Regular brushing helps remove loose fur, reduce hair around the home and gives you a chance to notice changes in your cat's coat or skin. How often you should brush depends mainly on coat length, density, shedding and how comfortable your cat is with grooming.
General brushing frequency
Short-haired cats: once or twice a week is a practical starting point for many cats.
Medium- and long-haired cats: several times a week, and sometimes daily, may be needed to reduce tangles and mats.
Heavy seasonal shedders: more frequent brushing during shedding periods can help manage loose coat.
Use the right grooming tool
A soft grooming brush or grooming glove can work well for routine coat maintenance. Fine-tooth combs can help check smaller tangles, while slicker-style brushes may be useful for thicker coats when used gently.
You can browse our cat and dog grooming tools to compare brushes, gloves and combs.
How to make brushing easier
- Start when your cat is calm.
- Keep the first sessions short.
- Brush in the direction of hair growth.
- Use light pressure and avoid pulling at tangles.
- Stop if your cat becomes stressed or irritated.
For cats that dislike grooming, a short one-minute session can be more productive than forcing a longer session. Gradually increase the time as your cat becomes more comfortable.
Pay attention to common problem areas
Long-haired cats often develop tangles around the chest, belly, under the front legs and around the hindquarters. Check these areas regularly. Never cut a mat close to the skin with ordinary scissors because cat skin can be easily injured. Severe matting is best handled by a professional groomer or veterinarian.
Brushing is also a basic health check
While grooming, look for skin redness, bumps, parasites, unusual dandruff, hair loss or areas that seem painful. Grooming does not replace veterinary care, but it can help you notice changes earlier.
What about hairballs?
Brushing removes loose hair before a cat can swallow some of it during self-grooming, so it may help reduce the amount of loose fur ingested. Hairballs can still occur, and frequent vomiting or other digestive symptoms should be discussed with a veterinarian.
For a simple routine, try a grooming comb or grooming brush that matches your cat's coat.