.
From the kitten stage to the geriatric cat stage, learn the six cat life stages and tips for providing the best care for your cat at any stage of her life.
Ensure you are providing the best care possible for your kitten by making regular visits to the veterinary. Learn why here.
Get to know the problems often associated with aging cats, so you can help them get the most of out of their remaining years.
Learn helpful tips and choices you can make for managing cat allergies, as well as which cat breeds might be a good choice for keeping allergies at bay.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2024 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool