Regular grooming can remove loose hair and help you notice developing tangles. It should be comfortable for your cat; a large pile of removed fur is not a target, and brushing cannot stop natural shedding.
Choose tools for the coat
Ask your vet or a groomer experienced with cats to demonstrate a suitable comb or brush. Tool choice depends on coat condition and tolerance. Check for damaged teeth or sharp edges, and avoid scraping the skin or repeatedly working the same area.
Battersea’s grooming guidance discusses tools and handling for different coats.
Keep sessions brief and gentle
- Choose a calm time and let your cat settle in a comfortable position.
- Begin with an area they tolerate, using gentle strokes in the direction of hair growth.
- Work in small sections without pulling. Stop if the tool catches.
- Pause at signs of discomfort or a wish to leave. Do not restrain your cat to complete a session.
Long-haired cats commonly need daily coat care, but the length and approach should suit the individual. Cats Protection offers tips for long-haired cats. Gradual familiarisation is more useful than trying to finish the whole coat at once.
What to do about mats
Do not pull through a tight mat or cut it out with scissors. Skin can be caught within matted fur. Contact your vet for painful, extensive or close-to-skin matting, or if your cat cannot tolerate handling. A professional can assess the appropriate removal method.
Ask for help before trimming sensitive areas such as paws or around the bottom. Sudden matting or a change in grooming can also indicate a health or mobility problem.
Keep grooming and cleaning separate
Household hair-removal tools are for suitable surfaces, not the cat’s coat. Washable covers and surface cleaning can complement coat care, but neither replaces help for painful mats or irritated skin.
General owner guidance. Seek a demonstration for your cat’s particular coat and needs.
