Do short-haired cats need brushing?

Yes, though less often. It removes loose hair, reduces shedding around the home and gives you a chance to check the skin.

Why does my cat bite during grooming?

Usually over-stimulation or a sensitive area. Shorten sessions, avoid the belly and tail base, and watch for early warning signs such as skin twitching or a swishing tail.

Do indoor cats shed all year?

Often yes, because indoor light and heating blunt the seasonal cycle. Regular brushing is the simplest way to manage it.

Cat Grooming

How Often Should You Brush Your Cat?

Brushing removes loose hair before the cat swallows it, spreads skin oils, and gives you a weekly excuse to check the whole body for lumps and sore spots.

The Urban Feline EditorialUpdated 26 August 20266 min read

A long-haired cat being brushed with a grooming brush

How often, by coat type

Coat	Frequency	Typical tool
Short-haired	1–2 times a week	Rubber curry or fine comb
Medium-haired	Every 2–3 days	Slicker brush and comb
Long-haired	Daily	Slicker brush, then a metal comb
Senior or overweight	Daily, gently	Soft brush; check skin closely

Technique

Start when the cat is relaxed, not right after play.
Work in the direction of hair growth, in short strokes.
Do the back and sides first; leave belly and legs until the cat is comfortable.
Stop before the cat asks you to — end on a good moment.
Follow long coats with a metal comb to catch developing mats.

Do not cut out mats

Cat skin is thin and easily cut. Tight mats close to the skin should be dealt with by a veterinarian or an experienced groomer, not with scissors at home.

Brushing and hairballs

Regular brushing reduces how much hair a cat swallows, which tends to reduce hairballs. Frequent hairballs, retching, or a cat bringing up food are worth a veterinary check rather than a shelf remedy.

Cats who dislike being brushed

Reduce sessions to thirty seconds, pair with a favourite treat, and stop at the first tail flick. Frequency beats duration — daily half-minutes build tolerance faster than a weekly struggle.

Frequently asked questions

Do short-haired cats need brushing?: Yes, though less often. It removes loose hair, reduces shedding around the home and gives you a chance to check the skin.
Why does my cat bite during grooming?: Usually over-stimulation or a sensitive area. Shorten sessions, avoid the belly and tail base, and watch for early warning signs such as skin twitching or a swishing tail.
Do indoor cats shed all year?: Often yes, because indoor light and heating blunt the seasonal cycle. Regular brushing is the simplest way to manage it.

About this guide

We research, write and update every guide on this site. Our articles are general educational information for cat owners and are reviewed against current guidance from veterinary and feline welfare organisations. Read our editorial policy.

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