Daily Cat Care Tips

1 Overview

Coat care

Short-haired cats are simpler—use a comb or bristle brush, but avoid metal combs that hurt the skin and cause resistance. Brushing removes loose hair and dander, keeping the coat soft. Long-haired cats need a pin brush first to remove loose hair and untangle, then a wide-tooth or bristle brush. Regular brushing prevents external parasites and skin disease and aids circulation. And isn’t letting your cat enjoy it part of the job?! Cats usually need a bath every one or two months, with light grooming before and after.

Ear care

Check ears regularly for debris; a cat shows problems by scratching or shaking its head. Prevent via weekly cleaning: put 2–3 drops of ear cleaner in, massage, let the cat shake it out, repeat 2–3 times, then wipe the outer canal with cotton. Don’t push swabs deep—this risks injury and pushes debris further.

Eye care

Eyes need little care, but flat-faced breeds like Persians often get tear stains—wipe gently from the corner with a cotton swab and a little petroleum jelly; periodically clean with eye wash or chloramphenicol drops to maintain eye hygiene.

Oral care

Mouths need little extra work, but build a brushing habit early to prevent stomatitis and other oral disease—start by putting a tasty bit on the brush so the cat acclimates; within 1–2 weeks most accept it.

Claw care

Trim claws regularly and file smooth, or the cat may use the sofa; provide a scratching post or scratch toys. If never trimmed, nails can grow into the paw pad and cause infection.