How to Brush a Cat

Co-authored by Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD

Brushing a cat is part of being a responsible cat parent. Regular brushing sessions help to cut down on loose dander, the number of hairballs your cat coughs up, and the amount of fur your cat sheds. You'll need different tools depending on whether your cat is a shorthair or a longhair. Regardless of your cat's hair length, the inspections you perform before each brushing can help you spot problems in their early stages while they're still treatable. In other words, a routine brushing can save your kitty's life.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Checking Your Cat's Coat

1
Wear sterilized rubber gloves. This is a precautionary measure if you find signs of irritation on your cat's skin. You'll be less likely to pass germs into any open wounds. If you find ticks, you'll be able to remove them before they can do further harm to your cat.
2
Recognize what healthy fur and skin look like. Make sure the fur is glossy and smooth. After your stroke it, it should spring back into place.^{[1]
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Go to source} Make sure the skin is soft and free of blemishes.
- Call your vet if you find dandruff, bumps, bald spots, or wounds. Although these symptoms might signal conditions that can be treated with simple lifestyle changes, they might signal something more serious like mange or a hormonal imbalance.^{[2]
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3
Search for signs of fleas. Do this especially if you notice your cat scratching more than usual. Use a flea comb for this step.^{[3]
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Research source} Look for flea droppings. They're small, dark objects that look like grains of sand. You should also look and feel for flea eggs. Because they're white, they can blend in with your cat's skin. Like flea dirt, they feel like grains of sand. Other symptoms include bald spots, skin irritation, and pale lips/gums.^{[4]
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- If you find one or more fleas, your cat probably has many more. Call your vet as soon as possible to work out a treatment plan.
4
Look for ticks. This usually isn't a problem for indoor cats, but it's a good idea to check no matter where your cat spends their time. Ticks are very small when they're not gorged with blood. They're brown with teardrop-shaped bodies. When they're full of blood, they look like large gray cysts hanging out of the animal's skin.
- If you find a tick unattached to your cat's skin, grab it as quickly as possible with a pair of tweezers. Be careful not to pinch your cat's skin. Kill the tick by drowning it in a small container of rubbing alcohol.
- If the tick has its head in your cat's skin, smother the area with petroleum jelly first. This will cut off the tick's source of air and cause it to back its head out. When it does back out, grab it with the tweezers and drown it in the rubbing alcohol. Disinfect the area before proceeding with grooming.^{[5]
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5
Check under the tail. Look for any fecal matter that might have gotten matted in with your cat's hair. This is often a problem in older cats and cats with long hair. You should also check for small tan objects that look like grains of rice. This could indicate tapeworm, which requires immediate veterinary attention.^{[6]
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- If you do find fecal matter in your cat's fur, try removing it with a fine-toothed comb. If this doesn't work—and if your cat doesn't object to getting wet—rinse the area with warm water. If you can't remove the feces through these measures, contact your vet.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Brushing a Short-Haired Cat

1
Move from head to tail. Use a metal brush or fine-toothed comb. Brush with the grain of the fur.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD
Animal Behaviorist
Expert Interview. 17 August 2021.} If you go against the grain, you could cause your cat great discomfort. Move gently, yet with enough force to remove loose fur.^{[8]
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- Be careful when brushing around your cat's ears. Some cats are very sensitive in this area.
- Many cats love being brushed on their faces. If your cat starts to rub their cheek or mouth on the brush, don't stop them. It will help them to enjoy being groomed.^{[9]
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  Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD
  Animal Behaviorist
  Expert Interview. 17 August 2021.}
2
Brush your cat's sides and abdomen. Continue to move with the grain of your cat's fur. Brush the sides first. Using caution, gradually and slowly move toward their belly. If they let you brush their belly, continue in the direction of the hair growth. If they hiss or start to swat, stop what you're doing. Most cats are very protective of this area of their body, as it makes them feel vulnerable.^{[10]
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3
Finish with damp rubber gloves. Apply a small dab of water to your gloves and spread it around the palm and fingers. Pet your cat as you normally would. This will help to relax them and give their coat a glossy shine. It will also pick up any loose hairs that the comb or brush missed.^{[11]
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4
Remove fur when the brush is full. Depending on how thick your cat's undercoat is, you might have to do this several times per brushing session. Quickly pull the fur out of the brush. Place the fur ball(s) to the side until you're completely finished.
5
Repeat 2 to 3 times a week. Make a note of how much shedding you see at different times of the year. Depending on the climate, your cat might need an extra brushing session on certain weeks. Stick to a regular schedule so that your cat can get used to the routine. This will also lessen the risk of hairballs.^{[12]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Brushing a Long-Haired Cat

