5 Signs Your Cat Needs a Better Grooming Routine (And How to Fix It)

5 Signs Your Cat Needs a Better Grooming Routine (And How to Fix It)

Cats are known for their self-grooming habits, but that doesn’t mean they can handle everything on their own. In fact, many cats silently struggle with issues that routine brushing, maintenance, and hygiene care could easily prevent. From excessive shedding to skin irritation, the signs of poor grooming habits can be subtle — and they often go unnoticed until they become real problems.

A proper grooming routine doesn’t just make your cat look good. It improves their comfort, reduces allergens in your home, prevents painful skin issues, and strengthens the bond between you and your pet.

In this long-form guide, we’ll explore the top five signs your cat needs better grooming, how to help them feel more comfortable, and the tools every pet parent should have.

1. Excessive Shedding Around Your Home

All cats shed. But when fur begins appearing on:

  • couches

  • bedding

  • carpets

  • clothes

  • and even food areas

…it’s a clear sign your cat needs more support.

Why It Happens

  • Seasonal coat changes

  • Poor diet

  • Stress

  • Lack of brushing

  • Underlying health issues

While some shedding is normal, excessive shedding means loose hair isn’t being removed through regular brushing.

The Risks

  • Hairballs

  • Matted fur

  • Skin irritation

  • Allergens in your home

  • Poor air quality

How to Fix It

  • Brush your cat 3–4 times a week

  • Use a gentle deshedding tool or slicker brush

  • Add omega-3 supplements (vet-approved)

  • Keep your home humidity stable

A consistent routine dramatically reduces shedding — you’ll notice the difference within days.

2. Matted Fur, Clumps, and Tangles

Mats form when loose fur becomes tightly tangled, especially in:

  • armpits

  • tail base

  • belly

  • behind ears

  • long-haired coat sections

Why It Happens

Cats groom themselves, but they can’t reach everywhere, especially as they age or gain weight.

Long-haired breeds like Persians, Ragdolls, and Maine Coons are at highest risk.

Risks of Untreated Mats

  • Painful pulling on skin

  • Restricted movement

  • Bacterial growth

  • Skin infections

  • Stress & anxiety

How to Fix It

  • Use a gentle detangling brush

  • Never cut mats with scissors — high injury risk

  • Consider professional grooming for severe mats

  • Brush long-haired cats daily

Prevention is easier than treatment. Once mats start forming, they get worse quickly.

3. Visible Dandruff or Dry Skin

White flakes on your cat’s coat or bedding often signal:

  • dry skin

  • poor diet

  • lack of grooming

  • dehydration

  • low-quality litter dust

  • stress

Why Grooming Helps

Regular brushing:

  • distributes natural oils

  • improves circulation

  • reduces dryness

  • removes loose skin flakes

Check These Areas First

  • Back and spine

  • Tail base

  • Behind ears

  • Along thighs

These spots often show dryness first.

How to Fix It

  • Regular brushing

  • Add fish oil (EPA + DHA)

  • Humidify your home during winter

  • Ensure fresh water always available

  • Switch to a dust-free litter

If dandruff persists, a vet may check for dermatitis or parasites.

4. Greasy, Oily, or Unkept Coat

A healthy cat’s coat should be:

  • smooth

  • shiny

  • soft

  • clean

If it looks greasy or dull, your cat may be struggling.

Common Causes

  • Obesity (can’t reach certain areas)

  • Arthritis (grooming becomes painful)

  • Stress or depression

  • Poor nutrition

  • Not enough brushing support

Why It Matters

A greasy coat is not just cosmetic — it’s often a sign that your cat’s self-grooming ability is decreasing.

How to Fix It

  • Brush regularly with a soft bristle or grooming glove

  • Ensure a balanced, protein-rich diet

  • Play with your cat to reduce stress

  • Create grooming routines after meals or naps

If caused by obesity or arthritis, your vet can help create a support plan.

5. Behavioral Changes During Grooming

Cats communicate discomfort long before fur issues appear.

Look for:

  • twitching skin

  • flicking tail

  • growling or meowing

  • running away at grooming time

  • biting or scratching

  • sensitivity around certain spots

What These Signals Mean

Your cat may be telling you:

  • brushing is painful

  • their skin is irritated

  • mats are forming

  • they’re anxious or overstimulated

How to Fix It

  • Use slow, gentle strokes

  • Keep sessions to 3–5 minutes

  • Offer treats during grooming

  • Use softer brushes for sensitive cats

  • Avoid brushing over mats

Short, positive sessions build routine familiarity.

How to Build a Healthy Grooming Routine

A beginner-friendly weekly plan:

Daily (Quick Care)

  • 2–3 minutes of brushing

  • Check paws, nails, and eyes

Weekly

  • Longer brushing session

  • Check coat for mats

  • Wipe fur with a pet-safe grooming wipe

Monthly

  • Nail trimming

  • Ear cleaning (if needed)

  • Full coat review

Seasonally

  • Extra brushing during shedding seasons (spring and fall)

Tools Every Cat Parent Should Have

  • Slicker brush

  • Deshedding comb

  • Soft bristle brush

  • Grooming glove

  • Nail trimmer

  • Pet-safe wipes

  • Stainless steel water fountain (hydration improves coat quality)

Hydrated cats naturally shed less, have shinier fur, and experience fewer skin problems.

When to See a Groomer or Vet

Seek professional help if you notice:

  • severe mats

  • persistent dandruff

  • bald patches

  • skin redness

  • foul odor

  • sudden aggression during grooming

These may signal deeper health issues.

Conclusion

Cats are excellent groomers, but they still need human support to keep their coats healthy, clean, and comfortable. A proper grooming routine prevents shedding, reduces hairballs, minimizes skin irritation, and helps your cat feel happier every day.

By paying attention to the signs and creating a simple, consistent grooming routine, you’re giving your cat the gift of long-term comfort and wellbeing.