Basic Grooming Routine for Indoor Cats

Basic Grooming Routine for Indoor Cats

Indoor cats still need regular grooming. Keep sessions short and calm.

Brushing

Brush a few times a week, more during shedding. Stop if the cat becomes stressed.

Nails

Trim only the sharp tip if you are trained to do so. If you are unsure, ask a groomer or veterinarian.

Ears

Look for redness, odour or heavy discharge. Do not insert objects deep into the ear canal.

Dental habits

Dental treats and veterinary checks matter more than human toothpaste, which should not be used.

Bathing only when appropriate

Most indoor cats do not need frequent baths. Bathe only when truly dirty or when a veterinarian advises it.

Signs requiring professional help

Limping, open wounds, sudden coat loss or painful reactions need professional care. See Pet Care products.

A realistic weekly routine

Grooming works better as a short habit than an occasional project:

• **Two or three times a week:** a few minutes of brushing.
• **Weekly:** a quick look at ears, eyes, teeth and paws while the cat is relaxed.
• **Every two to three weeks:** check nail length.
• **Monthly:** run your hands over the whole body, feeling for lumps, scabs or mats.

Choosing a brush for the coat you have

A short-haired cat usually needs only a rubber or bristle brush. A long-haired cat needs something that reaches the undercoat, or mats form regardless of how often you brush the surface. If a mat has already formed tight to the skin, it needs cutting out by someone who can see the skin — pulling at it hurts and can tear.

Shedding in a hot climate

Cats in Bangladesh often shed year-round rather than in two clear seasons, because indoor temperature and daylight stay fairly constant. More frequent brushing during heavy periods removes hair before it ends up on your furniture or in your cat's stomach.

Making it something the cat tolerates

Stop before the cat wants to stop. Two calm minutes builds a routine; ten minutes ending in a struggle teaches the cat to avoid the brush. Pair sessions with a treat, and groom at a time of day when the cat is already settled.

Fleas, ticks and skin

Grooming is when you will notice a flea problem first — usually as dark grit at the base of the tail rather than as an insect you catch. Treat with a product intended for cats and dosed for their weight. Several dog flea treatments are toxic to cats, so never split or share a dog product.

When to stop and call someone

Persistent scratching, bald patches, a coat that suddenly looks greasy or matted, pain on being touched, or a cat that has stopped grooming itself all warrant a veterinary opinion rather than a longer brushing session.