what to know about cat grooming

Cats with short hair can use a brushing once a week, while cats with longer hair may need a good combing every day to combat knots. Depending on your cat’s coat, you may need a cat brush, cat comb, or a rubber hair mitt. Let your kitty sniff whatever you’re using before you begin. And if at any point your cat objects, don’t force it. You can easily break up grooming into shorter sessions, then build up time as your cat allows.

• Place your cat on your lap, or have someone gently but firmly hold them on a safe, non-slip surface. Talk to your kitty in a soft, calm voice.
• Start grooming with long, gentle strokes along their back. Always brush with the hair, not against it. And don’t yank, even if you find a knot.
• Break up the grooming so your cat can get a little rest from the brush. As you go, check for patchiness, lumps, bumps, or soreness, which may be signs your pet needs veterinary care. See more about skin issues
• If you pick up fleas or flea dirt (actually flea poop, which is brown), don’t wait —talk to your vet about flea control. See more about fleas
• Is your cat still nice and calm? Check their paws, claws, ears, eyes, and tushies.

• Washing a cat’s face, nose, and eyes: Never immerse a cat’s face in water. You also don’t need soap. Instead, use a warm, damp washcloth. If cleaning eyes, gently run the cloth from the inside of the eye to the outside.
• Washing a cat’s ears: Check with your veterinary team before you do anything inside a cat’s ear. If you spot goop or buildup, give us a call —  let’s make sure we know the right approach before you begin. See more about ear mites in cats
• Washing a kitten butt: Mama cats usually lick their babies’ butts clean after they poop or pee, and most kittens quickly pick up the habit themselves. However, some kitties may need some help (especially if they’re separated early, or they have digestive upset). Use a warm, damp cloth to clean your cat or kitten’s tush. Wash the cloth and your hands well when you’re done.
• Washing an entire cat: Make sure you use cat shampoo and water that isn’t too hot or too cold. Start by placing your kitten in a shallow tub, with only an inch or so of water, then gently squeeze a wet sponge over their body. Follow with a squeeze of soapy water, rub gently, and rinse. Be careful to avoid the face, eyes, and ears! Be prepared — have a warm towel and small treats nearby to help make this whole thing better for your cat. See more about bathing pets

We recommend using a special cat nail clipper on claws. If you’re confident in your skills, a human toenail clipper works, too. Don’t use dull clippers or a large dog toenail clipper, though — dog toenails are harder and their clippers may crush cat claws.

• Like with brushing, hold your cat on your lap, or get someone to help hold them where you can see their feet. Keep up the love talk throughout.
• Take one foot and gently press the bottom pad. This helps to splay out your kitty’s little bean toes and display the claws.
• Place the clipper a safe distance from the quick, which is the triangular pink part of the nail. Clipping into the quick will hurt your cat, cause bleeding, and put a quick end to toenail trimming for a while.
• After the clip, check in with your cat, and continue to the rest of the nails. If your cat refuses, be safe. Give it a rest and try again tomorrow.
• Reward your cat with treats — and a little quiet time if they need it.

Dental disease affects 70% of cats older than three. Brushing your kitten’s teeth can help keep your cat’s teeth clean. You’ll need cat toothpaste, a cat toothbrush, and lots of loving patience. Read our full guide to get started. See more about how to brush cat teeth