But because they’re not always the most receptive to grooming intervention, learning how to groom a cat takes a little finessing. These expert tips can help.

That said, felines do need help from time to time for various grooming-related tasks—most notably to keep their interior ears healthy, toenails the right length, and coats free of knots and matted fur.

“Regular grooming helps prevent health problems and allows you to detect any issues early,” says Michelle Dulake, DVM, a veterinarian based in Los Angeles. “Clean ears prevent infections, trimmed nails reduce the risk of injury, and clear eyes can signal overall good health. Dental care is crucial for preventing tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to more serious health issues if left untreated.”

• Cat grooming brush, like the Safari Slicker Brush.
• A small cat toothbrush and cat-approved toothpaste. Try the Virbac C.E.T. bundle.
• Cat nail clippers, such as these by Frisco.
• Ear cleaning solution or wipes, like Virbac Epi-Otic.

If you adopt an older cat, she says, start slowly and gradually build up their tolerance to grooming activities.

“Always be gentle and patient, offering treats and praise to create a positive experience,” Dr. Dulake says. You can also try cuddling with them while brushing them to associate a positive feeling with the experience.

Also consider professional cat dental cleanings every few years, or as recommended by your veterinarian.

Routine brushing also provides you an opportunity to check for skin issues, such as bumps, lumps, lesions, and infections.

Brushing is especially important during shedding seasons (summer and winter) to help remove excess fur and prevent hairballs. There are brushes for longhaired and shorthaired cats, so choose the best option for your kitty.

“Gently clean the outer part of the ear with a cotton ball and a vet-recommended ear cleaner,” Dr. Dulake says.

Some cats—depending on breed or age—may also require regular eye or skin fold wiping to nix goopy or crusty debris, Dr. Casper adds. If you see an accumulation around their eyes or in their face folds, tend to it right away.

Your cat may need trimming more or less frequently than every four weeks, based on their activity level, whether they’re indoors or outdoors, and their individual nail growth rate.

For example, instead of brushing their teeth and fur in one go, do one task one day and the other the next. And when trimming toenails, consider trimming one or two in a session instead of trying to clip all in one go.

Brusoe adds that a cat behaviorist can also help by providing “personalized strategies to address your cat’s specific needs and ensure grooming is a stress-free experience for everyone involved.”

Grooming isn’t just about keeping your cat looking sharp—it’s an essential part of their overall healthcare. These cat grooming sessions are an opportunity to keep your feline feeling great and can also serve as meaningful bonding time. If you’re ever unsure about any aspect of grooming, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian.

Cat groomers are an excellent option if you struggle to keep your feline’s fur, teeth, nails, and ears well-groomed. They can offload these sometimes-stressful tasks with their expertise.

Your veterinarian can also assist with certain cat grooming tasks, like nail trims. That said, daily and weekly grooming needs—like brushing teeth, checking ears, and combing fur—may be easier done at home since they’re required more frequently.

How often you groom a cat varies task by task. For example, teeth brushing is recommended daily, while trimming your cat’s toenails is only required about once per month.

Cats do a great job of bathing themselves and don’t often need assistance from their humans.

However, bathing makes sense in cases where they’ve gotten into something sticky or toxic, have a skin condition that requires medicated shampoos, or if they’re unable to groom themselves properly. It’s also sometimes necessary for long-haired breeds that may struggle to keep their fur clean and free of mats.