How to Brush a Cat: NZ Step-by-Step Guide

The quick answer: brush your cat in short, calm sessions with the right tool for their coat, reward them often, and stop before they get cross. For most short-haired cats, a few minutes once or twice a week is enough; long-haired cats may need daily help. Never yank mats out - tight mats can hurt and may need a groomer or vet to remove safely.

What you need

• A soft slicker, comb, grooming glove or de-shedding tool that suits your cat's coat.
• A towel or non-slip mat so your cat feels steady.
• Small treats or part of their normal food allowance.
• Good light, especially in winter evenings when NZ homes can be dim after work.

If you are not sure where this fits into the wider routine, start with cat grooming at home in NZ.

Step-by-step

1. Pick the right moment. Brush when your cat is relaxed, not when they are playing, eating or staring at birds through the ranch slider. 2. Let them inspect the brush. Put it near them, reward sniffing, then touch the brush to the shoulder for one second. 3. Brush with the coat. Use slow strokes in the direction the hair grows. Start on easy areas like shoulders and sides. 4. Keep sessions tiny. One to three minutes is a win for a nervous cat. End while they still look comfortable. 5. Work up gradually. Add belly, tail and trousers only when your cat trusts the routine. 6. Check the skin. Look for fleas, scabs, lumps, grass seeds and mats, especially after outdoor time on the section.

Short-haired vs long-haired cats

Long-haired cats in damp Auckland winters or muddy South Island weeks can mat faster because coats stay slightly damp. Keep sessions regular rather than waiting for a knot to become a problem.

What not to do

• Do not pin your cat down and force a full groom.
• Do not cut mats close to the skin with scissors - cat skin tents easily and is easy to nick.
• Do not use strong scented sprays unless your vet or groomer recommends them.
• Do not punish hissing, swiping or leaving. It means the session is too much.

For claws, use a separate low-stress routine: pet nail trimming in NZ.

If your cat hates the brush

Go smaller. Put the brush down near food for a few days, then reward one touch, then one stroke. Some cats prefer a grooming glove before they accept a comb. Food puzzles and play can help burn off tension first - see cat toys guide NZ.

Quick takeaways

• Brush with the coat, reward often, and stop early.
• Short-haired cats often need weekly brushing; long-haired cats may need daily combing.
• Check common mat zones: behind ears, armpits, belly, trousers and tail base.
• Never cut tight mats with scissors.
• Ask a groomer or vet if mats are tight, painful, smelly or close to the skin.

Shop related categories at PetMall

Looking for cat brushes, combs or grooming gloves in New Zealand? Browse the PetMall cat grooming range for current options and nationwide delivery.

-> Browse Cat Grooming

Related reading

• Cat Grooming at Home NZ
• Pet Nail Trimming NZ
• Cat Toys Guide NZ

References

• SPCA New Zealand, grooming position statement, checked 2026-06-05: https://www.spca.nz/advocacy/position-statements/article/grooming
• SPCA New Zealand, responsible cat ownership, checked 2026-06-05: https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/article/responsible-cat-ownership
• MPI, Code of Welfare: Companion Cats, checked 2026-06-05: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/animals/animal-welfare/codes/all-animal-welfare-codes/code-of-welfare-companion-cats/

Important notice

*General grooming information for NZ cat owners. Sudden coat changes, painful mats, skin redness, sores or major behaviour changes should be checked by a NZ vet.*