FAQ: Grooming for cats

Perfumes and deodorants for people must not be used on a cat, as she licks them off and strong scents irritate her sense of smell. If the cat smells unpleasant, look for the cause rather than masking it.

No, whiskers should never be cut: they are sensitive touch hairs the cat uses to find her way and sense her surroundings. A few whiskers falling out naturally is normal, and they will grow back.

Cutting with scissors close to a cat's skin is dangerous, as the skin is thin and easily cut. If you need to shorten hair, use round-tipped scissors, trim only the ends and keep your fingers between the scissors and the skin.

Chin acne shows as blackheads or spots on the chin and is sometimes linked to dirty or plastic bowls. Keeping bowls clean or using ceramic or metal ones helps, and a vet should look at a red or swollen chin.

Scooting can mean faeces are stuck around the bottom or it itches, but it is often a sign of anal gland problems or parasites. Clean the area, and if the behaviour continues, see a vet.

Carefully work burrs and seeds out with your fingers or a comb while holding the hair near the skin. Small sharp grass seeds can work their way into the skin, ears or between the toes, so see a vet if the cat scratches, shakes her head or limps.

A small sticky clump is often easiest to trim out carefully, keeping your fingers between the scissors and the skin, or to harden with ice and comb out. Don't use solvents or cleaners for people, and leave a large sticky patch to a groomer or vet.

Indoor air is dry in winter, so the coat easily builds up static, especially with plastic brushes. Humidifying the air, using a metal comb or slightly dampening your hand before brushing helps, as do anti-static sprays made for cats.

Yes, brushing is a good chance to check for lumps, small wounds, redness, parasites, bald patches or a change in weight. If you notice a new or growing lump or another change, show it to a vet.

This is normal: the cat tidies her coat her own way and spreads her own scent, which brushing disturbed. If she licks one spot intensely, the brush may have irritated it, so brush there more gently.

Many cats dislike having their tail touched, so brush it last, gently and briefly. On long-haired cats comb the tail hair in sections from the base, and work out tangles with your fingers.

Usually enough are a brush or glove suited to the coat type, a metal comb, nail clippers, cat toothpaste and toothbrush, ear cleaner and gentle wipes. Shampoo and other products are needed only as required.

In long-haired cats hair growing between the toes can trap dirt and litter and make walking on slippery floors harder. It can be carefully trimmed with small round-tipped scissors or clippers, cutting only level with the pads.

Put a non-slip mat or towel on the table so the cat stands securely, and always keep a hand on her so she doesn't jump off. Get everything ready beforehand so you never need to leave her alone, even briefly.

A pregnant or nursing cat can be brushed gently, avoiding the belly and nipples. Bathing during this time is not recommended without reason, and use any products, especially anti-parasite ones, only after consulting a vet.

With a cone the cat cannot groom, so help her by brushing gently and cleaning with damp cat wipes, especially the rear and paws. Don't wet or clean the surgical wound area without your vet's instructions.

Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair and dander spread around the home, which carry allergens. For an allergic person it is better if another family member brushes the cat, ideally outdoors or on a balcony.

A bath briefly reduces the allergens in the coat, but they build up again quickly, and frequent bathing can dry the cat's skin. For allergic people regular brushing, cleaning and advice from a doctor usually help more.

Many spot-on parasite products state on the label how long to avoid bathing before and after use, as water and shampoo can reduce effectiveness. Follow the label, and if in doubt, ask a vet.

Stains and tear tracks show more on a white coat, so they need cleaning more often, and some owners like shampoos for white coats. White cats' ear tips and noses are sensitive to the sun, so keep them out of direct sunlight on hot days.