How to Groom a Long-Haired Cat: Brushing and Mats

Long-haired cats usually need brushing several times a week, and many do best with a few minutes every day, to remove loose hair and stop tangles from turning into mats. Keep sessions short and positive, focus on mat-prone areas such as the armpits, belly, behind the ears and the back of the thighs, and never cut mats out with scissors, because cat skin is thin and easy to cut. Large or tight mats are a job for your veterinarian or a professional groomer.

Regular grooming also reduces how much hair your cat swallows, which can mean fewer hairballs, and gives you a chance to spot lumps, skin problems or fleas early.

Tools you need

Tool	What it does	Tips
Wide-toothed metal comb	Finds and works through tangles down to the skin	The most useful single tool for long coats
Fine-toothed comb	Finishing; face and paws; checking for fleas	Use after the wide comb
Slicker brush	Removes loose undercoat	Use a light touch; pins can scratch skin
Dematting tool or mat splitter	Breaks up small mats	Only for small, loose mats; follow instructions carefully
Cat claw clippers	Trimming claws during grooming	See our guide on trimming cat claws
Treats	Make grooming a positive experience	Small, soft treats work well

Step-by-step brushing routine

Choose a calm moment. Many cats are easier to groom when relaxed or sleepy, such as after a meal.
Start with easy areas. Most cats enjoy being brushed along the back and cheeks. Begin there and give a treat.
Comb in sections. Part the fur with your fingers and comb a small section at a time, from the skin outward, in the direction the hair grows.
Check mat-prone spots. Armpits, behind the ears, under the collar area, the belly, the “pants” on the back legs, and around the tail.
Use the slicker brush lightly to lift loose undercoat, then finish with the comb to check that it glides through.
Stop before your cat gets annoyed. Watch for a twitching tail, flattened ears or skin rippling. It is better to do two minutes twice a day than one long, stressful session.
Reward. End with a treat or play so grooming stays positive.

Our guide to cat body language can help you read when your cat has had enough.

Dealing with mats

Mats are clumps of tangled hair that pull tightly against the skin. They can be painful, trap moisture and hide skin problems.

Small, loose mats

Hold the base of the mat close to the skin with your fingers to avoid pulling.
Gently tease the edges apart with your fingers or the end of a wide comb, working from the outside in.
A dematting tool can help with small mats if used carefully.
Take breaks; you do not have to finish in one session.

Large, tight or many mats

Leave these to a professional. VCA Animal Hospitals warns never to cut mats off with scissors, because mats sit tight against the skin and it is easy to cut the skin without seeing it. Shaving with clippers should only be done by someone experienced. A veterinarian or groomer can remove severe mats safely, sometimes with sedation if your cat is very stressed or the matting is extensive.

Bathing: rarely, and carefully

Most cats keep themselves clean and rarely, if ever, need a bath. A long-haired cat may occasionally need one if its coat gets dirty or greasy, or for a medical reason your vet recommends.

Brush out all tangles before bathing; water can tighten mats.
Use lukewarm water and a shampoo made for cats. Never use dog products unless your vet says so, as some contain ingredients that are toxic to cats.
Rinse thoroughly and dry gently with towels in a warm room.
If your cat is very stressed, ask a groomer or vet for help instead.

The “sanitary” area

Long fur around the bottom can trap feces. Keeping this area tidy is part of regular grooming. A groomer or vet can do a “sanitary trim” if you are not comfortable doing it yourself. If your cat often has a dirty bottom, mention it to your vet, as it may point to a digestive issue or, in older cats, difficulty grooming due to stiffness.

When a grooming problem is a health sign

A sudden decline in self-grooming, a greasy or unkempt coat, or new mats in a cat that used to stay tidy can be a sign of pain, arthritis, dental problems, weight gain or illness. Senior cats often need more grooming help for this reason; see our senior cat care guide. Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

Lumps, wounds, scabs or red, irritated skin under the coat
Fleas or flea dirt (tiny black specks)
Hair loss, bald patches or excessive licking
Pain or aggression when a certain area is touched
A sudden stop in self-grooming

Professional grooming

Some owners book regular professional grooms for their long-haired cats, including a “lion cut” or a lighter trim in warm weather. Choose a groomer experienced with cats, ask how they handle stressed animals, and talk to your vet if your cat has health issues or becomes very distressed.

Bottom line

Brush and comb a long-haired cat often, in short positive sessions, paying attention to mat-prone areas. Tease out small mats gently, never cut mats with scissors, and let a vet or groomer handle severe matting. Changes in your cat’s coat or grooming habits are worth a vet check.

FAQ

How often should I brush a long-haired cat?

Several times a week at minimum, and daily for many cats, especially those with very dense coats or during heavy shedding.

Can I shave my long-haired cat in summer?

Some cats are clipped for comfort or to manage matting, but it should be done by an experienced groomer or vet. A cat’s coat also protects its skin, so ask your vet first.

My cat hates being brushed. What can I do?

Start with very short sessions on areas your cat enjoys, pair them with treats, and slowly build up. If your cat still struggles, a groomer or vet can help, and your vet can check for pain.

Does brushing reduce hairballs?

It can, because it removes loose hair your cat would otherwise swallow. See our guide on why cats throw up for when hairballs need a vet visit.