Choosing the Right Grooming Tools

Instead of settling for a tool designed for a small dog, use common sense to find one designed for a cat's special needs.

Instead of settling for a tool designed for a small dog, use common sense to find one designed for a cat's special needs. Pick a brush that doesn't look intimidating, with metal teeth tipped in plastic. To make sure it's comfortable and won't cause pain or even bleeding, test it on the inside of your forearm. 

Cat grooming combs should be coated in Teflon, with inch-long teeth and a tear-shaped handle. The tips of the teeth should be blunt. Most combs come in three teeth spacings: wide (or coarse), medium, and fine; most cats will take a medium or fine-spaced comb. Claw-trimmers, too, must be specifically designed for a cat. Unlike a dog's, a cat's nails are flat, curved, and pointed, and lie atop toe pads. The tools for each pet are not interchangeable.

Shop wisely, and use your grooming tools to keep your cat looking its best year round.