A Guide To Brushing Your Cat

Your cat spends roughlya quarter of their waking hours grooming. They've got an impressive system. Those tiny barbs on their tongue work like a natural brush, pulling loose fur and debris through their coat with impressive efficiency. And most of the time, they're perfectly happy doing it without your help, thanks very much.

But even the most fastidious feline benefits from a hand (literally). Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair they swallow, which means fewer hairballs and less fur mysteriously appearing on your dark clothes. It distributes natural coat oils, stimulates circulation, and lets you spot early signs of skin issues, parasites, or lumps before they become a bigger problem.

Top Brushing Tips

• Cats spend around 25% of their waking hours grooming, but they still need your help
• Short-haired cats benefit from brushing once or twice a week; long-haired cats need it every one to three days
• The right brush depends on coat type 
• Keep sessions short, positive, and treat-assisted to build tolerance
• Never cut out a mat. Visit your vet or groomer instead

Which Brush Does Your Cat Need?

Choosing the right tool is the first step. Use the wrong brush, and you'll either miss half the loose fur or make the whole experience so unpleasant that your cat decides grooming is a solo activity forever.

Short-haired cats do well with a cat slicker brush or a deshedding cat brush. These remove loose hair without pulling, and most cats find the sensation enjoyable (like a massage with benefits).

Long-haired cats need a wide-toothed comb or cat rake to work through the undercoat first, followed by a slicker brush for the top coat. If your cat is particularly thick-coated, a deshedding brush can help manage shedding season.

Our cat coat care range includes grooming tools suited to different coat types.

How to Make Brushing a Positive Experience

Cats are creatures of habit, and that works in your favour here. The goal is to build an association where "brush comes out" means "good things happen."

Start short. A minute or two is plenty at first. Choose a moment when your cat is already relaxed, like after a meal, during a sunny afternoon nap wind-down, or whenever they've voluntarily crawled into your lap. A relaxed cat is a cooperative cat.

Always brush in the direction of hair growth, using gentle, even strokes. Most cats enjoy attention on their heads, necks, and shoulders. The belly, tail, and hindquarters are more sensitive, so approach these areas slowly and watch your cat's body language. Twitching tail or flattened ears? Time for a treat and a break.

If you hit a knot, don't reach for scissors. Cats have surprisingly thin skin, and accidental cuts happen quickly. Use your fingers to gently work the edges loose first, and if it won't budge, take your cat to a vet or groomer who can remove it safely.

How Often Should You Brush?

For short-haired cats, once or twice a week is enough to keep things under control. Long-haired cats need brushing every one to three days to prevent tangles from developing into painful matts.Daily brushing is the most effective way to minimise hairball formation, particularly during shedding season. It also reduces the amount of hair shed around your home.

Don't Skip the Health Check

Every brushing session is also a quick once-over. Run your hands along your cat's body as you go and check for:

• Changes in weight or muscle condition
• Lumps, bumps, or tender spots
• Skin redness, flaking, or unusual patches
• Flea dirt (tiny black specks) or parasites
• Thinning coat or bald patches

Catching these things early means earlier treatment and better outcomes. It's one of the quieter benefits of a regular grooming routine that doesn't get mentioned enough.

Good Coat Care Starts With the Right Products

Good cat skin care goes beyond brushing, of course. Diet, hydration, and the right cat care products all play a role in keeping your cat's coat healthy from the inside out. But brushing remains one of the simplest, most effective things you can do. And once your cat learns to love it, it's a pretty enjoyable part of both your days.

It’s important to choose a brush that suits your cat’s coat type and use gentle strokes to avoid hurting them. Keep brushing sessions short and positive, use treats where possible and gradually increase the time spent brushing as your cat becomes more tolerant. Brush their coat in the direction of hair growth, taking care around sensitive areas like the belly and tail. And if you encounter any tangles, use a comb to carefully work them out. Never attempt to cut out a knot because cats have thin skin that can be accidentally cut. Instead, visit your vet or professional groomer to help remove these stubborn knots. 

So while cats are experts in self-pampering, their humble human attendants have a role to play too. Choose the right brush, be gentle and positive, and gradually increase brushing time to help strengthen the bond with your feline friend. And in doing so you’ll help keep them (and their skin and coat) healthy and happy.