Best Cat Grooming Tips: Expert Guide for Every Coat Type

Quick answer: Brush short-haired cats once or twice a week, medium-haired cats two to three times a week, and long-haired cats daily. Trim nails every 2-3 weeks. Brush teeth two to three times per week with cat-specific enzymatic toothpaste. Most cats rarely need baths — but every cat benefits from a regular grooming routine that catches health issues early.

Reviewed by Dr. James Chen, DVM — Board Certified in Feline Practice

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Cats are famously good at keeping themselves clean. They spend up to 50% of their waking hours grooming, using those barbed tongues to remove loose fur, distribute natural oils, and keep their coats in good condition. So why should you bother with a grooming routine?

Because your cat’s self-grooming, while impressive, has limits. They can’t brush out mats before they form. They can’t trim their own nails. They definitely can’t brush their own teeth. And they’re not going to tell you about the lump, skin irritation, or ear infection you would have caught during a hands-on grooming session.

Regular grooming isn’t just about keeping your cat looking good — it’s a health practice. This guide covers everything from brushing techniques by coat type to nail trimming, dental care, ear cleaning, and when to call in a professional.

Brushing: The Foundation of Cat Grooming

Brushing is the single most important grooming habit you can establish with your cat. It removes loose fur (reducing hairballs and shedding around your home), distributes natural skin oils, stimulates circulation, and gives you a chance to check for lumps, fleas, skin irritation, or other issues.

Short-Haired Cats

Breeds: American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Siamese, Abyssinian, Russian Blue, Bengal

Frequency: Once or twice per week

Best tools: A soft-bristle brush or a rubber grooming mitt. A fine-toothed metal comb can be used for a finishing pass.

Technique:

1. Start at the head and brush along the direction of hair growth, moving toward the tail
2. Use gentle, short strokes — short-haired coats don’t need heavy pressure
3. Pay attention to areas where loose fur accumulates: the chest, belly, and hindquarters
4. Finish with a rubber grooming glove to pick up any remaining loose hairs and give a gentle massage

Short-haired cats are generally the easiest to groom, but don’t skip brushing entirely just because their coat looks fine. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair your cat ingests during self-grooming, which directly reduces hairball frequency.

Medium-Haired Cats

Breeds: Many domestic mixed breeds, some Maine Coon crosses, Turkish Angora, Tonkinese

Frequency: Two to three times per week

Best tools: A slicker brush for the main coat, plus a metal comb for areas prone to tangles (behind the ears, under the legs, around the collar).

Technique:

1. Use a slicker brush to work through the coat, moving with the direction of hair growth
2. In areas prone to tangling, switch to a metal comb and work gently from the tips of the fur toward the skin — never start at the skin and pull outward, which is painful
3. Check for developing mats after each session — catching them early makes them easy to remove
4. Use a deshedding tool during heavy shedding seasons (spring and fall) to remove loose undercoat

Long-Haired Cats

Breeds: Maine Coon, Persian, Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest Cat, Himalayan, Birman

Frequency: Daily

Best tools: A wide-toothed metal comb, a slicker brush, and a deshedding tool like the FURminator for undercoat maintenance. A mat splitter for any tangles that develop.

Technique:

1. Start with the wide-toothed comb to check for and gently work through any tangles
2. Comb the chest ruff, belly, and “britches” (hind leg fur) — these are the highest-matting areas
3. Follow with a slicker brush to remove loose fur and smooth the coat
4. During shedding season, use a deshedding tool on the body (avoid using on the face, legs, and tail)
5. Pay special attention to the area around the tail and under the legs, where fecal matter can stick to the fur
6. Finish with a light misting of detangling spray if your cat tolerates it

Mat prevention is critical for long-haired cats. Mats aren’t just unsightly — they pull on the skin, cause pain, trap moisture, and can lead to skin infections. If matting becomes severe, a professional groomer or your vet may need to carefully shave out the mats under sedation.

Tips for Cats Who Hate Being Brushed

Not every cat enjoys grooming. If your cat runs at the sight of a brush:

• Start slow. Let your cat sniff and investigate the brush. Reward them with treats just for being near it.
• Keep sessions short. Even 30 seconds of brushing followed by a treat is a win. Gradually increase duration.
• Time it right. Brush after a meal or during a naturally calm period — never when your cat is in play mode.
• Use the right tool. Some cats who hate bristle brushes love rubber grooming gloves because they feel like petting.
• Stop before your cat gets frustrated. Pushing through signals teaches your cat that grooming is a negative experience.
• Never restrain a struggling cat. Forcing a grooming session damages trust and makes future sessions harder.

Nail Trimming

Indoor cats need regular nail trims because their nails don’t wear down naturally the way outdoor cats’ nails do. Overgrown nails can curve and grow into paw pads, causing pain and infection.

