Healthy Coats, Happy Cats
Cats may be natural self-groomers, but even the most fastidious felines need a little help to stay clean, comfortable, and healthy. Regular grooming doesn’t just keep their coat looking beautiful—it supports skin health, reduces shedding and hairballs, and strengthens the bond between you and your cat.
Here are 10 essential grooming tips every cat parent should know to keep their feline fresh, happy, and feeling their best.
1. Brush Regularly—Even for Short-Haired Cats
Brushing is one of the most important parts of cat grooming—and not just for appearance. Regular brushing removes loose fur and flakes of dead skin, while also stimulating healthy blood circulation that nourishes the skin and supports a shiny, vibrant coat. It’s an easy way to help your cat look and feel their best from head to tail.
Brushing is especially important during shedding season, which affects cats much like dogs. Most cats shed the bulk of their excess hair in spring and summer, though some breeds may shed lightly year-round. Keeping up with brushing during these months helps reduce shedding, prevent hairballs, and minimize fur buildup around the home.
TropiClean Tip: Use a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt to gently remove loose hair, after using TropiClean PURE Sweet Meadow Shed Control Plant-Based Dog Shampoo to lift excess fur, reduce shedding, and keep the coat fresh and smooth between baths using TropiClean Papaya & Coconut Luxury 2-In-1 Pet Wipes.
2. Reduce Hairballs with Regular Coat Care
Hairballs are a normal (but unpleasant) part of cat life—and for pet parents, they’re not exactly fun to deal with either. The good news is that regular brushing and grooming can dramatically cut down on how often they occur. The more loose fur you remove from your cat’s coat, the less fur ends up swallowed and turned into hairballs in their stomach.
Combing or brushing your cat daily—especially during shedding season—is one of the most effective ways to minimize hairballs. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to spend quality time together. Gentle brushing sessions not only reduce shedding but also provide a soothing bonding experience that helps your cat relax and trust you.
TropiClean Tip: TropiClean OxyMed Waterless Hair Ball Relief Dry Shampoo for Cats helps remove loose hair while nourishing the skin and coat with kiwi and blueberry extracts, keeping fur soft, manageable, and less likely to clump or mat.
3. Bathe Only When Necessary (and Choose a Gentle Formula)
Most cats rarely need baths—but when they do, choosing the right shampoo makes all the difference. Cats may need occasional cleaning if they get into something sticky or dirty, or if they have skin conditions or allergies. Always use a cat-safe shampoo that’s free of harsh chemicals and gentle on sensitive skin.
Keep water warm but not hot, and rinse thoroughly to avoid residue buildup. Dry your cat gently with a towel, or use a pet-safe dryer on a low, cool setting.
TropiClean Tip: OxyMed Hypoallergenic Shampoo for Pets provides a gentle, soothing clean that helps calm sensitive skin and leaves coats soft, hydrated, and fresh.
4. Go Waterless for Stress-Free Cleaning
Many cats prefer to stay far away from the bath—and that’s okay! Waterless grooming products are an easy, no-stress alternative that help keep your cat clean and fresh between baths.
Waterless foaming shampoos lift dirt, debris, and odors while moisturizing the skin and coat, and cleansing wipes are perfect for quick touch-ups after mealtime or litter box breaks.
TropiClean Tip: OxyMed Waterless Dry Shampoo and OxyMed Soothing Relief Cleansing Wipes work together to remove dirt, dander, and odor while calming itchy or irritated skin. Ideal for cats that hate baths or have sensitive skin.
5. Keep Ears Clean and Dry
Cats’ ears are sensitive, and regular care can help prevent buildup and infections. Check ears weekly for wax, debris, or redness. Use a pet-safe ear cleaner and a soft cotton pad to gently wipe the outer ear—never insert cotton swabs into the ear canal.
Cats with allergies or floppy ears may need more frequent cleanings. Keeping ears dry after baths or grooming helps reduce the risk of irritation.
TropiClean Tip: TropiClean Ear Cleaner Wipes and Ear Wash for Pets gently dissolves wax and removes odor while leaving ears fresh, clean, and soothed.
