Cat Hygiene and Grooming

Cats are famous for their cleanliness – they spend up to 30–50% of their waking hours grooming themselves. Even so, there are areas a cat can't tend to on its own, or situations where it needs a helping hand with hygiene. Regular care of the coat, teeth, ears, eyes and claws isn't just about looks – it's an important part of preventive health care that catches potential problems before they become serious.

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Regular home care also has a worthwhile side effect – it strengthens the bond between cat and owner. A cat used to being handled, groomed and examined from a young age cooperates better at the vet's, is less stressed during necessary treatment, and generally tolerates contact with people better than a cat with no experience of being cared for.

Coat care for cats

How often and how you groom depends mainly on the length and type of coat. Short-haired cats manage most of their coat care themselves and need brushing around once a week. Long-haired and semi-long-haired breeds – such as the Maine Coon, Persian or Ragdoll – need brushing every day, otherwise mats and tangles form, which can be painful and may require veterinary treatment or shaving under general anaesthetic.

Regular brushing has several benefits beyond appearance:

• It reduces the amount of fur swallowed, helping to prevent hairballs forming in the digestive tract.
• It stimulates the skin, improves circulation and helps distribute natural skin oils for a healthy, glossy coat.
• It allows for regular skin checks – catching parasites, wounds, growths or irritation at an early stage.
• It significantly cuts down on fur around the house and on clothing.

Bathing cats is unnecessary in most cases – cats clean themselves, and frequent bathing disrupts the natural skin barrier. The exceptions are when a cat gets heavily soiled with something hazardous, has a skin condition requiring medicated shampoo, or is being prepped for a show. In these cases, use only shampoos made specifically for cats – shampoos for dogs or people have the wrong pH and can irritate a cat's skin.

Dental care for cats

Dental disease is one of the most commonly overlooked health problems in cats. It's estimated that as many as 70–80% of cats over 3 years old suffer from some form of dental disease – gum inflammation, tartar or tooth resorption. Yet regular dental care can significantly slow these conditions down or prevent them altogether.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste for cats – the most effective way to prevent tartar. Never use human toothpaste – it contains fluoride and xylitol, which are toxic to cats. Special cat toothpastes come in flavours cats readily accept – chicken, salmon or meat.
• Dental gels and sprays – a good alternative for cats that won't tolerate a brush. Applied directly to the teeth and gums, they break down plaque enzymatically.
• Dental treats and chew toys – mechanically clean the tooth surface as the cat chews, reducing plaque build-up. They're a useful addition to dental care, but can't replace brushing.

Ear care for cats

Healthy cat ears are clean, pale pink and odour-free. Regular ear checks help catch ear mites, yeast or bacterial infections early – the most common causes of ear problems in cats. Dark, crumbly discharge in the ear is a typical sign of ear mites and needs veterinary treatment.

• Only clean ears with a special cleaning solution made for cats – never use cotton buds, as they push dirt further into the ear canal.
• Only clean the visible part of the ear – never reach deep into the ear canal.
• How often you need to clean depends on the breed – cats with large, upright ears need cleaning less often than cats with flat or folded ears.

Eye care for cats

Healthy cat eyes are bright, clear and free of discharge. A small amount of dried discharge in the corner of the eye is normal – remove it with damp gauze or a special cleaning solution, wiping from the inner corner outwards. Always consult a vet about excessive, discoloured or pus-like discharge from the eyes – it could signal an infection, allergy or anatomical problem.

Claw care for cats

Regular claw trimming is especially important for cats that live exclusively indoors and have no natural way to wear their claws down. Claws that grow too long can curl into the paw pad and cause a painful injury – this risk is especially high in older cats that scratch less.

• Only trim the clear tip of the claw – avoid the pink part, which contains blood vessels and nerves. Cutting into the quick hurts and causes bleeding.
• Use only special cat claw clippers – scissors or nail clippers crush the claw instead of cutting it cleanly.
• Get your cat used to claw trimming gradually from a young age – start by simply touching the paws, then gradually introduce the clippers.

Practical tips for grooming your cat:

• Always carry out grooming regularly and in a calm atmosphere – never straight after a stressful event or when the cat is agitated.
• Always reward grooming with a treat – the cat will build a positive association with brushing, tooth cleaning or claw trimming.
• Get kittens used to grooming as early as possible – a cat accustomed to handling from a young age accepts it as a natural part of life.
• If you notice any change in the skin, coat, ears or eyes, see a vet – early diagnosis saves time, money and your cat's health.

Regular grooming isn't a chore or a waste of time – it's an expression of care and attention that will come back to your cat as a healthy, beautiful and contented life.