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Cats have great hygiene skills, but sometimes they need our help.

By Sarah Kuta

Published on 10/01/24

Cats are pros at keeping themselves clean. They spend much of their free time grooming themselves, which they learned to do as kittens by watching their parents. But even the most fastidious felines still need help with some grooming activities.

Here’s expert advice on exactly how to groom a cat without getting scratched or bitten.

 

Why Cat Grooming is Important

While cats have great hygiene skills, there are some areas they need human assistance with, like toothbrushing, ear cleaning, and nail trims. Learning how to groom a cat is an important step in becoming a pet parent and is also a great way to bond with your cat.

“While cats are known for their self-grooming skills, making grooming a regular part of your cat’s life can help their health, wellbeing, and even your relationship with them,” Shelby Bundy, a cat expert and shelter manager at the Longmont Humane Society in Colorado, says.

 

Coat and Skin Care

Bathing Your Cat

You’ve undoubtedly observed your cat performing their daily grooming ritual. Cats use their rough papillae-covered tongues to spread saliva and natural oils across their coat and skin. As a result, most cats don’t need regular baths. You do want to bathe your kitty, however, if she’s rolled around in something that could be potentially dangerous for her to ingest, like antifreeze or paint.

If you do need to bathe your cat, remember that “slow and steady wins the race,” Bundy says. 

“Start small. If you use a bathtub, only fill the water up part way, so that it doesn’t fully submerge the cat. Use washcloths to slowly wet the cat, and use a cat-appropriate shampoo to clean her fur. For drying, towel her dry as best as possible.”

Brushing Your Cat

Brushing your kitty can help keep shedding in check and reduce the likelihood she’ll cough up a hairball. Long-haired felines benefit from daily brushing, while shorter-haired cats need an at-home salon day about once a week. 

If your kitty has never been brushed before—which is more common when you adopt an adult or senior cat—introduce the brush slowly, Whitney Miller, DVM, MBA, DACVPM, the chief veterinarian at Petco says.

“Get them used to seeing the brush while you’re petting them, then slowly start to use it on small patches of fur in less sensitive areas,” she says. “Speak to them softly and provide positive reinforcement with treats or a toy they love. Gradually increase the length of the grooming sessions and, as your cat grows more comfortable, you can start grooming more sensitive areas like the head and belly.”

As you stroke her fur, check for anything out of the ordinary, like bald patches, redness, or skin irritation. Also, keep an eye on your cat’s behavior: If she normally purrs when you brush her, but suddenly starts flinching, you’ll want to contact your vet, Miller says.

“Early detection is important to help prevent issues from becoming bigger problems,” Miller adds.

Excessive Shedding and Overgrooming

Shedding is a normal, natural part of being a cat. But if you notice a change, such as your kitty shedding a lot more than usual or losing fur in clumps, it might be a symptom of a health issue. Schedule a trip to the vet to check for fleas, allergies, stress, ringworm, pregnancy, sunburn, or other possible problems. Coat and skin issues may also be linked to diet, so ensure your kitty is eating high-quality cat food that contains enough protein and fat.

Also, if you notice your cat overgrooming herself, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. Make an appointment with your vet and try to identify any new sources of stress or anxiety.

 

Nail Care

Trimming Your Cat’s Nails

Your kitty needs a mani-pedi roughly every 10-14 days, which makes learning how to do at-home trims a must for any pet parent. Help your cat learn to love (or, at least, tolerate) nail trims by first positively reinforcing interactions with the clippers.

Once they’re comfortable, it’s time to trim.

1. Start by gently squeezing the top and bottom of each toe to extend the retractable nail.
2. Cut about 1/16th of an inch, taking care not to cut into the quick (where the claw grows from).
3. Take it one nail at a time, with breaks in between as necessary (and lots of treats throughout).

“Patience is a virtue with nail trims for cats, as most cats may not be accustomed to having their paws handled,” Bundy says. “Start slow and reward with their preferred treat. It may be a slow process, but it’s worth it to go at the cat’s pace. If you only get one nail a day, that’s OK.” 

If you don’t feel comfortable trimming your cat’s claws at home, ask your veterinarian or a groomer for help, Miller says.

Providing Appropriate Scratching Surfaces

Beyond trims, outfit your home with plenty of scratching-appropriate surfaces and toys. Scratching and flexing their claws are instinctual behaviors that cats do for several reasons, including to express emotions, mark her territory, stretch and exercise, and relieve stress.

Cat trees, scratching posts, corrugated cardboard pads, and corner-mounted scratchers are ideal for redirecting cat scratching and saving your furniture. 

 

Ear Care

They lick and preen nearly every other part of their bodies, but cats can’t reach the insides of their ears. As such, it’s up to their devoted human companions to keep an eye out for any build-up or debris.

If your cat’s ears look dirty, use a feline-specific ear-cleaning solution and round cotton pads to gently remove any gunk. Just be gentle! “Avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal,” Sehaj Grewal, DVM, a veterinarian at The Melrose Vet in Los Angeles, says.

And if something seems off—you notice a funky smell, redness and irritation, sores, or unusual debris—let your vet know. It might be a symptom of something more serious, like ear mites or an ear infection. Your cat might also exhibit unusual behaviors if she’s dealing with an ear problem, like shaking or tilting her head, pawing at her ears, or losing her balance, Bundy says. Check your cat’s ears regularly, and clean on an as-needed basis.

 

Dental Care 

Regular at-home brushing with a cat toothbrush will help keep your kitty’s sharp, strong teeth free of common dental issues like gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption.

If your kitty doesn’t let you brush their teeth, try incorporating dental treats and dental wipes into their routine to help promote good dental health, Miller says. Preventative cleanings at the vet every year or two can also help stave off dental problems.

Regardless of how you clean your cat’s teeth, get into the habit of checking your cat’s mouth regularly for signs of potential issues such as swollen gums, cracked teeth, and plaque or tartar. Bad breath, drooling, or difficulty eating might also be an indication that something is wrong, Grewal says.