Brushing your cat: how often, which brush and how to keep it calm
, by Michael van Wassem, 5 min reading time
How often should you brush a cat, which brush suits the coat and how do you build it up calmly? A practical guide with steps, checklist and FAQ.
Some cats jump into your lap the moment the brush appears. Others disappear under the sofa. Still, brushing is part of basic care: it removes loose hair before your cat swallows it, keeps the coat light and lets you check skin and body.
The short answer
Brush a short-haired cat about once or twice a week and a long-haired cat often daily or every other day. During the coat change you can brush more often. Choose a brush that suits the coat, keep sessions short and pleasant, and stop when your cat shows it has had enough. Older cats or cats with overweight may need extra help from you.
How often for which coat?
- Short hair: once a week is enough for many cats. If you see loose hair on the sofa, brush more often.
- Medium and long hair: the coat tangles quickly, especially behind the ears, in the armpits, on the belly and around the hind legs. Daily or every other day prevents mats.
- Senior or overweight: older and heavier cats often reach their back and flanks less well. They benefit more from your help.
These are guidelines, not rules. Watch your own cat: if you see loose hair or early tangles, brush more often.
Which brush suits your cat?
There is no single best brush. The choice depends on coat length and how sensitive your cat is to touch.
- Grooming glove or rubber brush: gentle, a good start and handy for short hair or sensitive cats.
- Soft brush: suits most short-haired cats and a daily round.
- Slicker brush: removes loose hair and small tangles from long hair, but needs a light hand.
- Comb with wide and fine teeth: to check for tangles after brushing long hair.
- Corner wall brush: for cats that want to decide when they get a massage.
When in doubt, choose the softest option: a brush that feels pleasant is accepted sooner. If you do not want to work on mats or a sore spot yourself, see below when to involve a vet or groomer.
How to make it a calm moment
- Choose a quiet moment, for example when your cat has just woken up or after play.
- Let your cat sniff the brush first and put it down next to them for a moment.
- Start where cats usually like it: cheeks, around the ears, along the back.
- Brush in the direction of hair growth with short, light strokes.
- Reward after every session with a treat, play or attention.
- Stop before your cat gets impatient. A short session that ends well is better than a long one that ends in a fight.
- Build up slowly to the belly, hind legs and tail. These are sensitive spots for many cats.
Coat change and hairballs
Cats shed all year, but many owners notice extra hair when the seasons change. Brushing more often makes sense then: what you remove from the coat, your cat does not swallow while grooming. This can mean fewer hairballs, although diet and digestion also play a role.
Common mistakes
- Going on too long, so brushing becomes a punishment.
- Using a brush that is too hard for the skin, especially on short or thin coats.
- Pulling out mats instead of gently teasing them apart.
- Brushing only the back and forgetting where mats form.
- Holding a cat down against their will.
- Shaving a cat without advice from a vet or groomer.
When to see the vet
Brushing also shows you what is happening on the skin. Contact your vet if you notice:
- bald patches, redness, scabs or flakes;
- a lot of itching or excessive licking;
- black specks in the coat that may point to fleas;
- mats down to the skin, wounds or a painful reaction to touch;
- a sudden change in the coat, such as dull, greasy or very thin hair.
The vet makes a diagnosis and advises on treatment.
Checklist
- The brush suits my cat's coat length.
- I start calmly and keep the session short.
- I reward afterwards.
- I check armpits, belly and behind the ears for mats.
- I watch skin, fleas and lumps while brushing.
- I adjust frequency during the coat change.
Frequently asked questions
Can I brush my cat every day?
Yes, if your cat enjoys it and you use a soft brush. For long hair, daily brushing is often recommended.
My cat bites or scratches while brushing. What now?
Stop at that moment, do shorter and gentler sessions and try a softer brush or glove. If the behaviour keeps coming back or your cat seems to be in pain, let your vet take a look.
Should I also brush a short-haired cat?
Not always, but it helps against loose hair, builds contact and lets you check the skin.
Can I remove a mat myself?
You can gently loosen small mats with your fingers and a comb. If the mat is close to the skin or large, have a vet or groomer do it to avoid pain and wounds.
Summary
Brush short hair about weekly and long hair often daily. Choose a brush that suits the coat, build up calmly, reward your cat and watch for skin signals. Brushing more during the coat change can help with hairballs.
Conclusion
Good brushing is mostly about patience and pace. With the right brush and short, positive sessions it becomes a fixed moment of calm, and you notice early when something changes in the coat or skin.
Sources
General guidance on cat care and coat problems: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, and the Royal Dutch Veterinary Association (KNMvD). If in doubt, always ask your own vet.
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