By Charles Jason
Cats spend a lot of their day grooming, so many owners wonder why they should brush at all. The answer is hair. Every lick pulls loose hair into your cat's stomach. Brushing removes that hair first, which means fewer hairballs, fewer mats, and less fur on your sofa.
Many cats dislike brushing at first because it was done too fast or too roughly. The good news is that most cats can learn to tolerate it, and plenty come to enjoy it.
Why brushing matters
- Fewer hairballs. The Cornell Feline Health Center says brushing and combing daily helps minimize hairballs, which are more common in shedding seasons and in long haired breeds such as Persians and Maine Coons.
- No painful mats. Tangles pull on the skin and can hide sores, fleas, and infections.
- Health checks. Brushing is a chance to spot lumps, scabs, fleas, and weight changes early.
- Help for cats that cannot groom well. Older, arthritic, and overweight cats struggle to reach their back and rear.
- Bonding. Gentle brushing can feel like the grooming cats give each other.
Pick the right brush for the coat
| Coat type | Best tools | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Short hair | Rubber grooming mitt or soft bristle brush | Once or twice a week |
| Medium hair | Slicker brush plus a wide toothed comb | Two to three times a week |
| Long hair | Wide and fine toothed metal comb, slicker brush | Daily |
| Very dense or double coat | Comb first, then slicker | Daily in shedding season |
A metal comb is the most useful tool for long haired cats, because it finds tangles before they become mats. Deshedding tools with fine blades work well for some cats, but use them lightly and not on sensitive areas.
Step by step: brushing a cat that hates it
Step 1: Pick the right moment
Choose a time when your cat is calm and a little sleepy, such as after a meal or a play session. Do not start when your cat is hungry, playful, or already annoyed.
Step 2: Start with touch, not the brush
Pet your cat where it likes it most, usually the cheeks, chin, and top of the head. Then let your cat sniff the brush. Give a treat. That is the whole first session.
Step 3: Brush the "easy" zones
Next time, use a soft brush or mitt on the cheeks and along the back, in the direction the hair grows. Give a treat after a few strokes. Stop after one to two minutes, while your cat is still relaxed.
Step 4: Read the warning signs
Stop before things go wrong. These signs mean "enough":
- Tail twitching or thumping
- Skin rippling along the back
- Ears turning sideways or back
- Turning the head toward your hand
- Growling or hissing
Ending early is not failure. It teaches your cat that brushing is short and safe.
Step 5: Build up slowly
Over a week or two, add more strokes and new areas: sides, chest, then legs. Leave the belly, back legs, and tail for last. Many cats are sensitive there, and some never fully accept it.
Step 6: Make it a routine
Same time, same place, same treats. Cats like routine, and a predictable session feels safer.
How to handle mats and tangles
- Small tangle: Hold the hair at the base, close to the skin, so you do not pull. Gently tease it apart with your fingers, then the wide end of a comb.
- Tight mat: Do not cut it with scissors. Cat skin is thin and tents up into the mat, so it is very easy to cut by mistake.
- Many mats or a matted belly: Book a groomer or vet visit. They can use clippers safely, and sometimes light sedation if your cat is very stressed.
Prevention is easier than removal. A few minutes of combing a day keeps most long coats mat free.
Hairballs: what is normal and what is not
Cornell notes that bringing up a hairball once every week or two can be common. Call your vet promptly if your cat:
- Retches again and again without bringing anything up
- Vomits repeatedly
- Refuses food for more than a day or two
- Seems lethargic or hides
These can be signs of a blockage, which can be serious. Our guide on when to worry about a cat not eating explains what to do.
Should I bathe my cat?
Most cats keep themselves clean and rarely need a bath. Exceptions include cats with greasy coats, skin conditions treated with medicated shampoo, or cats that got into something sticky or toxic. If a bath is needed, use a shampoo made for cats, keep water warm and shallow, and dry your cat well. Ask your vet first if you are not sure.
When to see the vet
- Bald patches, scabs, or very itchy skin
- A greasy or unkempt coat in a cat that used to groom well
- Lumps, bumps, or wounds you find while brushing
- Fleas or flea dirt (black specks that turn red on wet paper)
- Sudden pain or anger when you touch a certain spot
The bottom line
Short, gentle, rewarded sessions are the secret. Use the right brush for your cat's coat, start where your cat loves to be touched, and stop before it gets annoyed. With a little patience, brushing becomes a calm routine that keeps hairballs and mats away.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I brush my cat?
Long haired cats such as Persians and Maine Coons benefit from daily brushing. Short haired cats usually need it once or twice a week, and more often during shedding seasons. Senior and overweight cats may need more help because they cannot reach every spot.
Does brushing really reduce hairballs?
Yes. Brushing removes loose hair before your cat swallows it while grooming. The Cornell Feline Health Center recommends daily brushing and combing to help keep hairballs to a minimum.
Should I cut out mats myself?
Be very careful. Cat skin is thin and sits close to the mat, so scissors can easily cut it. Small mats can sometimes be worked loose with fingers and a comb. Large or tight mats are safer to have removed by a groomer or vet, often with clippers.
Why is my cat suddenly not grooming itself?
A cat that stops grooming may be in pain, overweight, arthritic, or unwell. A greasy, clumpy, or messy coat is worth a vet visit.
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