Cats have a well-earned reputation for keeping themselves tidy. So when a cat's coat starts to look clumpy, greasy or unkempt, it's often a sign something is making self-grooming harder. Here's how to tell when your cat could use a hand.
Don't cats groom themselves?
Most do. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that most healthy adult cats are fastidious groomers and rarely need a bath. For a young, short-haired cat, a quick brushing now and then may be all that's needed.
VCA also notes that cats with short coats may require less frequent brushing than long-haired cats.
But self-grooming has limits. Coat length, age, weight and health can all affect how well a cat keeps up.
Which cats are most likely to need grooming help?
Long-haired cats
Long coats tangle easily. VCA says cats with long, silky or curly coats need daily brushing to keep hair from tangling or matting, especially around the ears, in the armpits and along the back of the legs. The ASPCA notes that long-haired indoor cats shed throughout the year and need grooming sessions every few days.
Senior cats
Aging bodies don't bend like they used to. VCA explains that an older cat may have arthritic pain that prevents her from grooming properly, and the Cornell Feline Health Center says older cats can benefit from more hands-on help if their self-grooming begins to wane. Cornell also notes that changes in an older cat can signal health problems your veterinarian should check.
Overweight cats
According to VCA, an overweight cat may have difficulty reaching certain areas of her body. In one ASPCA grooming story, being overweight made it difficult for a matted cat to reach certain areas, and his owner was advised to brush him up to twice a week and monitor his diet.
What are the signs your cat needs professional grooming?
- Mats or clumps you can feel close to the skin, often behind the legs, in the armpits or around the back end
- A greasy, spiky or unkempt coat that your cat no longer keeps up with
- Heavy shedding or frequent hairballs
- Debris stuck around the back end
- Your cat won't tolerate brushing at home, or you're worried about hurting them
Matting around the hind end matters more than it seems. The ASPCA notes that mats there can lead to feces building up, and that fleas and ticks can hide in mats.
Some signs point to a vet visit instead of, or before, a groomer. The ASPCA lists constant scratching, licking or chewing at the skin, and hair loss or bald patches, among signs of skin problems, and advises a vet exam as soon as you notice anything abnormal.
Why do matted cats sometimes need a shave-down?
Mats pull on the skin, and working them out can be uncomfortable for a cat. At Prideful Grooming, when matting is severe, shaving down is the most humane, pain-free option so a healthy coat can grow back. VCA also notes that long-haired cats prone to large mats, or cats that don't groom well, may benefit from being shaved down periodically.
Please don't try to cut mats out at home. VCA warns that mats sit very close to the skin and it's easy to cut it with scissors. VCA also notes a veterinarian can sedate a cat for pain-free mat removal if needed.
If your cat spends time outside in summer, mention it. VCA advises leaving at least 1 inch of coat on outdoor cats to help avoid sunburn or sun damage to the skin.
If your cat is matted, call us before booking. Matted grooms can take 3–4 hours and are priced by the care needed.
How often should a cat be professionally groomed?
On average, we recommend grooming cats every 6–8 weeks, depending on breed, coat, time outdoors and how much brushing happens at home. Long-haired, senior and overweight cats may do best at the shorter end.
Between visits, brushing helps a lot. VCA says daily brushing reduces the amount of hair a cat swallows during self-grooming, which can mean fewer hairballs.
What should you expect at your cat's grooming appointment?
A full groom includes a full bath, blow drying, a haircut, a pawdicure (nail trim) and teeth cleaning. Grooming-level teeth cleaning freshens the mouth but does not replace a professional dental exam and cleaning from your veterinarian.
Before the visit, have your cat's rabies and distemper vaccination records ready along with your veterinarian's name and phone number. All pets must be on flea and tick prevention; ask your vet which product is safe for your cat.
If your cat is nervous around new people or has ever swatted or nipped during handling, let us know when you book so the visit can be planned around their comfort.
Cat parents in East Rutherford, Rochelle Park and around Bergen County can see our full grooming services or book a cat groom online.
Sources
- Grooming and Coat Care for Your Cat, VCA Animal Hospitals
- How to Groom a Long-Haired Cat, VCA Animal Hospitals
- Loving Care for Older Cats, Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Cat Grooming Tips, ASPCA
- Feline Fabulous: A Good Grooming Transforms Matted Cat, ASPCA
- Hair Comes Trouble: Why Pets Need Regular Grooming, ASPCA
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet has a health concern, talk to your veterinarian.
