FAQ: Grooming for cats

Trim one or two nails at a time when the cat is sleepy and relaxed, then give a treat. Some cats are helped by being wrapped in a towel or by a second person, and if the cat struggles a lot, leave it to a vet or groomer.

The back nails grow more slowly and wear down more, so they need trimming less often. Still check them now and then, especially in older cats, and shorten them if they are too long or curling.

Yes, the nail on the inner side of the front paw, the dewclaw, does not touch the ground or wear down, so it can grow in a circle and into the pad. Check and trim it along with the other nails.

Older cats scratch and move less, so their nails wear down less, thicken and can curl into the pad. Check them more often, and have a vet look at an ingrown or curled nail, especially if the paw is red.

A scratcher helps a cat shed the old outer nail layer and keep nails healthy, but it does not always shorten them. Many indoor cats still need their nail tips trimmed now and then.

A cat's nails grow in layers, and when scratching the cat removes the old outer layer. Finding these crescent-shaped husks is normal and shows that the cat is looking after her nails.

They are soft caps glued onto the nail that reduce scratches and furniture damage. They fall off as the nail grows, so they need replacing every few weeks, should be glued only onto a properly trimmed nail and used as instructed.

An electric grinder files the nail gradually, which lowers the risk of cutting the quick, but many cats fear its sound and vibration. If you choose one, introduce it gradually and use it briefly so the nail doesn't heat up.

From an early age briefly touch and massage the kitten's paws, gently press to extend the nails and reward with a treat. Later trim one nail tip at a time, so trimming becomes a normal, calm routine.

Declawing is an amputation of the end bones of the toes that causes pain and can lead to long-term problems, so vets oppose it and it is banned in many countries. Instead use scratchers, trim nails regularly or choose nail caps.

Hairballs form when a cat swallows hair while grooming and it does not pass with the stools but builds up in the stomach. The cat usually vomits them up as an elongated clump.

Regular brushing helps most, especially during shedding, as hair you remove does not reach the stomach. Food for hairball control, cat grass to nibble and enough water can also help.

It is a tasty paste or gel that helps swallowed hair pass more easily through the gut. Use it as directed on the pack, and if your cat often vomits hairballs, talk to a vet.

These foods usually contain more fibre, which helps hair pass with the stools, and some also contain nutrients for coat health. They can reduce the number of hairballs but don't replace regular brushing.

Many cats like to nibble specially grown grass, and for some it helps bring up or pass hairballs. Grow grass sold for cats, and make sure there are no plants at home that are toxic to cats.

See a vet if the cat vomits frequently, retches without bringing anything up, stops eating, is lethargic, does not pass stools or has a painful belly. This may mean an intestinal blockage or another illness, not just a hairball.

An occasional hairball, especially in long-haired cats during shedding, is usually not dangerous. If it happens weekly or more often, the cat may be over-grooming or the hair isn't passing, so it is worth talking to a vet.

Yes, although they are more common in long-haired cats, short-haired cats get hairballs too, especially while shedding or when they groom a lot. Regular brushing with a rubber brush or glove helps them as well.

Over-grooming can be linked to stress, boredom, allergies, parasites, skin disease or pain. If bald patches appear or the cat keeps licking one spot, brushing won't help, so see a vet.

Yes, regular brushing is the most effective way at home to reduce plaque and tartar, which often lead to gum and dental disease in cats. Daily brushing is ideal, or at least several times a week.