1
Brush with a wide-toothed comb. Comb with the grain of the fur.^{[13]
X
Expert Source

Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD
Animal Behaviorist
Expert Interview. 17 August 2021.} If you go against the grain, you could cause your cat great discomfort. Move gently, yet with enough force to remove loose fur.
- Start combing at your cat's head and gradually move toward their tail.^{[14]
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2
Comb the longer locks on the armpits and belly. Continue to move with the grain of the fur. Look and feel for tangled balls of fur called mats, which are very common in these areas. Be very gentle as you brush and search. Many cats feel threatened when touched in these areas. It might take them several brushing sessions to get used to being combed there.^{[15]
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3
Detangle any mats. Try using your fingers first. Gently work out each mat in downward strokes. Start at the bottom of the matted hair and gradually work your way up as it detangles. If this doesn't work, use a mat-splitter, working in the same manner as your did with your fingers.^{[16]
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American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty
Go to source} You can buy a mat-splitter in any pet supply store.
- If you encounter one or more stubborn mats, don't try to cut or shave them off yourself. You might unknowingly cut your cat's skin. Call your vet or groomer for a professional detangling as soon as possible.^{[17]
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- Breeds like the Norwegian forest cat require extra care due to the long tufts of fur that grow from the pads of their feet.^{[18]
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  Cat Fancier's Association
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  Go to source} If you're lucky enough to have a cooperative kitty, comb any mats or kitty litter out of these tufts with a finer-toothed comb. If they put up a fuss, contact your vet.
4
Use a rubber mitten. After you put the mitten on, pet your cat in a normal fashion. This will pick up any dead hair from the undercoat or topcoat. It will also help to relax your cat, especially if you had to de-mat their hair.^{[19]
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Research source} Rubber mittens are available in most pet supply stores.
5
Finish with damp rubber gloves. Apply a small dab of water to your gloves and spread it around the palm and fingers. Pet your cat as you normally would. This give their coat a glossy shine. It will also pick up any loose hairs that the comb or brush missed.^{[20]
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Research source}
6
Remove fur when the brush is full. Depending on how thick your cat's undercoat is, you might have to do this several times per brushing session. Quickly pull the fur out of the brush. Place the fur ball(s) to the side until you're completely finished.
7
Repeat every one to two days. It's a myth that all long-haired cats shed more often than short-hairs. However, they are more prone to matting and hairballs. Daily brushing (or brushing every other day) will make these hazards less likely to occur.^{[21]
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Expert Q&A

Question

What kind of brush do cats like?

Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD
Animal Behaviorist
Dr. Daniel Lioy-Ryan is an Animal Behaviorist and the Co-Founder of Cats in the City. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in understanding animal behavior, safely grooming cats, and working with cats at all life stages. Dr. Lioy-Ryan holds a PhD in Neuroscience from The Oregon Health & Science University.

Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD

Animal Behaviorist

Expert Answer

You usually should use a metal comb. Avoid something that's plastic or rubber, as rubber tends to pull too much and plastic tends to produce static, which becomes uncomfortable for both the kitty and the person doing the brushing.
Question

Should I brush out my cat's undercoat?

Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD
Animal Behaviorist
Dr. Daniel Lioy-Ryan is an Animal Behaviorist and the Co-Founder of Cats in the City. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in understanding animal behavior, safely grooming cats, and working with cats at all life stages. Dr. Lioy-Ryan holds a PhD in Neuroscience from The Oregon Health & Science University.

Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD

Animal Behaviorist

Expert Answer

Yes, you should. If the undercoat of your cat is too matted and thick, use a skip tooth comb, as the different length teeth will allow the comb to get into the undercoat and brush it.
Question

My cat wants to be brushed all the time, and never seems to get enough brushing. What is his problem?

Community Answer

No problem. Most cats love being brushed. Continue brushing him once a day, and he will be happy.

Warnings

If your cat hisses or swats at you while you're brushing them, call it a day and try again tomorrow. If you force a brushing on them, you could lose their trust.

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Don't force your cat to sit for a brushing if they hiss, swat, or run away from you. Wait a few hours or until the next day.

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