Cat grooming at home: brushing, nail trims and how to bathe a cat

Cats are very good at keeping themselves clean, but a little help from you keeps the coat healthy, cuts down on hairballs and lets you spot problems early. Start gently while your cat is young, and keep sessions short and positive.

What you need

• A brush or comb suited to your cat's coat (a wide-tooth comb plus a slicker brush for longhaired cats; a soft brush or rubber grooming glove for shorthaired cats)
• Cat nail clippers
• Cotton pads and a vet-approved ear cleaner
• A cat toothbrush and cat toothpaste (never human toothpaste)
• For bathing: a cat shampoo, two towels and a non-slip mat
• Treats — lots of them

Brushing

• Longhaired cats (such as Ragdolls and longhaired Minuets): brush at least two or three times a week. Work through the coat in sections, paying extra attention behind the ears, under the arms, the belly and the back legs, where knots form first.
• Shorthaired cats (such as Russian Blues and Abyssinians): brush once or twice a week to remove loose hair.
• If you find a mat, don't pull it. Hold the hair at the base and tease it out gently with a comb. Large or tight mats are best left to a professional groomer — never cut close to the skin with scissors.

Nail trims

1. Trim every 2–4 weeks.
2. Gently press the paw pad so the claw comes out.
3. Cut only the clear tip. Stay well away from the pink part (the quick), which has nerves and blood vessels.
4. Do one or two paws at a time if your cat is impatient, and reward after each paw.

A good scratching post also helps keep claws in shape.

Ears, eyes and teeth

• Ears: check weekly. Wipe only the visible part with a cotton pad and ear cleaner — never push anything into the ear canal. See your vet if you notice dark wax, a smell, redness or a lot of head-shaking.
• Eyes: wipe away any sleep from the corners with a soft, damp cotton pad, using a fresh pad for each eye.
• Teeth: brushing a few times a week with cat toothpaste helps prevent dental disease. Start by letting your cat lick the toothpaste, then build up slowly.

Does my cat need a bath?

Most cats rarely need a bath. You might need one when:

• Your cat has got into something dirty or sticky
• A longhaired cat has a greasy or soiled coat
• An older or overweight cat can no longer groom itself well
• Your vet recommends a medicated bath

If your cat is under a few months old, unwell, or has just come home, wait — let it settle first and ask your vet.

How to bathe a cat, step by step

1. Trim the nails and brush the coat first — water makes mats tighter.
2. Get everything ready before you bring your cat in: shampoo, towels, a non-slip mat in the sink or basin, and a jug or gentle hand shower.
3. Use lukewarm water, only a few centimetres deep. Test it on your wrist.
4. Wet the body gently, from the neck down. Keep water and shampoo away from the face, eyes and ears.
5. Lather with cat shampoo only — human shampoo can irritate a cat's skin.
6. Rinse very thoroughly. Leftover shampoo can make the skin itchy.
7. Clean the face with a damp cloth instead of pouring water over the head.
8. Wrap your cat in a towel and press — don't rub — to soak up the water. Use a second towel if needed.

Drying properly in Singapore's humidity

In our humid weather, a thick coat can stay damp for a long time, which can lead to skin problems. After towelling:

• Let your cat dry in a warm, draught-free room.
• If your cat accepts it, use a hairdryer on the lowest heat and lowest speed, held well away from the skin, while you brush through the coat.
• Make sure longhaired cats are completely dry right down to the skin.

When to see a professional groomer

A professional groomer can help with tight mats, a coat that needs a trim, or a cat that gets too stressed at home. Choose a groomer who is experienced with cats, and tell them about your cat's temperament and any health conditions.

Every Catacure kitten's New Home Starter Kit includes a nail trimmer and one complimentary grooming session (subject to the kitten's condition). Questions about grooming your cat? WhatsApp us.

This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your cat has skin problems, a lot of hair loss or very sore mats, see your vet.