How often should I groom my cat?

Most short-haired cats benefit from brushing once or twice weekly. Long-haired breeds such as Persians and Maine Coons often need daily brushing to prevent matting and hairballs.

Why is my cat matted?

Matting happens when loose fur tangles — common in long coats, overweight cats who cannot reach, and seniors with arthritis. Once mats form tight to the skin, professional help is usually needed.

Most healthy cats groom themselves and rarely need bathing. Baths may help if a cat is coated in something toxic or sticky — use cat-safe products and keep the room warm.

Can I cut mats out myself?

Be cautious — mats close to skin can hide sores, and scissors risk cutting skin. Small surface tangles may comb out; tight mats need a vet or professional groomer with clippers.

Cat Health

Cat Grooming UK — Brushing, Matting & When to See a Groomer

Published 25 June 2026Last updated 25 June 20264 min read

Quick answer

Regular grooming keeps cats comfortable and reduces hairballs. Short-haired cats need weekly brushing; long-haired cats often need daily care. Never pull tight mats — they hurt skin. Overweight, elderly or arthritic cats may need extra help to stay mat-free.

Why grooming matters

According to the PDSA and International Cat Care, grooming is not just cosmetic. Brushing:

Removes loose fur before it is swallowed — reducing Hairballs in cats
Distributes natural oils for a healthy coat
Lets you spot lumps, parasites, wounds or sore skin early
Builds trust when done gently from kittenhood

Cats that stop grooming themselves — matted coat, greasy fur — may be unwell and need a vet check, not only a groomer.

Brushing by coat type

Short-haired cats (moggies, British Shorthair)

Brush once or twice weekly with a soft bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt
Increase frequency during spring and autumn moults
Most sessions need only a few minutes

Long-haired cats (Persian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll)

Daily brushing is ideal — see Maine Coon breed notes
Use a wide-tooth comb followed by a slicker brush
Pay attention to armpits, belly and behind the ears — mat hotspots
Start with short sessions; reward with treats

Semi-long-haired cats

Brush every two to three days minimum; daily in moult season

Preventing and managing mats

Mats form when shed fur tangles into tight clumps. Prevent them with consistent brushing.

If you find a mat:

Small, loose tangles — gently tease apart with fingers then a comb
Tight mats — do not pull; book a cat groomer or vet for clipping
Never use scissors close to skin — cat skin is thin and easily cut

Overweight cats, Cat arthritis UK sufferers, and seniors often develop rear-end mats because they cannot reach. Helping these cats stay slim and pain-free improves self-grooming.

Nail trimming

Indoor cats may need nail trims every 2–4 weeks if claws snag on furniture or grow into pads. See Pet nail trimming UK for technique. Use cat nail clippers; avoid the pink quick.

Provide scratching posts — vertical and horizontal — to help natural claw wear.

Bathing

Most cats do not need routine baths. Consider bathing only if:

The coat is contaminated with toxic or sticky substances — contact your vet if poison is suspected
A vet recommends medicated shampoo for skin disease

Use cat-specific shampoo, warm room, and towel-dry thoroughly. Stress can trigger FLUTD in cats in sensitive cats — keep baths rare and calm.

When to use a professional groomer

Book a cat-experienced groomer or vet if:

Mats are widespread or tight to skin
Your cat is aggressive or terrified when groomed at home
You need a sanitary trim (hygiene clip around rear)
The coat is severely neglected after illness or rescue

Some groomers work with vets for sedated clips when welfare requires it.

Grooming and health red flags

See your vet if grooming changes suddenly:

Stopped self-grooming — greasy, matted or dull coat
Over-grooming bald patches — may indicate Allergies-like skin disease or stress
Skin flakes or dandruff — see Cat dandruff and skin problems
Weight gain making self-care difficult — see Cat obesity UK

Sources & further reading

Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.

PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I groom my cat?: Most short-haired cats benefit from brushing once or twice weekly. Long-haired breeds such as Persians and Maine Coons often need daily brushing to prevent matting and hairballs.
Why is my cat matted?: Matting happens when loose fur tangles — common in long coats, overweight cats who cannot reach, and seniors with arthritis. Once mats form tight to the skin, professional help is usually needed.
Do cats need baths?: Most healthy cats groom themselves and rarely need bathing. Baths may help if a cat is coated in something toxic or sticky — use cat-safe products and keep the room warm.
Can I cut mats out myself?: Be cautious — mats close to skin can hide sores, and scissors risk cutting skin. Small surface tangles may comb out; tight mats need a vet or professional groomer with clippers.