Your New Kitten’s Good Grooming Guide: Brushing 101

When it comes to grooming, kittens are fastidious; they clean themselves multiple times a day. Occasionally though, they need a little help from their humans.

Grooming your kitten gives you a great opportunity to bond and make a fuss over them. It’s also good for their wellbeing, as it helps to remove loose hairs that could otherwise build up into hairballs.

Short-haired kittens can be groomed once a week, while long-haired breeds may require daily brushing. Ask your vet for advice on the proper grooming schedule for your kitten or cat.

Did You Know? Cats usually moult in spring, so your kitten may need some extra grooming help from you during this time of the year.

Brushing a kitten for the first time

Here are some tips for getting a new kitten used to being groomed.

• Choose a time when your kitten is relaxed, in a comfortable spot or settled on your lap.
• Show your kitten the brush or comb and allow them to sniff it. Discourage them from biting, chewing or play-fighting with it.
• Speak softly to your kitten while brushing very gently along the sides of their body, in the direction of the hair growth.
• Alternate the brushing with stroking and petting.
• Stop grooming if you notice your kitten seems agitated, distressed or uncomfortable.
• Keep your first grooming session short, and build up the length of time over the days and weeks to come.
• Once your kitten is more comfortable with being brushed, you can include other areas like their head, tail and tummy.

Your vet will be happy to advise you on the right brush and/ or comb for your kitten’s coat.

Grooming is a great opportunity for a health check

Once your kitten is used to being brushed, you can use your grooming sessions to check up on their overall health. Gently examine the different areas of your kitten’s body during grooming.

• Look for any signs of redness or irritation on their skin.
• Check for dry, matted, thinning or bald patches on their coat.
• Feel for any unusual lumps or bumps.
• Check their ears and eyes for any redness or discharge.
• Check under the tail for signs of redness or irritation.
• If your kitten will let you, gently open their mouth to check for any issues with their teeth and gums.

If you handle your kitten regularly from a young age, they’ll get used to it and realise there’s nothing to be frightened of. Brushing can be a fun and relaxing bonding experience for you and your furry friend if you take things slowly and let them get used to it.