Before you start grooming your cat, make sure you have the right tools. Create a cat grooming toolbox where you keep everything to make grooming even easier.
Items Your Grooming Toolbox Should Include
![Grooming comb](/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GroomingComb.jpg)
Nail Trimmers
Look for one specifically designed for cats that is sharp, stainless steel, and has a curved tip. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations as well as a training on how to use them.
Grooming Comb
Combs with long, even, fine to medium teeth, rounded tips, and a handle are recommended. The handle makes it easier to reach between the forelegs and work on any mats that need to be split and worked out.
Flea Comb
A comb with very fine teeth for early detection of a flea infestation is helpful, especially if your cat goes outdoors or there are other pets in the household. An inexpensive plastic comb is fine, but a good-quality steel comb is better.
Other Useful Items:
- Cat grooming rake (if you have a cat with long hair)
- Shedding tool (which is like a heavy-duty grooming comb)
- Grooming mitt
- Clippers for cats with long hair (human beard trimmers can work for small areas, pet grooming clippers are needed for more extensive shaving)
- Brushes, matt splitters, rubber massage tools, and other imaginative items are all fine if they work well for you and your cat
Additional Grooming Tool Tips
- Store your grooming tools in the same cabinet as your cat’s food to help create a positive connection
- Give a food treat after a formal grooming session to help encourage a positive connection or feeling with grooming
- You may also want to keep some tools near a place where your cat likes to sit on your lap for informal sessions
- You may need to figure out which tools your cat prefers. If your cat isn’t a huge fan of being groomed, start with small sessions and give lots of breaks in between
Contributed by Dr. Debra Givin, DVM