FAQ: Grooming for cats

Dog shampoos should not be used on cats, especially anti-parasite ones, as some of their ingredients are highly toxic to cats. Choose only products clearly labelled as made for cats.

There are gentle everyday shampoos, ones for long hair with detangling ingredients, for sensitive skin, for white or dark coats, for hairless cats, and veterinary shampoos prescribed by a vet. Choose by coat type and skin condition.

For sensitive skin choose unscented or mildly scented shampoos without harsh detergents or dyes, with soothing ingredients such as oatmeal. If the skin is red, flaky or itchy, talk to a vet before bathing.

Short-haired cats usually don't need conditioner. For long-haired cats a cat conditioner can make brushing easier and reduce matting, but it must be rinsed out very well, or choose a leave-in type.

Shampoo left on the coat can irritate the skin and cause itching or dandruff, and the cat will lick it off later. Rinse until the water runs clear and the coat no longer feels slippery.

For most cats a bath a few times a year or even less is enough, while hairless cats need it more often because their skin gets oily. Bathing too often can dry out the skin, so if your cat needs frequent baths, talk to a vet.

Kittens should be bathed only when necessary, for example when they are very dirty. Use a gentle shampoo suitable for kittens and warm water, keep it brief and dry them very well, as kittens chill quickly.

Smaller cats are often easier to bath in a sink or basin as they are easier to hold, while large cats suit a bathtub with a non-slip mat. What matters most is that the cat stands steadily and the water is shallow.

Don't wet the head or pour water over the face, and wipe the face separately with a damp cloth. Water should not get into the ears, so hold the shower head low against the coat and point it away from the head.

Dry shampoo is a powder or foam that is rubbed into the coat and then brushed out, without water. It suits light soiling or cats afraid of water, but does not replace a bath when the coat is badly dirty.

Wipes made for cats are fine for spot-cleaning dirt, paws or the fur around the bottom. Don't use wipes made for people, as they may contain alcohol or fragrances the cat will lick off.

Don't let the cat lick herself and don't use solvents or cleaners, which will make things worse. Contact a vet, especially if the substance could be toxic, and cover the soiled area on the way.

The smell may come from a still-damp coat or shampoo that was not rinsed out, or from another cause altogether: mouth, ear or skin inflammation, or anal gland problems. If the unpleasant smell persists, see a vet.

Indoor cats usually need their nails trimmed every 2–4 weeks, older cats more often as they wear them down less. Outdoor cats and those that use a scratcher a lot sometimes need it less often.

Cats are usually done with small nail scissors or clippers that cut cleanly without crushing the nail. They must be sharp and comfortable to hold, as blunt ones can split the nail.

Scissor-type clippers cut the nail from the sides and many owners find them easier to control. Guillotine-type clippers have a hole the nail goes into and a blade cuts it; they suit thicker nails, but it is harder to see where you are cutting.

Human nail scissors are sometimes used on small kittens, but an adult cat's nails are thicker and rounded, so human clippers can crush or split them. Clippers made for cats are easier and safer.

Gently press the paw so the nail extends, and cut only the clear tip, well away from the pink part that contains blood vessels and nerves. If in doubt, cut less, as it is better to trim little and often.

The quick is the pink inner part of the nail with blood vessels and nerves, and cutting it makes the nail bleed and hurt. It is easy to see in light nails, while with dark nails cut only the sharp tip, a little at a time and in good light.

Press a clean tissue on the nail tip or apply a styptic powder made for animals, and wait a few minutes. Minor bleeding usually stops quickly; if it doesn't stop or the paw swells, see a vet.