FAQ: Grooming for cats

Brush the cat thoroughly before the bath, work the shampoo in the direction of hair growth, don't rub the coat in circles and rinse well. Dry by pressing with a towel rather than rubbing, and gently comb the coat while still damp.

Some owners gently brush short-haired cats against the lie of the hair to lift dead undercoat, but many cats dislike it. If you do, keep it brief and finish by brushing in the direction of growth.

Brush a wet coat carefully, as hair breaks more easily and mats tighten. After a bath it is better to wait until the coat is just damp and use a wide-toothed comb, gently starting at the tips.

Normal brushing with the right tool does no harm, but too much pressure, sharp pins or overusing a deshedding tool can irritate the skin or thin the coat. If the skin reddens, brush less often and more gently.

Healthy cats can share brushes if you clean them regularly. If one cat has a skin condition, parasites or ringworm, use separate tools and clean them as your vet advises.

Mutual grooming is a sign of friendly cats bonding, helping maintain their relationship and shared scent, and they reach each other's head and neck. If grooming turns into biting or one cat avoids the other, it may signal tension.

Yes, when a cat is badly matted or fights hard, a vet can do the clip using sedation or anaesthesia. This is safer for the cat and people, and the vet decides after assessing the cat's health.

Grooming at home is less stressful for some cats, as there is no journey and no unfamiliar smells. Other cats dislike a stranger at home too, so watch how your cat reacts.

Ask whether the groomer is experienced with cats, how they handle a frightened animal and whether they use products made for cats. A good groomer stops if the cat is too frightened and suggests seeing a vet if they notice skin problems.

The coat usually grows back within a few months, but sometimes it has a different texture or shade for a while, especially in older cats. If the coat doesn't grow back for a long time after clipping, talk to a vet.

Yes, round bald or scaly patches can be a sign of ringworm, a fungal infection that can also spread to people. See a vet in that case, and wash your hands after handling the cat until then.

A lot of swallowed hair can make passing stools harder, especially in long-haired cats that drink little. Regular brushing and enough water help, and if the cat hasn't passed stools for more than a few days or strains without result, see a vet.

Calming pheromone sprays or diffusers for cats help some cats feel calmer, but the effect varies. Use them as instructed, together with a quiet setting and short sessions.

Semi-long-haired cats usually need brushing two or three times a week, and more during shedding. Check behind the ears, the armpits and the britches in particular, as mats form fastest there.

Litter sticks more to long hair between the toes and on the britches, especially when damp. A hygiene trim, shortening the hair between the toes and regular paw cleaning help, and some owners find a different type of litter helps too.

First switch the clippers on at a distance and give the cat a treat, then bring them closer and touch the coat with them switched off. Once the cat is calm, briefly hold the running clippers against her without cutting, building up gradually over a few days.

Speak to a blind cat before touching her so she isn't startled, and groom her in the same quiet place each time. She is often more sensitive to touch, so brush slowly, and trim her nails regularly, as she may catch them while finding her way.

Older children can brush a cat under adult supervision, using a soft brush or glove and brushing only the back and sides. Nail trimming, ear or eye cleaning and removing mats should be done by adults.

Coat sprays made for cats can make brushing easier and add shine, but the cat licks them off, so use only cat products, sparingly and as labelled. Real coat shine depends more on diet and health.

A healthy cat's nose needs no care: it may be moist or dry, and small dry crusts can be wiped off with a damp cloth. If there is nasal discharge, the cat sneezes, or the nose is cracked or changes colour, see a vet.