How Often?

Every 2-3 weeks for most indoor cats. Check the nails weekly — if they’re catching on fabric or you can hear them clicking on hard floors, it’s time for a trim.

What You Need

• Sharp cat nail clippers — Scissor-style or guillotine-style both work. Dull clippers crush the nail instead of cutting it cleanly, which is painful.
• Styptic powder — In case you accidentally cut too short (it stops the bleeding quickly)
• Treats — For rewarding cooperation
• Good lighting — You need to see the quick (the pink blood vessel inside the nail)

Step-by-Step Nail Trimming

1. Get your cat comfortable with paw handling first. For several days before the first trim, gently hold your cat’s paws during calm moments. Press the pad to extend the nails. Reward with treats.

2. Choose a calm time. Right after a nap or meal is ideal. Never try to trim nails when your cat is wound up or stressed.

3. Hold the paw gently but firmly. Press the pad to extend one nail.

4. Identify the quick. On light-colored nails, you’ll see a pink area inside the nail — that’s the quick, which contains blood vessels and nerves. On dark nails, trim just the very tip.

5. Cut only the transparent tip. Clip at a 45-degree angle, removing just the sharp hook at the end. It’s better to take too little than too much.

6. Do one or two nails per session if needed. There’s no rule that says you have to do all the nails at once. For nervous cats, one nail plus a treat is perfectly fine.

7. If you cut the quick, apply styptic powder immediately. It stings briefly but stops bleeding in seconds. Stay calm — your cat will take cues from your reaction.

Don’t forget the dewclaws (the “thumb” nails on the inner front paws). These don’t touch the ground and never wear down naturally, so they’re the most likely to overgrow.

Dental Care

According to the AVMA, periodontal disease is one of the most common health conditions in adult cats. By age 3, most cats show some signs of dental disease. Left untreated, dental problems can lead to pain, difficulty eating, tooth loss, and bacteria entering the bloodstream — which can affect the heart, kidneys, and liver.

At-Home Dental Care

Toothbrushing is the gold standard. Here’s how to introduce it:

1. Week 1: Let your cat lick cat-specific enzymatic toothpaste off your finger. Most cats enjoy the poultry or fish flavors. This builds a positive association.

2. Week 2: With the toothpaste on your finger, gently rub it along the outside of your cat’s teeth and gum line.

3. Week 3: Introduce a cat toothbrush or finger brush. Apply toothpaste and brush the outer surfaces of the teeth using small circular motions. Focus on the upper back teeth (premolars and molars), where tartar tends to build up most.

4. Ongoing: Aim for daily brushing. If daily isn’t realistic, two to three times per week still provides meaningful dental health benefits.

Important: Never use human toothpaste on cats. Human toothpaste contains fluoride and foaming agents that are toxic when swallowed, and cats can’t rinse and spit.

Supplementary dental care options:

• Dental treats (look for the VOHC — Veterinary Oral Health Council — seal of acceptance)
• Water additives designed for cats
• Dental wipes for cats who won’t tolerate a toothbrush

None of these replace professional dental cleanings, which your vet may recommend every 1-2 years depending on your cat’s dental health.

Ear Cleaning

Most cats’ ears stay clean on their own. However, some cats — especially those with folded ears (Scottish Folds) or cats prone to ear infections — may need occasional cleaning.

When to Clean

Check your cat’s ears weekly during grooming. Healthy ears are pale pink, dry, and odor-free. Clean them if you see:

• Light brown wax buildup (a small amount is normal)
• Dirt or debris visible in the outer ear

When to See the Vet Instead

Do NOT clean at home if you notice:

• Dark brown or black discharge (possible ear mites)
• Redness, swelling, or odor (possible infection)
• Your cat scratching their ears excessively or shaking their head
• Any signs of pain when you touch the ears

How to Clean Cat Ears

1. Use a vet-approved ear cleaning solution — never water, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol
2. Apply a few drops into the ear canal
3. Gently massage the base of the ear for 20-30 seconds (you’ll hear a squishing sound)
4. Let your cat shake their head — this loosens debris from deep in the canal
5. Use a cotton ball or gauze to gently wipe away visible debris from the outer ear
6. Never insert a cotton swab (Q-tip) into the ear canal — you can easily damage the eardrum

Bathing: When and How

The vast majority of cats do not need regular baths. Their self-grooming does an excellent job. However, there are situations where a bath becomes necessary:

• Your cat got into something greasy, sticky, or potentially toxic
• Your cat has a skin condition requiring medicated shampoo (prescribed by your vet)
• Your cat is elderly, obese, or arthritic and can no longer groom effectively
• Flea treatment (though spot-on treatments are generally more effective)
• Show preparation for purebred cats