6. Trim Nails with Patience and Care
Trimming your cat’s nails keeps them comfortable and helps prevent accidental scratches or snags on furniture and bedding. Cats’ nails grow continuously, so aim to trim them every 2–3 weeks using cat-specific clippers, trimming just the sharp tips and avoiding the quick.
You’ll need to gradually get your cat comfortable with the nail-trimming process. Choose a calm, quiet space and take your time helping them adjust to the sound of the clippers. A simple trick? Trim a piece of dry spaghetti near them before starting—this mimics the sound of a nail clip and helps desensitize your cat before the real thing.
Nail care also means checking your cat’s paws regularly. Look for small cuts, splinters, or dry paw pads that can occur from walking on rough or hot surfaces. A gentle paw balm or moisturizer can help protect and soothe them, keeping those paws soft and healthy.
TropiClean Tip: If your cat is into overdoing the self-grooming paws, try TropiClean OxyMed Enzymatic Paw Odor & Itch Spray for Dogs and Cats
7. Check Teeth and Gums Regularly
Oral hygiene is just as important for cats as it is for dogs. Dental buildup can lead to bad breath, discomfort, or even health issues over time. Check your cat’s mouth regularly for plaque, redness, or swelling.
TropiClean also offers "no-brushing" options if your cat is not into letting you brush their teeth. These consist in a few options: teeth cat gel (just apply a drop to the teeth), cat water additives (just add a capfull to your cat's water, some have other benefits as well), and cat dental sprays (spray directly onto your pet’s teeth and gums for instant freshness).
TropiClean Tip: TropiClean Fresh Breath Dental Wipes make cleaning your cat’s teeth simple and stress-free. These ergonomic finger wipes let you easily reach teeth and gums—even tricky spots—without needing a toothbrush or toothpaste.
8. Wipe Away Dander and Allergens
Even though cats are natural groomers, they can still accumulate dander, dust, and allergens in their coat—especially indoor-outdoor cats or those who love lounging near open windows. Regular wiping not only keeps your cat feeling fresh but also helps reduce allergens in your home, making life easier for both of you.
Beyond surface cleanliness, wiping your cat regularly can help remove buildup that contributes to itchiness or dryness. Cats with allergies or sensitive skin can benefit from gentle, moisturizing wipes that soothe irritation while lifting dirt and loose hair.
TropiClean Tip: OxyMed Soothing Relief Cleansing Wipes are infused with oatmeal, aloe, and chamomile—a naturally calming trio that helps relieve dryness, dandruff, and hot spots. They’re perfect for daily touch-ups, cleaning paws after the litter box, or freshening up in between grooming sessions.
9. Watch for Skin or Coat Changes
Your cat’s skin and coat offer valuable clues about their overall health. A glossy, smooth coat often means your cat is feeling great, while a dull coat, excessive shedding, bald spots, or persistent scratching could signal allergies, stress, or nutritional imbalances.
Pay attention to subtle changes in your cat’s grooming habits, too—over-grooming can cause irritation, while lack of grooming may indicate discomfort or illness. Running your hands over their body during brushing helps you detect small bumps, flakes, or dryness early on.
TropiClean Tip: For cats with sensitive or allergy-prone skin, try our TropiClean OxyMed line. The formulas are designed to soothe irritation, calm redness, and relieve dryness using gentle, naturally derived ingredients—helping restore balance to your cat’s skin and coat.
10. Make Grooming Calm and Positive
For many cats, grooming is as much about trust as it is about cleanliness. Creating a calm, consistent routine can transform grooming time from a challenge into a bonding experience. Keep sessions short and sweet—five to ten minutes is plenty—and try to work them into your weekly rhythm so your cat knows what to expect.
If your grooming checklist includes brushing, nail trimming, and dental care, avoid tackling everything in one go. Break grooming into smaller, more frequent sessions to prevent overstimulation. Cats respond best when you move at their pace.
You can also help your cat get used to grooming tools gradually. Let them sniff brushes or clippers, reward calm behavior, and always end on a high note—before your cat becomes stressed or restless. Over time, your cat will associate grooming with comfort and care.
TropiClean Tip: Groom your cat in a quiet, comfortable spot—after playtime or mealtime, when they’re naturally relaxed. Use soothing scents, gentle praise, and treats to make it a positive experience. Soon, your cat will think: “That was nice!”.
