Cat Care

Matted cat fur can range from a small, loose knot that separates with gentle combing to a dense sheet of hair pulled tightly against the skin. The safest response depends on how tight the mat is, how much skin is involved and whether the cat is painful. Small loose tangles may sometimes be managed gently…

Cat hairballs form when swallowed fur collects in the stomach instead of passing normally through the digestive tract. Cats naturally ingest hair while grooming, and most swallowed fur eventually leaves in the stool. Sometimes, however, hairs accumulate into a damp mass that is vomited back up. An occasional hairball can happen, particularly in long-haired or…

Learning how to brush cat teeth safely is mostly about building cooperation before trying to clean the entire mouth. Start by helping your cat accept face touching and a gentle lip lift, then introduce cat-safe toothpaste, finger contact and finally a soft toothbrush. You usually only need access to the outer surfaces of the teeth;…

Learning how to clean cat ears safely starts with knowing when not to clean them. Most healthy cats do not need routine ear cleaning, and over-cleaning can irritate the ear canal. If your cat’s ears look comfortable and there is no unusual buildup, pain, redness, strong odour or discharge, leaving them alone is often appropriate….

Learning how to trim cat nails is less about cutting a lot off and more about removing only the sharp hooked tip while keeping the cat calm and staying well away from the quick. A good nail trim should be short, controlled and low-stress. If your cat becomes frightened, struggles hard or shows signs that…

If you are wondering how often should you bathe a cat, most healthy adult cats do not need baths on a fixed schedule. Cats normally clean much of their coat through self-grooming, and both ASPCA and veterinary guidance describe routine bathing as rarely necessary for healthy cats. A bath becomes more useful when the coat…

Cat shedding is a normal part of coat renewal. Old hairs are released as new hair grows, and the amount you notice can vary with the individual cat, coat type, environment and time of year. Indoor cats may shed small amounts through much of the year, while some cats exposed to seasonal changes develop more…

Learning how to brush a cat is less about making a certain number of strokes and more about matching the technique to the cat’s coat and comfort. A short-haired cat may do well with a soft brush or rubber grooming tool, while a medium or long coat often needs a comb that can reach beyond…

Cats do much of their own grooming, but that does not mean every cat can manage every aspect of coat and hygiene care without help. A practical cat grooming guide should account for coat length, shedding, age, body condition, mobility, nail growth, oral care and the individual cat’s tolerance for handling. For some short-haired adults,…