Buying task · Cat grooming
Cat grooming
Brushes and combs by cat coat, how often to brush, claw trims, why scissors should never cut a mat, and when a groomer or veterinarian should take over.
Short answer
Long-haired cats need daily brushing or combing; short-haired cats need less. A long-toothed metal comb is the core tool for medium and long coats, and a stiff bristle brush suits short coats. Never cut a mat out with scissors: VCA says it is easy to cut the skin. Trim only the sharp hook of each claw, and leave large mats or an unwilling cat to a veterinarian or groomer.
Tools by coat
VCA says stiff bristle brushes help with short coats or sparse undercoats, while long-toothed metal combs or brushes with offset tines suit medium and long-haired cats.[1] CFA adds that most exhibitors and professional groomers use combs rather than metal brushes, and that a wide-toothed metal comb helps pick mats apart.[2]
| Coat | Main tool | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Persian, Exotic | Wide metal comb | Daily (CFA) |
| Maine Coon | Brush or comb | A couple of times a week (CFA) |
| British Shorthair and other dense plush coats | Metal-tooth comb or rubber brush | Once or twice a week (CFA) |
| Other long, silky or curly coats | Long-toothed metal comb | Daily (VCA) |
| Short coats | Stiff bristle brush | Less often than long coats (VCA) |
How often to groom
VCA says cats with long, silky or curly coats need daily brushing, especially around the ears, armpits and backs of the legs.[1] ASPCA notes that long-haired indoor cats shed all year and need grooming every few days.[3] Brushing also matters for hairballs: Cornell says long-haired breeds such as Persians and Maine Coons may be at greater risk, and its quoted veterinarian recommends daily brushing and combing. A cat that is lethargic, refuses food for more than a day or two, or retches repeatedly without bringing anything up needs a veterinarian without delay.[4] The full routine is in how to groom a long-haired cat.
Most healthy adult cats are fastidious groomers and rarely need a bath, VCA says.[1] If you do bathe one, ASPCA suggests towel drying in a warm place and a blow dryer on its lowest heat only if the cat doesn't mind the noise.[3]
Mats: what not to do
VCA is blunt: never use scissors to cut a mat off. Mats sit close to the skin, and it is easy to cut the skin without seeing it, causing severe injury and pain. VCA says to use only clippers on mats; owners experienced with pet shavers should avoid nicking the skin and watch the shaver for overheating.[5][1] If your cat won't tolerate it, the mats are large or widespread, or you are afraid of hurting your cat, see a veterinarian or groomer; veterinarians can sedate cats so mats come off without pain.[5] More in cat mats: what not to do.
Claws
Cornell advises gently squeezing the paw to extend each claw and trimming along an angle that removes the hook at the end, avoiding the quick, and suggests asking your veterinarian for a lesson. Regular trims reduce damage from sharp claws and the chance of a claw growing into the pad.[6] ASPCA suggests a trim every ten days to two weeks.[3] Step by step: how to trim cat nails.
Keeping sessions calm
Keep sessions short and end them before your cat struggles. AVSAB warns that holding a pet down to finish a routine is very stressful for the pet and can easily make things worse; pair handling with treats and reward calm tolerance in small steps instead.[7] In our view, ASPCA's dryer rule fits any noisy tool, including grooming vacuums: if the noise upsets your cat, put it away and go back to the comb.
Everything in this topic
Guides
- Cat mats: what not to doPrevents the most common mat-removal injury and tells you which tangles you can handle and which need a vet or groomer.
- How to groom a long-haired catGives you a realistic routine and the right tools for a long-haired cat, plus the point at which mats become a vet or groomer job.
- How to trim your cat's nailsShows the trimming method and interval that Cornell and the ASPCA give, plus how to build up slowly, so you can keep your cat's claws short without a struggle.
Common questions
Can I cut a cat mat out with scissors if I'm careful?
No. VCA says never to use scissors to cut a mat off, because mats sit close to the skin and it is easy to cut the skin, even without seeing it, causing severe injury and pain. More in Cat mats: what not to do
Can I shave my cat's mats off at home?
VCA addresses its clipper advice to owners who are experienced with pet shavers, and tells them to avoid nicking the skin and watch the shaver for overheating. If the mats are large or widespread, or your cat won't tolerate it, see a vet or groomer. More in Cat mats: what not to do
Will the vet sedate my cat to remove mats?
VCA notes that veterinarians can sedate cats so mats can be removed without pain. Ask your vet whether that suits your cat. More in Cat mats: what not to do
Where should I check my cat for mats?
VCA singles out the ears, armpits and backs of the legs for extra attention when brushing long, silky or curly coats. More in Cat mats: what not to do
How do I stop mats from coming back?
Comb regularly. VCA recommends daily brushing for long, silky or curly coats; CFA says Persians need daily grooming with a wide metal comb, while a Maine Coon needs brushing or combing a couple of times a week. More in Cat mats: what not to do
How often should I comb my long-haired cat?
It depends on the coat. CFA says Persians and Exotics need daily grooming and a Maine Coon only a couple of times a week; VCA recommends daily brushing for long, silky or curly coats, and ASPCA says every few days for long-haired indoor cats. More in How to groom a long-haired cat
Should I use a comb or a brush on a long-haired cat?
Start with a comb. CFA says most exhibitors and professional groomers use combs rather than metal brushes, and VCA recommends long-toothed metal combs or brushes with offset tines for medium and long coats. More in How to groom a long-haired cat
Can I cut a mat out of my cat's fur?
No. VCA says never to use scissors on a mat, because mats sit close to the skin and it is easy to cut the skin without seeing it. See cat mats: what not to do. More in How to groom a long-haired cat
Questions
How often should I brush my cat?
VCA says cats with long, silky or curly coats need daily brushing, while short-haired cats need less. ASPCA says long-haired indoor cats shed all year and need grooming every few days.[1][3]
Can I cut a mat out of my cat's fur with scissors?
No. VCA says never to use scissors on a mat, because mats sit close to the skin and it is easy to cut the skin without seeing it. Take large or tight mats to a veterinarian or groomer; vets can sedate cats for pain-free mat removal.[5]
What comb is best for a long-haired cat?
A long-toothed metal comb. VCA recommends long-toothed metal combs or brushes with offset tines for medium and long coats, and CFA says a wide-toothed metal comb helps pick mats apart. CFA advises daily combing for Persians.[1][2]
How often should I trim my cat's claws?
ASPCA suggests every ten days to two weeks. Trim only the sharp hook, away from the pink quick, and ask your veterinarian for a lesson if you are unsure, as Cornell suggests.[3][6]
Does brushing help with hairballs?
Cornell says long-haired breeds such as Persians and Maine Coons may be at greater risk of hairballs, and its quoted veterinarian recommends daily brushing and combing. See a vet without delay if your cat retches repeatedly without bringing anything up or stops eating for more than a day or two.[4]