How to Groom Your Cat – 6 Simple Steps

As humans, we generally have an inherent need to look presentable.

That could mean anything from taking a shower, using a deodorant spray, brushing our teeth, cleaning our ears, and combing our hair.

When we look presentable, we tend to feel good about ourselves.

With cats, it’s basically the same thing. 

Cats need to look presentable just as much as we humans do. 

I groom my cat Benny regularly because I want him to look presentable.

I don’t really let him groom himself because then that would mean picking up all the cat hair he sheds around the house and can cause him to get hairballs.

Note: if your cat is overgrooming see this article on how to stop your cat from overgrooming.

As a cat owner, I’m all about cleanliness and good hygiene.

I want Benny to be clean.

I want Benny to have good hygiene habits.

To me, a well-groomed cat is a happy cat.

And that’s what I want to get into today.

6 Simple Steps to Grooming Your Cat

1. Comb and/or brush your cat daily!
   Daily combing and/or brushing not only keeps your cat looking great, but it also provides an opportunity for you to bond with your cat that your cat can especially look forward to. This is also an opportunity to reduce the likelihood that your cat will make a mess with its own hair during shedding season
2. Use a metal comb for long-haired cats and bristles or slicker brushes for short-haired cats.
   If you own a long-haired cat, use a metal comb. This will help penetrate your cat’s fur all the way down to the skin to prevent matting. If your cat is short-haired, use a bristle or slicker brush. 
3. Clip your cat’s claws.
   Your cat’s claws should be clipped every few weeks or at least once a month to keep them looking trim. This will keep your cat comfortable and prevent any snagging on furniture around your house should your cat decide to dig its claws into the furniture. I recommend using a cat claw trimmer with a safety guard.
4. Clean your cat’s ears.
   You should clean your cat’s ears once a month. Any residue found inside your cat’s ears can easily be cleaned out with a cotton swab, but never insert a cotton swab directly into your cat’s ear canals. ZYMOX is the bestselling brand of ear cleaner for cats.
5. Clean your cat’s eyes.
   If your cat is showing any residue on the corners of their eyes, you can wipe it clean using a pad and some saline solution. These cat eye wash pads are great for removing tear stains from your cat.
6. Bathe your cat.
   You should bathe your cat several times a year. This will also help keep your cat clean and well-groomed. You’ll want to use a hypoallergenic shampoo formulated specifically for cats and kittens.

Key Things to Remember When Grooming Your Cat

1. Your cat’s grooming is your responsibility!
   If you want to proudly present your cat to the world, then you should definitely take pride in taking care of its appearance and make sure it’s also looking its best.
2. Grooming your cat is an opportunity for you to bond with it.
   Cats enjoy love and attention and what better way to show love and attention to your cat than to groom it and make sure that it’s always looking its best? You can’t possibly go wrong. 

Video: How to Groom a Cat

If you’re still completely lost on how to groom your cat, don’t worry! I got you covered. Check out the video below.

Final Thoughts on Grooming Your Cat

Grooming your cat doesn’t have to be a chore. Actually, on the contrary, it can be fun and enjoyable.

Think about it. You’ll be killing two birds with one stone. You’ll get to bond with your beloved cat and at the same time help keep your cat looking its best. You’ll get the best of both worlds!

Maintenance is key and it is your responsibility as a cat owner to maintain your cat’s appearance. Just follow the steps provided above and your cat will always look dapper! 

One final note, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), “If your cat fights the grooming process, and there is some potential that injury could occur to your cat or yourself, please make an appointment with a professional groomer or a veterinarian to have your cat groomed.”