How to groom a cat at home

Did your kitty get herself into a mess, and now a bath is in order? While cats are known to be clean creatures since they groom themselves, the majority of cat owners will still find it necessary to give their furry feline full grooming for optimal skin health and fur maintenance.

Depending on your cat's temperament, grooming might not be easy. But a clean cat is a happy cat—and the steps we've outlined below will help you groom your cat at home.

Tools for cat grooming

The good news is you don't need many tools and products when grooming a cat, and whatever you need can be used repeatedly. With all things in life, it's wise to invest in good quality products that will last a long time.

• Nail clippers - to give those sharp claws a trim

• Scissors - to remove matted fur and clean up around the ears and neck

• Shampoo - to clean the fur, promote natural oils, and add a pleasant scent to your cat's coat

• A large dry towel - for a post-wash drying

• Hairdryer - to make the drying job much easier, if your cat doesn't mind

• Mat - to prevent slipping in the sink, tub, or bath

• Thick rubber gloves - to protect yourself from accidental scratches in the bath

How long does it take to groom a cat?

This depends on the cat's cooperation and overall condition. Full grooming can take anywhere from 1 hour for a calm cat needing light freshening to 3 hours for a filthy and restless cat. 

If your cat dislikes grooming, the task becomes more challenging and takes more time and patience. Likewise, you will need more time and effort if the cat has gone too long without grooming and is a matted mess with claws like Wolverine.

If you opt to hire a professional cat groomer, they would only take about an hour or so, depending on what needs to be done.

Groom your cat at home in 6 steps

Step 1: Brush your cat's coat

Brushing should be regular maintenance to ensure your cat's coat is tidy all year round. Don't underestimate the importance of brushing as it removes dirt and debris, untangles fur, and spreads healthy natural oil throughout the cat's coat. 

A routine brush also makes grooming a lot easier when that time comes, saving you and your cat a lot of time trying to get rid of knotting and matting. 

How to brush short-haired cats:

• Brush once a week

• Work in a head-to-tail motion

• Use a metal brush to remove loose fur

• Use a brush with bristles to remove dead fur

How to brush long-haired cats:

• Brush daily

• Work upward, starting from the legs and belly

• Use a metal brush to remove loose fur

• Use a brush with bristles to remove dead fur

• Part fur down the cat's spine and tail and brush to each side evenly

Step 2: Detangle or trim your cat's fur

De-matting becomes necessary when you haven't brushed your cat regularly or if your cat likes to get in messy situations. Unfortunately, this is not always easy, as the cat may find the experience unsettling.

If possible, wait until your cat is comfortable and untangle the fur with your fingers. Any lumps of hair you can't save should be trimmed with scissors, making future brushing easier. 

As grooming a cat with matted hair can be challenging, a local cat groomer may be the best option. They will also be capable of styling your cat's fur better.

Step 3: Clip your cat's nails

Many cat owners wait until they get a nasty little claw scratch before they remember to clip their cat's nails. However, similar to brushing, the more frequently you clip your cat's claws, the easier they are to maintain. Regular nail clipping also helps your cat get more comfortable with the experience. 

It would be best to clip your cat's claws approximately every two weeks; however, how often you cut your cat's nails depends on how fast they grow. 

Cat nail clipping is not always easy, so make it a playful one to help your cat feel safe. Giving treats can help make things more relaxed. 

How to clip a cat's claws:

• Gently apply pressure to the cat's foot until the claws can be seen

• Use a nail trimmer that is designed for cat claws

• Only cut the white tip of the claw; Never clip the inner pink area as it has blood vessels and nerves

• Styptic powder is good to have in case there is an accident and bleeding occurs

• Give the cat a treat at completion to acknowledge its good cooperation

Step 4: Clean your cat's ears 

Ear mites are a common disorder among cats; some are more prone to it than others. If you live in a multi-cat household, checking your cats' ears regularly is even more important, as it's easy for this condition to spread. Cleaning your cat's ears should prevent this.

How to clean your cat's ears:

• Pour liquid ear cleaning solution onto a cotton ball or cotton bud.

• Hold your cat's ear back and wipe on the surface of the outer ear, making sure to remove any visible earwax or gunk.

• Move the debris away from the cat's ear and towards the fur.

• Dry the ear with soft tissues and discard the earwax.

Be gentle and use a light hand when cleaning your cat's ears. Don't poke inside the ear either, as it might be too sensitive for your cat.

Step 5: Bathe your cat

You should wash your cat every four to six weeks. However, there are also other signs to look for that may require bathing sooner. If your cat's coat feels oily, sticky, or smells unappealing, it's best to get them into the bath sooner rather than later. 

It's important to find a brand of shampoo suited for cats, and it doesn't hurt to go a step further and find one that suits your cat's fur length for optimum results.

How to bathe a cat:

• Brush out as much loose hair as possible to avoid the fur clogging the drain

• Put down a mat to help your cat stand on the bath, tub, or sink flooring safely

• Fill the tub with warm water. Be sure it's not too hot or cold, as it can harm the cat's skin and make the bathing task more challenging.

• Calmly wet your cat using either a hose, jug, or bucket, and be sure to avoid getting water in their eyes, ears, and nose.

• Massage a small amount of shampoo through the cat's fur, from the neck to the tail.

• Rinse all the shampoo from the cat's fur, avoiding the face.

• Dry your cat thoroughly and let them rest somewhere warm.

Step 6: Dry your cat

Dry your cat as soon as possible with a large dry towel. A hairdryer on the lowest setting is another good way to quickly dry the wet fur, but only use one if your cat allows it and doesn't seem distressed. 

Drying is also an excellent time to check the cat for any irregularities on her skin, like cuts, bumps, and balding. These irregularities may indicate allergies, stress, or other health issues. 

Once touch-dry, let your cat rest in a warm room of the house or in the sun to allow its coat and skin to dry completely.

How to dry a cat:

• Lay down a large dry towel on a flat surface

• Place your freshly washed cat on the towel

• Use the towel to dry the cat's fur

• If suitable, use a hairdryer on a low setting

• Wrap the cat in a large towel to absorb any excess water and warm its coat

• Let your cat rest in a warm place

It's time to groom your cat

The cat grooming guide above is all you need to have your cat looking neat, tidy, and fresh. The first few times are always tricky for both the cat and the owner. However, over time and with the right tools, you can become a competent home cat groomer in no time.

If you are still unsure about grooming your cat, you can hire a Tasker to do it. Airtasker connects you with all sorts of cat care solutions, including cat sitting and cat boarding services, so post a task today!