A fact that cats are noted for being fastidious groomers. With all the fur licking and litter-box duty cats do, it’s easy to think that they’ve got grooming covered – but every cat could use a bit of professional grooming.
When cats get into something stinky, or get sick or extra-dirty, that is when good pet owners step in.
If you are struggling with the same issue, then God has blessed you! Below, we take you through the process of at-home grooming your cat — and the cat-specific tips and tools to have on hand when grooming your feline furball.
List of cat grooming supplies
Of course, this may vary a bit by what your cat specifically needs, but in most cases these are the basic grooming supplies I recommend having on hand.Fur care
- Brush
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Washcloth or wipes
- Cotton balls
- Towel
Dental care
- Toothbrushes, finger rebuses, or cotton gauze
- Toothpaste
Claw care
- Nail clippers
- Styptic powder (to stop nail bleeding)
- Note that you can use cornstarch to stop the bleeding in case you do not have styptic powder.
Ear care
- Ear cleaning solution
- Cotton balls or gauze
- Also their favorite cat treats In case they are food motivated!
Picking the right cat grooming products
Cat brushes
- Long-haired, short-haired, super shedders- they all have different brushes. So, what is the brush of your cat and how could you find out for yourself? Now, for the run-down on each type:
- Pin brushes and slicker brushes help to loosen dirt, tangles, mats, dead skin cells/cells ultimately also hair. The type of brushes that work for long-haired cats also work for medium-haired cats and short-hairs too.
- Bristle brushes remove dead hair from your cat but then also smooth the coat down by spreading the natural oils coming through her skin. The bristle brush is the gentlest type of cat brush for more sensitive, older cats.
- You can use metal combs to untangle tangles and mats without pulling your cat´s delicate skin if you know how to use them.
- Shedding brushes are great for shedding season to reduce the amount of dead hair your kitty may be ingesting that could lead to a hairball. Example of drying brush include Fulminator’s
- Grooming gloves for cats reduce shedding effortlessly by grooming your cat that usually falls off. These are perfect for cats with delicate skin.
- Dematting combs are meant to break up matted fur while grooming, without cutting the mat out with scissors where you risk cutting the cat.
Nail trimmers for cats
Cats have tiny claws unlike dogs, but they can grow very sharp and require proper trimming. Scissor type nail clippers are not the best clippers to use because they crush your cat’s claws and may cause more tearing than leaving a clean cut. Tip: Consider your dog’s clippers? Not so fast! Large dog clippers can harm a cat’s nails, but small enough to potentially get down too close to the blood vessels and nerves in the claws of a cat.
Cat shampoos and conditioners
Human shampoo — never ever on your cat! The chemicals, fragrances and preservatives in them are not only irritating to the skin but can also strip away valuable natural oils from their skin or may be harmful toxins. Use natural shampoos and conditioners made for cats before bathing your kitty; you should dilute the shampoo to one part shampoo and four parts water. Tip: Some cats never adapt to being bathed and make better candidates for a damp cloth bath or the use of feline grooming wipes. If this is your cat—avoid the stress and just use a wipes or moist washcloth to clean them.Cat toothbrush and toothpaste
Your cat doesn’t like the whole tooth brushing regimen, but it is necessary. Never use human toothpaste (which will kill them) or supplements. Supplies: You can buy lots of different veterinary-approved products both on Amazon or the stores you will be shopping your way through. There are specially designed pet toothbrushes, finger brushes, gauze pads, or even a cotton swab to do the trick of removing excess food particles which tend to cause bacterial growth within the paint. There is also kitty toothpaste in flavors to help them fight plaque and tartar.Cat ear cleaners
Outdoor or hunting cats, long haired cats and also discharge from excessive ear wax may require cleaning the ears on a routine basis. You have to ensure the protection of their ear, and there are natural ear cleaners for that. You can also clean their ears with cotton balls and mineral oil. Tip: Do not clean your cat’s ears if you suspect an ear mite. Go to the veterinarian instead. With your cat grooming kit assembled and ready to go, it is time for you to groom your cat!How to Keep Your Full Feline Grooming at Home
Here are some steps you can take to help your kitty get comfortable.
Step 1: Assisting in Getting Your Kitty Comfortable
Your cat needs to be relaxed when the time comes to handle their body for the grooming. To ease them into it, pass your hands over the body of the feline and praise as you do this. Your cat may appreciate this, but be vigilant for any signs of discomfort or anger (tail swishing/growling). If you are doing this and you keep sweating, then go slower, but don’t quit. Putting pressure on their toes and toe beans extends the claws when you are handling them. Ease up on the pressure just a little and give it another try, ensuring that your cat becomes more comfortable with this new handling. After your cat has learned that all that extra attention can be fun, it is time to test grooming them. Get them tired – If you want a mellow cat, play with her first before you start grooming. Tip: Give your cat an opportunity to explore the tools you will use, give treats for sniffing each one.Step 2: Proper cat nail trimming
Nail trimming as the first step may be a bit scary, but you haven’t pushed too many buttons yet this time so there is less of a chance of getting swatted! However, here is a primer on using nail trimming supplies with on how to cut a cat’s nails:- Wrap your cat in a towel and sit him on your lap or hold him facing away from you.
- Examine your cat’s paws for any foreign material such as hair, or maybe kitty litter that is caught in between the toes and causing irritation.
