FAQ: Grooming for cats

Mats form when loose hair is not brushed out and tangles with growing hair, especially in areas of friction. They are more common in long-haired, older, overweight or ill cats that groom themselves less.

The key is regular combing with a metal comb down to the skin, especially behind the ears, in the armpits and on the belly. Comb long-haired cats daily, and deal with a small tangle straight away before it grows.

Hold the hair near the skin so you don't pull, and work the tangle apart bit by bit with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb from the tips towards the skin. A detangling spray made for cats can help. If it hurts the cat or the mat is dense, stop.

Cutting with scissors is risky, as a cat's skin is thin and easily pulled up into the mat, so cuts happen often. Dense mats are better removed with clippers or left to a groomer or vet.

Dense mats pull on the skin and cause pain, moisture can build up underneath leading to skin irritation or sores, and the cat may avoid moving. Don't leave large mats; a groomer or vet should remove them.

It is a tool with sharp, curved blades between the teeth that splits a mat into smaller pieces bit by bit. Use it only working away from the skin, holding the hair at the base, and never drag it over sensitive areas.

Detangling or grooming sprays made for cats reduce friction between hairs, so the comb glides more easily and pulls less. Choose only products made for cats, as the cat will lick them off later.

A groomer helps when the coat is badly matted, a long-haired cat needs a hygiene trim, the cat won't let you groom her, or the owner finds it hard to bath and dry her. Choose a groomer experienced with cats.

A short clip can help when the coat is badly matted, but it is not necessary just because of the heat, as the coat helps a cat regulate temperature and protects the skin from the sun. If you clip, leave a thin layer and keep the cat out of the sun.

A lion cut is a clip where the body is cut short while the head, lower legs and tail tip are left long. It is usually chosen for long-haired cats with lots of mats and should be done by a professional.

A hygiene trim shortens the hair around the bottom, on the inside of the hind legs and sometimes on the belly, so the coat gets soiled less. It is useful for long-haired and older cats that find these areas harder to keep clean.

You can if the cat is calm and you use quiet pet clippers with a guard comb. A cat's skin is thin and nicks easily, so clip slowly with the skin held taut, and call a professional for large mats or a restless cat.

A small amount can be wiped off with damp cat wipes or a cloth soaked in warm water, and dried clumps carefully trimmed out. If it keeps happening, a hygiene trim helps long-haired cats, and frequent diarrhoea is a reason to see a vet.

Brush the cat and remove mats before the bath, as water makes them tighter. Get the shampoo, towels, a non-slip mat and warm water ready beforehand, close the door, and trim the cat's nails to reduce the risk of scratches.

The water should be warm, around body temperature or slightly cooler, similar to what suits a baby's bath. Check it with your wrist, and avoid hot or cold water, which frightens the cat.

Stand the cat on a non-slip mat, wet the coat from the neck down while avoiding the head, apply diluted cat shampoo, massage it in gently and rinse very thoroughly. Wipe the face with a damp cloth, and wrap the cat in a towel straight away.

First blot the coat with several towels, then keep the cat in a warm room without draughts until she is completely dry. If the cat tolerates it, a hair dryer can be used on the lowest heat setting and from a distance.

Yes, if the cat isn't afraid of the noise: use the lowest heat, hold the dryer at a distance and don't direct the airflow at the face or ears. Many cats find dryers stressful, so it is better to towel-dry them in a warm room.

Use shallow warm water in a basin rather than a running shower, talk calmly and keep the bath as short as possible. If the cat is very frightened, damp wipes or a dry shampoo may do, and leave a necessary bath to a groomer.

No, human and baby shampoos are made for a different skin pH and can dry out or irritate a cat's skin, and some contain fragrances unsuitable for cats. Use only a shampoo made for cats.