Cats spend hours every day licking away loose hair. However, this is not bathing. Litter dust, dirt, car grease, and matted hair still remains. Regular grooming of your cat consists of hair brushing, bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning and dental care.

Combing and brushing needs vary according to the length and type of coat. A bristle or wire brush is ideal for longer haired cats. Combs with rounded teeth can also be used. For shorter haired cats, try a grooming glove or bristle brush.

Bathe your cat as often as you see fit. It does not have to be a struggle. If begun at an early age, cats become accustomed to being bathed. The best way to bathe your cat is in a quiet room with slow motions. Make sure you are prepared with everything you will need to complete the task. There are no time-outs in this game. Place a rubber mat in the tub so your cat won’t slip. Fill the tub with two to three inches of warm water before you bring your cat in. Running water will scare him. While talking quietly and stroking him, place him in the water. Continue talking and petting as you scoop water with your hand and run it down the cat. Have the shampoo bottle open and ready. Pour it slowly over the cat, as you continue to stroke and talk. It is a good idea to place a wad of cotton in the ears. Have a bucket in the tub with clean warm water to rinse the cat. Use a cup to pour clean water over him to remove all soap residues. Dried soap can irritate the skin. Place him on a towel and rub as him dry as possible. Most cats don’t fuss too much when handled this way.

Overgrown claws can get caught in the carpet or furniture, especially if your cat is older and less active. You can trim his nails with a human nail trimmer, but a feline nail trimmer is preferred. Extend the nail by pressing on the pad of the toe and trim just in front of the pink quick area. If you trim into the quick it will bleed. A styptic pencil or Quik Stop® (found in most pet stores) can be used to stop the bleeding. Don’t forget the dewclaws on the side of the paw. They don’t touch the ground and may need more frequent trimming. SoftPaws are an excellent answer to the cat that prefers the couch to the scratching post.

Once a month you should clean your cat’s ears. Use a cotton ball soaked in mineral oil and clean only the part of the ear canal that you can see, otherwise you may damage the eardrum. If your cat scratches his ears or shakes his head, or if his ears are red or have dark brown waxy material, an ear infection or ear mites may be the cause. Take him to the veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate medication.

When you groom your cat, check his teeth and gums. Red, swollen gums, heavy tartar or broken teeth should receive veterinary care. Your cat’s teeth should be checked during its yearly exam and cleaned professionally as needed. You can delay tartar build-up by cleaning the teeth regularly, at least twice weekly, using either a wash cloth wrapped around your index finger, a soft bristle toothbrush or a Q-tip. We have several flavors of toothpaste available that are made for cats. Please, don’t use human toothpaste. It can be a stomach irritant.