Because cats generally clean themselves by licking their fur, you might think your cat doesn’t need any significant grooming. Despite the fact that a cat often looks clean, cat grooming is one important aspect of cat ownership that should not be neglected. Grooming your cat requires brushing, combing and removing matted or tangled hair. It involves checking the overall healthy condition of your cat and trimming his or her nails. The Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) also recommends bathing a cat several times per year.

Cat grooming supplies include:

• Several brushes of different sizes
• Various metal combs
• Eye wipes
• Dental wipes or a children’s toothbrush
• Ear wipes
• Tear-stain remover
• Nail clippers
• Undercoat rake
• Mat removal spray
• Post-grooming scents
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Flea treatment
• Powder or swabs that reduce nail bleeding
• Gloves

When to groom your cat

The frequency of cat grooming can vary from one cat to another, and the length of a grooming session may depend on how much cleaning your cat has the patience for. Long-haired cats usually require grooming once every few days, while short-haired cats generally need to be groomed about once a week. The fluffier your cat’s hair, the more prone it is to become matted. Cats also shed more in the spring, and your cat may demand frequent attention during those months.

The basic steps of cat grooming include:

1. Checking your cat’s fur. Gently rub your hands over the entire body of your cat and check for anything that might be stuck in the fur. Also, feel around and look for any scrapes, lumps, fleas, ticks or missing fur patches.
2. Brushing or combing your cat. Start with your cat's face and move toward the tail. The best way to brush him or her is in the direction that your cat’s hair lies, not against it. Your cat can become agitated if you brush the hair in the wrong direction. A cat can be trained to cooperate with grooming by repeated brushing and keeping the brushing to the same time each day.
3. Checking the ears. The SPCA recommends checking the cat's ears as part of your regular cat grooming. Ears should be checked for wax, dirt and any sign of discharge and be cleaned if needed.
4. Breaking it up. If your cat becomes uneasy or starts to resist you, you can finish the grooming in a couple days. Sometimes, it can be better to break up grooming sessions into short periods of a few minutes at a time instead of trying to do it in an hour-long session that becomes unpleasant for both you and your cat.
5. Bathing the cat as needed. Most cats don’t like to be bathed, but the SPCA says bathing your cat will help to remove the debris that cats can’t remove on their own—such as grease or mud. Start bathing your cat when he or she is a kitten, and begin by placing the kitten's feet in warm water, with the water level up to his or her belly.
6. Giving a treat. If desired, reward your cat with a treat at the end of each successful grooming session.

Choosing a professional groomer

Professional cat grooming may be required if your cat is anxious or if he or she has a more serious mat or tangle in the fur. The Professional Cat Groomers Association of America notes that professional groomers have the expertise and experience to groom your cat without a lot of hassle or drama. A professional can also pass along some tips that will help you when you do groom your cat at home.