Grooming & Hygiene

Cats do a lot of self-grooming, but a little help makes a real difference, especially during seasonal moults. Brushing removes loose hair before your cat swallows it, which reduces hairballs and the amount of fur around the house. Grooming sessions are also a good chance to check for redness, fleas, lumps or dirty ears before they become bigger problems.

Choosing tools by coat type

• **Short-haired cats:** a rubber brush or fine-toothed comb once or twice a week is usually enough.
• **Long-haired cats (Persian, Maine Coon and similar):** a wide-toothed comb and slicker brush almost daily to prevent matting.
• **Heavy moulting periods:** deshedding tools work well, but keep sessions short and gentle so the skin is not irritated.

Most cats rarely need a bath; washing is usually reserved for soiling, a greasy coat or on veterinary advice. When you do bathe, always use a cat-specific shampoo with a suitable pH, as human products can dry out feline skin. For cats that hate water, rinse-free foams and grooming wipes are a practical alternative.

Use proper cat nail clippers and trim only the clear tip; the pink part contains the blood supply. Ear cleaning solution, eye wipes and cat toothpaste round off a basic routine. If you notice dark brown wax, a bad smell or constant scratching at the ears, check with your vet before using any product.