Complete Cat Grooming Guide — Brushing, Nail Trimming & Ear Cleaning

Cats are animals that groom themselves, but regular grooming by their owners also plays an important role in maintaining their health. Regular brushing prevents hairballs, nail trimming prevents claw issues, and ear cleaning helps with early detection of ear infections. Additionally, grooming time is a precious opportunity for bonding and physical affection between cats and their owners.

Basics of Brushing

Brushing is the most fundamental and important grooming task. The appropriate brush and frequency vary depending on coat type.

Short-haired breeds (American Shorthair, Russian Blue, British Shorthair, etc.): Brushing once or twice a week is sufficient. The basic process involves using a rubber brush to collect loose hair, then using a natural bristle brush to tidy the coat. Short-haired cats are less prone to matting, but during shedding seasons (spring and autumn), shedding increases, so increase brushing frequency.

Long-haired breeds (Persian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Norwegian Forest Cat, etc.): Daily brushing is ideal. Their hair tangles easily, and if left unattended, mats (hair clumped into a felt-like mass) can form. Comb the hair gently from the roots with a metal comb, and if matting has occurred, gradually work it out with a slicker brush. Tugging forcefully can cause pain and make cats dislike brushing, so for mats that won't come loose, carefully cut them with scissors or consult a grooming salon.

Double-coated cats: Cats with double coats (two-layered structure of guard hairs and undercoat) such as Scottish Folds and British Shorthairs shed more than their appearance suggests. Using a de-shedding tool (undercoat remover) can efficiently remove undercoat, but overuse can thin the coat, so limit use to once or twice weekly.

Brushing technique: Move the brush along the direction of hair growth, from the back of the neck toward the back, then from the back toward the rear. The underarms, belly, and inner thighs have thin, sensitive fur, so be gentle in these areas. The tail sheds easily, so use a light touch. The area behind the ears and around the neck are prone to matting and require special attention.

How to Trim Nails

Trimming a cat's nails every one to two weeks is recommended. Indoor cats' nails don't wear down naturally, so regular trimming is necessary.

What you'll need: Cat nail clippers (guillotine-type or scissor-type), styptic powder (in case of accidental bleeding). Don't use human nail clippers as they can split cat nails; always use ones designed for cats.

Where to cut: Cat nails are transparent, so you can see the pink blood vessel (quick) inside. Cut only the transparent part at least 2mm before the quick. For dark-colored nails where the blood vessel is hard to see, cut gradually, and stop when you see a pink dot on the cut surface.

Handling tips: Place your cat on your lap or lay it on its side. Press the pad lightly and the nail will extend, then trim one at a time. There's no need to trim all nails at once. If your cat resists, it's fine to stop after trimming a few; you can finish the rest another time. Forcing it can create trauma.

Hind leg nails: Hind leg nails tend to grow more slowly than front leg nails, but they also need care. Senior cats in particular are prone to curved hind leg nails, so pay special attention.

How to Clean Ears

Cleaning a cat's ears once or twice a month is sufficient. Excessive ear cleaning risks damaging the ear canal, so the basic rule is to clean "only when dirty."

Normal ear condition: The inside of the ear should be a light pink color with a small amount of light brown earwax. If there's a large amount of black earwax, it may indicate ear mites; if there's yellow pus-like discharge, it may indicate ear infection—consult a veterinarian.

Ear cleaning procedure: Apply cat ear cleaner to cotton or gauze and gently wipe the visible area of the ear. Cotton swabs can damage the ear canal if pushed too far in, so if you use them, only clean the folds at the entrance of the ear.

Folded-ear cats: Cats with folded ears like Scottish Folds have poor ear ventilation, making earwax accumulation easier and increasing the risk of ear infections. These cats need more frequent ear checks than usual.

Teeth Brushing

Teeth brushing for cats is as important for preventing dental disease as it is for dogs, but cats tend to dislike having their mouths touched, making it more challenging.

Starting mouth-handling practice when they're kittens makes it easier to establish as a habit. Use a cat-specific toothbrush (with a small head) and cat-specific toothpaste. Wiping teeth with gauze wrapped around your finger is also effective. Daily brushing is ideal, but even brushing two to three times weekly shows results.

For cats that won't accept teeth brushing, consider alternatives such as dental gel (applied to the gums), dental rinse (added to drinking water), or dental care treats.

About Shampooing

Cats are basically animals that don't need shampooing. Healthy cats maintain cleanliness through self-grooming. However, shampooing may be necessary in the following cases:

When heavily soiled (mud, oil, etc.), when medicated shampoo is needed for treating skin conditions, when long-haired cats aren't grooming thoroughly enough, or when obesity or age makes self-grooming difficult.

When shampooing, use cat-specific shampoo and lukewarm water at 37-38°C (98-100°F). Be careful not to splash water on the face, and after towel drying, dry with a hair dryer on low heat setting. Since cats often dislike the sound of hair dryers, finish as quickly as possible.

Handling Cats That Resist Grooming

The following approaches are effective for cats that resist grooming.

Gradual acclimation: Rather than applying the brush immediately, first place it near your cat so they can smell it, then gently stroke with the brush, and gradually accustom them to the brushing motion.

Using rewards: Give a special treat after grooming to create the association that "grooming = good things happen." Giving treats bit by bit during grooming is also effective.

Keep it short: Initially, finish in 30 seconds to one minute, and stop before your cat shows resistance. Avoiding negative memories is the fastest path to establishing a long-term grooming habit.

Groom when relaxed: Groom your cat when they're in a relaxed state, such as when they appear sleepy or sunbathing, and they'll be more accepting.

Getting Grooming-Accustomed Cats from Br-choku

A cat's acceptance of grooming is greatly influenced by experiences in early childhood. At Br-choku, kittens are raised accustomed to brushing and nail trimming from an early age by breeders, so you can welcome cats with little resistance to grooming. You can also receive direct advice from breeders about grooming tips specific to each breed.