- Check the claws of your cat and look for the rosy part of the nail near its bed — this is what we call quick, which you should not hit. It will bleed and your cat will hurt.
- When using bladed nail trimmers, hold their paw with one hand, and trim the nail with your other. It will be better if you cut the nail towards curvature and just chop the pointed edge.
Step 3: Brushing your cat
Every cat loves to be brushed, but all of us need a little grooming too. For example, long-haired and medium-haired cats will require a brushing once or twice a week, while short-haired cats usually get away with just once a week. A slicker or pin brush is a good choice and will also massage skin really well without stripping out health hairs. Some general tips include:- Stroke your cat´s hair and groom along its grain.
- Lightly comb under their chin, down their chest and belly, and be sure to give that little tail.
- Start by combing out tangles and mats. A dematting comb can help loosen up any large or stubborn clumps of mats especially in those friction areas; behind the ears, armpits and near their tail.
Step 4: Bathing your cat
Cats are generally very good at grooming themselves, so regular cat baths aren’t really necessary for healthy adults. Nevertheless, once in a while your cat may require one due to his love of getting into sticky or smelly stuff.
- cat shampoo (do not forget to dilute it), a washcloth, cotton balls and a towel etc. are needed.
- About 3 to 4 inches of warm, but not hot waters in your sink or tub.
- Set your cat in the water, praise and treat them until they are calm.
- After it’s relaxed, wet them down good don’t forget the belly, chest and under tail.
- Use the lathered or diluted shampoo to massage your cat’s body, legs and tail. You can work into lather and massage their neck, but avoid face and ears. If you want to be fancy: use a washcloth.
- Wash off all the shampoo from their fur. If your cat is especially dirty, you might have to follow the steps multiple times for a thorough clean.
- After you are finished, put your cat in a towel and dry. After you have dried the coat of your pet, comb the skin gently to get rid of any tangles that might have formed.
Step 5: Ear Cleaning
You do not have to clean your cat’s ears constantly but if they seem dirty, or smell strange, take a look. Some veterinarians may have different opinions on how often your cat should have their ears cleaned, so when in doubt, ask your vet. When it is the time to clean your cat ears- Prepare your tools! All you need is a cotton ball and an ear cleaner made for cats. Most are available online or at pet supply stores, but if you cannot find it, a cotton ball with mineral oil does the job!
- Place liquid into the kitten’s ear.
- To soften the earwax, gently massage under the ear for 30 seconds.
- Make sure your cat gets a good head shake! Doing this will assist the fluid in their inner ear to flow out.
- With your cotton ball, pick up any excess wax or ear dirt/debris that may have been left.
Step 6: Brushing your cat’s teeth
Dental care can take place at any time. You can totally tack it onto your grooming routine. Many more cats will develop periodontal disease then you thought are actually afflicted, and this can lead to many other health issues beyond simply bad breath.- Get a toothbrush for your cat or some gauze and get it wrapped in pet toothpaste.
- Use a special cat toothbrush to clean their teeth. Don’t forget about the gums; they are important too!
- You could also get them dental chews if you find it difficult to keep the cat from allowing you to touch its mouth.
Kittens should be groomed regularly, starting with a few times a week. Depending on your kitten’s coat type, long-haired breeds may require daily brushing, while short-haired breeds may need grooming only a couple of times a week. Regular grooming helps reduce shedding and prevent matting.
You can start grooming your kitten as early as 8 weeks old. Begin with gentle brushing and gradually introduce other grooming activities like nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care to help them get comfortable.
The best brush depends on your kitten’s coat type. For long-haired kittens, a slicker brush or comb can help remove tangles and mats. For short-haired kittens, a soft bristle brush or grooming glove is ideal to remove loose fur and stimulate the skin.
To make nail trimming easier, start by handling your kitten’s paws frequently so they get used to the sensation. Use a sharp, high-quality nail trimmer and cut just the tip of the nail to avoid the quick, which can be painful. Offering treats and positive reinforcement during and after the trimming process will help keep them calm.
Most kittens don’t need frequent baths unless they get into something dirty or have a skin condition. You can bathe your kitten every 4-6 weeks or as needed, using a kitten-safe shampoo. Regular brushing usually keeps their fur clean and reduces the need for frequent bathing.
No, human toothpaste is not safe for kittens. You should use a cat-specific toothpaste that is safe to swallow, as cats cannot spit out toothpaste. Cat toothpaste often comes in flavors like poultry or fish, making it more appealing to your kitten.
Check your kitten’s ears weekly. If you notice a buildup of wax, dirt, or a strong odor, it’s time for a cleaning. Healthy ears should be clean and pink. Use a vet-approved ear cleaner and avoid sticking anything deep into the ear canal, as this can cause injury.
If your kitten is fearful, take the process slowly and make grooming a positive experience by offering treats and praise. Start with short sessions, gradually increasing the time as they get more comfortable. If your kitten is still anxious, consult with your vet or a professional groomer for advice.
No, human grooming products are not safe for kittens. Always use cat-specific shampoos, conditioners, nail clippers, and toothbrushes. Human products can irritate your kitten’s skin, eyes, or digestive system if ingested.
You should aim to brush your kitten’s teeth at least 2-3 times a week to prevent plaque buildup and maintain oral health. Establishing a dental care routine early on will help prevent issues like gum disease and tooth decay in the future.