Cat Grooming Tips and What Grooming Issues Might Indicate
Cats are generally fastidious groomers, but if your faithful feline is having some issues in this arena, you’ve perhaps turned to the internet for answers. Here at GeniusVets, we understand that you might be trying to learn more about your cat’s grooming habits and when to seek veterinary care for your feline friend. That’s why we decided to send some of the most frequently asked questions about cat grooming to veterinarians and compile their responses to provide you with helpful information you can trust.
Though we sourced the cat grooming information below from leading veterinarians, we encourage you to speak with your veterinarian — especially if you have any reason to suspect this change in habits might be indicative of a health issue. If you don’t currently have a veterinarian, use the GeniusVets Directory to find a trusted vet near you.
How do cats groom themselves?
Cats use their mouth and tongue to groom themselves. Those are their go-to grooming tools. Sometimes they'll even use their feet or things like that to assist them in areas where their mouth can't reach. And as you’ve likely seen, cats are incredibly flexible. They can get just about anywhere on their body to groom. Much of it comes down to them using their scratchy tongue, kind of like a tiny hairbrush to brush through their coat and groom themselves.
What shampoo should I use to bathe my cat?
This is a great question, and the answer really depends on your cat’s specific needs. The most important thing is to always use a product that is formulated specifically for cats, and to double-check the label for age guidelines. For example, products meant for adult cats shouldn't be used on newborn kittens.
Cats with skin conditions may require medicated shampoos, while those with allergies or sensitivities might benefit from hypoallergenic formulas. If you're unsure which product is best for your cat, talk to your veterinarian; they can recommend something that supports your cat’s unique skin and coat health.
Cat Grooming Products
Keeping your cat clean and well-groomed not only helps them look great but also supports their overall health. From medicated shampoos to gentle conditioners and essential tools, here are trusted grooming products to consider. As always, discuss any new grooming product with your veterinarian.
Product Overviews
- Veterinary Formula Hot Spot & Itch Relief Shampoo – This medicated formula helps relieve discomfort from itching and hot spots on your cat’s skin.
- Veterinary Formula Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo – Combats skin infections caused by bacteria and fungi, ideal for irritated or inflamed skin.
- Veterinary Formula Hypoallergenic Shampoo – A gentle, fragrance-free option perfect for cats with sensitive skin or allergies.
- Virbac Allergroom Pet Shampoo – Protein-rich and soap-free, designed to cleanse while maintaining skin and coat balance.
- ZYMOX Enzymatic Leave-On Conditioner – A no-rinse solution that soothes, detangles, and moisturizes your cat’s coat.
- CeraSoothe CHX+KET Antiseptic Shampoo – A chlorhexidine and ketoconazole blend that addresses bacterial and fungal skin conditions.
- CeraSoothe CHX+MC Antiseptic Shampoo – Provides antiseptic cleansing with chlorhexidine and miconazole to treat infections.
- Dechra MiconaHex + Triz Shampoo – Medicated shampoo formulated to relieve fungal and bacterial infections on your cat’s skin.
- 4 Spray Conditioner – A moisturizing, leave-in conditioner suitable for cats, dogs, and horses.
- CeraSoothe CHX+KET Antiseptic Wipes – Medicated wipes that offer quick and easy skin care support with antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Topical Cat Grooming Products Comparison
| Product | Form | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Formula Hot Spot & Itch Relief Shampoo | Shampoo | Medicated relief for hot spots and itching |
| Veterinary Formula Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo | Shampoo | Helps manage bacterial and fungal skin infections |
| Veterinary Formula Hypoallergenic Shampoo | Shampoo | Gentle, fragrance-free option for sensitive cats |
| Virbac Allergroom Pet Shampoo | Shampoo | Protein-rich, soap-free formula for delicate skin |
| ZYMOX Enzymatic Leave-On Conditioner | Conditioner | Conditions, detangles, and moisturizes |
| CeraSoothe CHX+KET Antiseptic Shampoo | Shampoo | Antibacterial and antifungal with chlorhexidine & ketoconazole |
| CeraSoothe CHX+MC Antiseptic Shampoo | Shampoo | Chlorhexidine and miconazole blend for infections |
| Dechra MiconaHex + Triz Shampoo | Shampoo | For fungal and bacterial skin infections |
| 4 Spray Conditioner | Spray Conditioner | Moisturizes and detangles without rinsing |
| CeraSoothe CHX+KET Antiseptic Wipes | Wipes | Convenient antibacterial and antifungal wipes |
Top Picks
Veterinary Formula Hypoallergenic Shampoo
ZYMOX Enzymatic Leave-On Conditioner
CeraSoothe CHX+KET Antiseptic Wipes
Please consult your veterinarian before starting any new grooming routine or using medicated skin care products.
