Cats are designed to look after their own coats. Their rough tongues are like mini-brushes, removing dead hair and distributing oils through the coat. However, they still need a helping hand - to reduce furballs, for instance, especially long coated types.

Also, many breeds of cat are quite different to how they originally were before human breeders modified them. For example, the Ragdoll's coat is far thicker and longer nowadays, and without help with grooming would soon become a painful mass of knots. Grooming isn't just about making your cat look good; it removes dead hair, keeps the coat and skin healthy, helps you build a bond, and gives you the opportunity to check overall general health.

Brushing
Breed needs will vary according to their type of coat. Initially, a kitten's coat will be softer, fluffier, and shorter than an adult's. And even if it isn't yet required, it's still a good idea to get your kitten used to being groomed. Teaching a kitten to be handled and even enjoy the experience will make grooming much easier in the future. The good news is that cats usually love being groomed. Most will even learn to come running when they see you have their brush or comb in hand, just for the attention!

A short coated cat will only need a quick 'once-over' with light brush or comb once a week. A long coated breed, such as a Persian, will need daily attention with the right type of equipment - ask your breeder or a groomer for advice.

• When your kitten is on your lap, start brushing gently.
• Give some praise for being good in a quiet, soothing tone of voice.
• After just two minutes, stop brushing and start stroking again. Offer a treat as an extra reward.
• Repeat several times a day, gradually increasing the length of brushing time.
• If the kitten attempts to bite or swipe the brush, turn away but don't let go. Cats hate to be ignored and soon learn that attacking the brush loses your attention.
• When your cat is familiar with the sensation of being groomed (after about five days), start to groom the belly, tail, ears and other sensitive areas. Be extra gentle and keep the initial sessions very short. If you notice any signs of boredom or agitation, go back to grooming the back.
• While the cat is relaxed and enjoying the experience, touch the feet and examine the nails and toes. Start with one nail, then praise and reward. At the next session, try touching two toes and so on, gradually increasing the time you spend touching the feet.
• Look inside your pet's ears and gently open the mouth to examine the teeth and gums.
• You may want to get long-haired breeds that need extensive grooming used to being groomed on a non-slip surface on a table. Once the kittens have learnt the routine, take them to the table where you will want to groom them as adults. They will soon associate this spot with being groomed.
• Always end a grooming session with a good fuss and a stroke.

Nails
Cat claws are layered. When cats climb a tree or use their scratching post, they will pull off the outer layer to reveal a new, sharp nail underneath (you will often find discarded outer husks around favourite scratching areas). Active, healthy cats rarely need their nails cut, but house-cats and older cats may need some attention.

• Check your cat's nails once a week.
• If they show when the cat is resting - normally the nails would be completely retracted and tucked away - then they will need trimming. Usually, it is the back paw nails that need trimming, as cats keep their front ones short and sharp by scratching trees or scratching posts.
• It can be quite nerve-wracking to do this, so if you are inexperienced you can hurt your cat if you get it wrong and cut into the 'quick'. Ask your vet or groomer to show you how to trim nails properly if you are unsure.
• When you check the nails, also check the paw pads for any cuts or foreign bodies. Check between the toes for any signs of soreness. Contact your vet if you find anything unusual.

General weekly checks

• Check your cat's ears. Are they clean and fresh-smelling? Contact your vet if they are dirty, smell bad, are red or itchy. Also get in touch if cats keep shaking their heads. Ear mites are a common problem in the cat world.
• Run your hands all over your cat's body. Are there any scratches, lumps or bumps? If so, contact your vet.
• Check the eyes and nose - and contact your vet if you notice any discharge.
• Check under your cat's tail. The rear end should be clean and healthy looking. Any signs of dirt, worms, or soreness should be reported to your vet.
• Run your hand against the direction of the coat, to fluff the hair up. Check the hair roots and skin. Are there any signs of parasites, or flea dirt (black specks)?

Bathing
Most short-haired cats go through their lives without being bathed. However, there may be times when they need a dip - if they have diarrhoea for example. Long-coated breeds and show cats are bathed quite frequently, so get them used to an occasional warm bath while still young. If you prefer, you can always leave it to the expert and ask your groomer or vet for help.

• Groom the coat thoroughly so there are no knots. A tangled coat will get 100 times worse when wet.
• Put a rubber mat at the bottom of the sink. You can use the bath, but a sink should be big enough and will save you stooping.
• Half-fill the sink with warm water and attach a nozzle spray to the taps.
• Have your mild cat shampoo and a towel to hand, so everything you need is within reaching distance.
• If you aren't sure you can cope single-handedly, enlist some help. If you act as if you are nervous or incompetent, your cat won't let you anywhere near!
• Hold your cat gently but firmly, place in the sink and wet the coat all over.
• Try to avoid getting water in your cat's eyes and ears.
• Apply the shampoo as instructed and rinse thoroughly.
• Now lift the 'bather' out, wrap a towel around stroke the cat through the towel to remove excess moisture. Finish drying in a warm room.
• Check the water in the sink for any signs of parasites, such as fleas and ticks. If you notice any, both your home and cat may need treating (consult your vet).
• If the coat is very long, it may need blow-drying while brushing it. Your breeder will have included this in the grooming instructions together with any styling details. Keep the dryer away from the skin and on a cool setting, as the skin can burn.
• Don't let your cat venture outside until the coat is completely dry.