Why “How Often” Is the Wrong Question
The question most cat owners ask is “how often should I brush my cat?” The question they should ask is “how often should I brush THIS cat?” Because the answer depends on coat type, age, season, and lifestyle.
Here’s a breed-size guide that actually gives you an answer.
The Four Coat Types
Forget breed for a moment. What matters is the coat type:
Short, Single Coat (e.g., Siamese, Burmese, Cornish Rex)
Weekly brushing is plenty. These cats have minimal shedding and rarely mat. Use a soft bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt.
Short, Double Coat (e.g., British Shorthair, Russian Blue)
Twice weekly during non-shedding seasons, daily during spring and fall sheds. Use a slicker brush for the undercoat, then a bristle brush for finishing.
Medium, Single Coat (e.g., Bengal, Savannah, Abyssinian)
Twice weekly. These cats have visible seasonal sheds but otherwise stable coats. A slicker brush works for most.
Long, Single or Double Coat (e.g., Maine Coon, Persian, Ragdoll)
Daily for long-haired breeds. These cats mat easily, especially in friction zones (armpits, behind ears, belly). Use a wide-tooth comb first, then slicker brush.
The Seasonal Calendar
Most cats shed twice a year: spring (March–May) and fall (September–November). During these periods, brushing should increase:
| Coat Type | Jan–Feb | Mar–May | Jun–Aug | Sep–Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short single | Weekly | 3x weekly | Weekly | 3x weekly | Weekly |
| Short double | 2x weekly | Daily | 2x weekly | Daily | 2x weekly |
| Medium single | 2x weekly | 3x weekly | 2x weekly | 3x weekly | 2x weekly |
| Long | Daily | Daily+ | Daily | Daily+ | Daily |
What Brush to Use
Short single / Medium single
Soft bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt. Both remove loose hair and distribute skin oils. Rubber mitts work especially well on cats that don’t like brushes.
Short double / Long
Slicker brush (fine wire bristles) for the undercoat. Follow with a bristle brush for finishing. Long-haired cats also benefit from a wide-tooth comb for mats.
The 5-Minute Brushing Protocol
- Start at the cat’s shoulders (most cats accept this first)
- Brush in the direction of hair growth, with the grain
- Work toward the tail, then the sides
- Skip the belly until the cat is comfortable (many cats don’t like belly brushing)
- Stop if the cat shows stress — finish a session early rather than push
Reward After Every Session
A treat after brushing builds positive association. Use a high-value treat (the same ones you’d use for harness training) — the brushing will become something the cat actively seeks out.
What About Hairballs?
Regular brushing reduces hairballs by removing loose fur before the cat ingests it during grooming. If your cat still has hairballs after consistent brushing:
- Add a hairball gel (like Laxatone) once or twice a week
- Switch to a hairball-control diet
- Increase fiber through canned pumpkin (1 tsp mixed into wet food)
FAQ
My cat hates being brushed. What do I do?
Start with 10-second sessions. Treat immediately after. Most cats accept brushing within 2 weeks if you build up gradually.
Is brushing the same as deshedding?
No. Deshedding tools (like the Furminator) cut the undercoat to reduce shedding. They’re effective but can damage the coat if overused.
Should I bathe my cat instead of brushing?
No. Bathing is stressful and only needed for medical reasons or extreme soiling. Brushing is sufficient for routine coat care.
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