FAQ: Grooming for cats

It can be if you press or lift painful joints, especially along the back and hips. Brush gently while the cat lies comfortably, in short sessions, and discuss arthritis management with a vet.

Reduced grooming is often linked to joint pain, dental problems, excess weight or other illnesses. It is an important sign, so a vet visit is worthwhile, and meanwhile help the cat with gentle brushing.

A Persian's coat is long and dense, so it needs combing daily with a metal comb down to the skin, especially in the armpits and on the belly. Persians also need daily eye cleaning, and occasional baths and hygiene trims.

A Maine Coon's coat is long but less prone to matting than a Persian's, so brushing several times a week is usually enough, and more during shedding. Pay particular attention to the britches, belly and ruff.

Hairless cats' skin produces oil that no coat absorbs, so it needs regular wiping or bathing with a gentle cat shampoo, plus more frequent cleaning of the ears and nail folds. Protect their skin from sunburn and cold.

Hairless cats are usually bathed roughly every week or few weeks, depending on how quickly the skin gets oily. Bathing too often can dry the skin, so it is worth agreeing the right frequency with a vet or breeder.

A Ragdoll's coat is semi-long and silky without a dense undercoat, so it mats less but still needs brushing several times a week. Pay special attention to the armpits, neck and back legs.

A British Shorthair's coat is dense and plush with plenty of undercoat, so it is worth brushing once or twice a week, and more during shedding. A rubber brush and an undercoat rake that reach into the thick coat work well.

These breeds have a long, double, water-resistant coat and shed heavily in spring and autumn. Brushing a few times a week is usually enough, and daily during shedding, using a comb and an undercoat rake.

Devon and Cornish Rex coats are fine and curly, so harsh brushes can damage them. An occasional stroke with a soft brush or a damp glove is enough, while the ears need more frequent care as wax builds up.

Brush briefly when the cat is relaxed, starting where she likes being stroked. Give a treat after a few strokes, build up the time gradually and stop while she is still calm, so brushing isn't linked with discomfort.

A cat may react when the comb pulls on mats, when sensitive areas such as the belly or tail are brushed, or when brushing goes on too long. Watch for tail twitching and flattened ears, choose a gentler tool, and if a particular spot seems painful to the touch, talk to a vet.

Yes, a gentle towel wrap that leaves only a paw or the head free helps many cats stay calm during nail trims, eye cleaning or giving paste. Don't wrap too tightly, and stop if the cat becomes very frightened.

For most cats a calm setting, short sessions and treats are enough. If a cat is very fearful and grooming without stress is impossible, talk to a vet about calming options, and never give the cat any medicine yourself.

Brushes fixed to a wall or corner are popular with many cats, as they rub their cheeks and leave their scent. They pick up some hair but don't replace brushing, especially for long-haired cats.

Remove the hair after each brushing, and every few weeks wash brushes and combs in warm water with mild detergent and dry them well. Dry metal tools thoroughly so they don't rust.

Replace a tool when the brush pins are bent or broken, the comb teeth have become sharp or rusty, or a rubber brush has cracked. Damaged tools can scratch the skin and pull hair.

Replace or sharpen clippers when they no longer cut cleanly but crush, split the nail or leave rough edges. Blunt blades cause the cat more discomfort and raise the risk of the nail splitting.

Replace the toothbrush when the bristles splay or wear out, usually every few months. Rinse it after each use and store it dry, and use a separate brush for each cat.

Many essential oils, such as tea tree, are toxic to cats even in small amounts on the coat or skin. Don't use them for grooming a cat, and choose only cat products with clearly stated ingredients.