Can I groom my cat at home?
Yes, many cat parents choose to groom their cats at home, especially if their feline is more comfortable staying in familiar surroundings. For cats who dislike travel or new environments, this can be a less stressful option. Mobile groomers are also a great alternative if you’d prefer professional help without the trip!
If you’re giving your cat a bath or trimming their fur, be extra cautious, cat skin is very thin and can tear easily. Make sure to use the right tools and techniques, and consider speaking with your groomer or veterinarian for guidance before starting.
Cat Grooming Accessories
In addition to shampoos and conditioners, grooming tools and accessories play a vital role in keeping your cat clean, healthy, and comfortable. From trimming nails to brushing out loose fur, these products can help make grooming easier at home. As always, consult your veterinarian if your cat has special grooming needs.
- Cat Bathing Bag & Grooming Kit – A helpful restraint tool to make bathing and grooming safer and easier for both you and your cat.
- Cat Nail Clipper – Designed for safety and precision, these clippers help keep your cat's nails trimmed and prevent overgrowth or damage.
- Cat Hair Lint Roller – Great for removing excess cat hair from clothing, furniture, and bedding.
- Scratch Protection - Cat Bathing Gloves – Durable gloves that protect your hands and arms during bathing and grooming sessions.
- Dechra Cat Lax Hairball Remedy (3 Pack) – Helps reduce hairball formation by aiding digestion and promoting healthy gut function.
- Cat Clippers Grooming Kit – A complete grooming set with electric clippers designed for cats’ delicate skin and coat.
- Cat Brush for Shedding – Helps remove loose fur, reduce shedding, and keep your cat’s coat tangle-free.
- AutoComb Self Groomer for Cats – A self-grooming wall-mounted brush your cat can rub against for coat maintenance and enjoyment.
- Waterless Cat Shampoo – A convenient dry shampoo option for cats who dislike water, leaving them clean and fresh.
- Pet Hair Roller for Furniture, Bedding, Clothing – A reusable tool designed to pick up pet hair from a variety of household surfaces.
- Pet Cleaning Wipes – Handy wipes for spot-cleaning your cat’s fur, paws, or face between full grooming sessions.
- Pet Grooming and Suction Kit – A grooming vacuum system that captures loose hair while brushing to reduce mess.
Top Picks
Cat Bathing Bag & Grooming Kit
Grooming accessories are great tools to support your cat's health and hygiene. Ask your veterinarian for tips on which tools are right for your cat’s age, coat type, and behavior.
How does proper grooming impact the health and well-being of my cat?
Cats’ grooming helps things like matting, keeps them clean, keeps the coat healthy, and it helps to release natural oils. And it's a good indicator of the overall health of your cat, too. We want to make sure that cats have a nice, shiny, healthy, well-groomed hair coat. Sometimes when their hair coat is a little unkempt, or it's starting to get matted or overly greasy feeling, then we begin to look for some other health concerns that might be affecting your pet's grooming.
What are some signs and symptoms that your cat is no longer grooming themselves properly?
Much of what shows us that the cat isn’t grooming themselves well comes down to the healthiness of their hair coat.
Signs and symptoms of a cat that’s no longer grooming themselves properly are:
- When they develop hair mats, where the hair gets kind of clumped together
- A greasy or a tacky feel to the hair coat
- Clumpy hair coat
- Excessive grooming that results in the cat removing bits, clumps, or tufts of hair
- Sores on your cat's skin
Any of the above signs are well worth a phone call to your veterinarian to ensure there’s not a more significant health issue causing your cat’s grooming issues.
Why is it important to consult a veterinarian if my cat has grooming problems?
Sometimes something as simple as an older cat that’s having trouble grooming can be undiagnosed arthritis, and we need to manage the arthritis. Maybe they're losing clumps of hair because they have fleas, or perhaps they have a skin infection, or there's a whole host of issues that can take on the symptom of an ill-groomed hair coat.
What are the benefits of professional cat grooming?
There are groomers out there, bless their souls, that will groom cats. And sometimes your cat may need it, such as with older arthritic pets that have a difficult time grooming themselves and need a bit of assistance there. Many veterinarians will also recommend the FURminator comb, as it helps to pull out the undercoat and has a release on it that pushes the hair out once it gets caught in the tines. Slicker brushes also work well, and you can brush it down the cat's back, and it'll catch a lot of hair. But some people have long-haired cats, and they deal with constant hairballs or things like that, and their cats do better when they're shaved down professionally by a groomer.
The ASPCA also has a comprehensive list of cat grooming tips. If you have further questions about cat grooming - particularly if you’ve noticed some recent issues - reach out to your vet. If you don’t already have one, we are here to help you find a trusted local veterinarian.