The best way to clean your cat’s teeth is with tooth brushing using a pet-safe toothbrush or finger brush and cat toothpaste. If it’s your first time, gently introduce the brush and toothpaste, allowing them to sniff and taste and get used to the unfamiliar sensation. Gently lift your cat’s lip and brush in small circular motions along the gumline, focussing on the outer surfaces of the teeth. Keep sessions short and calm, starting with 30 seconds and increase the duration gradually and make sure you have a couple of treats on hand to reward your cat for a job well done.

Besides making teeth brushing a regular part of your cat’s dental routine, there are additional steps you can take at home to help keep your cat’s teeth and gums clean and healthy.

• Dental food: specifically, designed to reduce plaque, stain and tartar buildup.
• Dental chews: treats designed to clean teeth as your cat enjoys a good gnaw.
• Food additives: can soften and remove tartar buildup, prevent new tartar formulation and reduce bad breath.
• Water additives: designed to supplement other dental remedies and freshen breath.

Brushing your cat helps remove loose hair, prevent mats and reduce hairballs. Start with gentle strokes in the direction of their fur, using a soft-bristle brush for short-haired cats or a slicker brush/comb for medium and long coats. Keep sessions short and positive, offering treats and praise. If your cat becomes stressed, take a break and try again later – the goal is a calm, comfortable experience.

Mats form when loose fur tangles close to your cat’s skin, and they can become painful if left untreated. Gently hold the base of the mat and use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to tease it apart slowly. Never pull or cut mats yourself – you may accidentally nick the skin. If the mat is too tight to loosen or your cat is distressed, book a grooming appointment or a visit to your vet so it can be removed safely. You can help prevent mats with regular brushing, especially in long-haired breeds.

Start by checking your cat’s ears during regular grooming sessions – healthy ears should be clean, pale pink and free from odour. If you see a mild wax build-up, use a vet-recommended ear cleaner and gently wipe the outer folds with a cotton pad. Never insert cotton buds into the ear canal. If your cat’s ears look red, smell yeasty, have dark discharge or your cat is scratching or shaking their head, book a check-up with your vet – these are signs of an ear infection or mites.

Regular brushing is the best defence against hairballs – it removes loose fur before your cat can swallow it. Long-haired breeds may need brushing daily. You can also help reduce hairballs by feeding a balanced diet that supports skin and coat health, keeping your cat hydrated, and using vet-recommended hairball remedies if needed. If your cat is vomiting frequently or struggling to pass hairballs, speak to your vet to rule out underlying issues.