How to Bathe a Cat (Safely)

1. Gather everything first: Cat-specific shampoo, two towels, a non-slip mat for the tub or sink, and a cup or gentle sprayer for rinsing
2. Trim nails before the bath — a wet, stressed cat’s scratches are no joke
3. Use lukewarm water — test it on your wrist like you would for a baby
4. Place a non-slip mat in the sink or tub so your cat has something to grip
5. Wet your cat gradually from the shoulders back, avoiding the face and ears
6. Apply a small amount of cat shampoo and work it through the coat
7. Rinse thoroughly — leftover shampoo residue can irritate skin and cause overgrooming
8. Towel dry gently — most cats will not tolerate a blow dryer. If yours does, use the lowest heat setting at a distance
9. Keep your cat warm in a draft-free room until fully dry

For face cleaning, use a damp cloth instead of submerging your cat’s head.

Building a Grooming Schedule

Here’s a practical grooming calendar based on coat type:

The monthly full body check means running your hands over your cat’s entire body, feeling for lumps, bumps, swelling, or tender spots. Check between the toes, under the tail, and along the belly. This is your best early warning system for health issues.

Key Takeaways

• Match your brushing frequency to your cat’s coat type. Daily for long hair, 2-3 times a week for medium, 1-2 times for short.
• Use the right tools. A FURminator deshedding tool for heavy shedding breeds, a slicker brush for medium coats, and a rubber grooming glove for short-haired cats who hate brushes.
• Trim nails every 2-3 weeks. Don’t forget the dewclaws.
• Dental care saves lives. Brush teeth with cat-specific enzymatic toothpaste 2-3 times per week.
• Most cats don’t need baths. When they do, use cat-specific shampoo and lukewarm water.
• Grooming is a health check. Use every session to look for lumps, skin issues, parasites, and other changes.
• Go slow with reluctant cats. Short, positive sessions with treats build trust over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I brush my cat?

It depends on coat type. Short-haired cats benefit from brushing once or twice a week. Medium-haired cats should be brushed two to three times a week. Long-haired breeds like Maine Coons, Persians, and Ragdolls need daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Even if your short-haired cat doesn’t technically need frequent brushing, many cats enjoy it as a bonding activity.

Do cats need baths?

Most healthy cats do not need regular baths — they are excellent self-groomers. However, baths may be necessary if your cat gets into something sticky or toxic, has a skin condition that requires medicated shampoo, is elderly or obese and can’t groom effectively, or has fleas. When baths are needed, use a cat-specific shampoo (never human shampoo) and lukewarm water.

How do I trim my cat’s nails without getting scratched?

Start by getting your cat comfortable with paw handling before you ever bring out clippers. Touch and hold their paws regularly during calm moments for several days. When ready, use sharp cat nail clippers, trim just the transparent tip of the nail (avoiding the pink quick), and do only one or two nails per session if your cat is nervous. Pair each session with treats and praise.

What should I do about mats in my cat’s fur?

Never try to cut out mats with scissors — you can easily cut the skin underneath. For small mats, hold the base of the mat close to the skin and gently work it apart with a mat splitter or dematting comb. For severe matting, visit a professional groomer or your vet. Regular brushing is the best prevention. Mats tend to form in friction areas: behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar area.

How can I brush my cat’s teeth at home?

Use a soft-bristled cat toothbrush (or a finger brush) with enzymatic cat toothpaste — never human toothpaste, which contains fluoride and can be toxic. Start by letting your cat lick the toothpaste as a treat. Then gradually introduce brushing the outer surfaces of the teeth using small circular motions. Aim for daily brushing, but even two to three times per week provides real benefits. The AVMA estimates that periodontal disease affects most cats over age 3.

Is it normal for my cat to shed a lot?

Yes, shedding is natural for all cats. Indoor cats tend to shed year-round at a moderate level because they’re exposed to consistent artificial lighting rather than seasonal light changes. Excessive shedding beyond your cat’s normal pattern — especially with bald patches, skin irritation, or changes in coat texture — could indicate stress, nutritional deficiencies, allergies, or a medical condition. See your vet if shedding seems abnormal.

When should I take my cat to a professional groomer?

Consider a professional groomer for severe matting you can’t safely remove at home, lion cuts or specialized trimming for long-haired breeds in summer, cats that become extremely stressed or aggressive during home grooming, and regular sanitary trims for long-haired cats. Look for groomers who specialize in cats — feline-exclusive grooming salons understand cat behavior and use cat-safe techniques.

Sources

1. AVMA — Pet Dental Care
2. Cornell Feline Health Center — Cats That Lick Too Much
3. CFA — Cat Care: Grooming
4. AAFP — Feline-Friendly Handling Guidelines
5. International Cat Care — Grooming Your Cat