The fact you’re reading this already represents a major first step toward setting yourself up for success. As an educator and advocate for feline health and hygiene, I want to be clear: cat grooming is not a gimmick. I think a huge reason so many cat guardians struggle with their care is because mainstream media tells you they’re low maintenance and not a lot of professionals sit down and take the time to tell you how you can effectively and compassionately care for your cat at home.
In today’s world, pet parents are frequently exposed to trendy, highly marketed products on social media that promise quick or miraculous results. While some innovations can be helpful, many are promoted without proper context or education. Too often, cat guardians are left to navigate these choices without clear explanations of not only what their cat needs, but why those needs matter. They’re then left feeling hopeless and frustrated when these “promised products” still lead to excessive shedding and matting, thereby continuing the fruitless cycle of finding another “better than ever” product to meet their needs.
My goal is to help end that consumerist cycle by providing evidence-based guidance so you can make successful purchases and therefore compassionate care for your cat. An essential grooming kit isn’t about having the most tools, it’s about having the right ones. While I am an ambassador for the majority of these tools I’m about to share with you, it’s important for me to be transparent that I would not associate my name with something I didn’t use myself or vouch for. These are tools I use personally as well as on the thousands (yes thousands) of cats I have cared for over the years.
Cats are sentient beings with sensitive skin, delicate coats, and individual tolerance levels. The goal of grooming for the pet guardian is not perfection or aesthetics but maintenance, comfort, and early detection for potential issues. While I encourage cat guardians to be on a regular schedule, maintenance in between is important not just for bonding but for ethical stewardship. This includes combing, face cleaning, ear wiping, and nail trimming if you’re on a schedule longer than 4-6 weeks. Shaving for mat removal or aesthetic should only be done by a trained professional as the risk of cutting is exponentially high for cats.
Thankfully though, when used consistently and correctly, parent grooming helps reduce matting, prevent painful nail overgrowth, minimize stress during professional grooming visits, and strengthens the bond between human and cat. More importantly, it empowers pet parents to participate in their cat’s care in a way that prioritizes welfare over convenience.
Grooming at home isn’t about replacing a professional, it’s like a dentist. You still need to brush your teeth every day.
Must Haves For Every Cat Parent
Nail Clippers
This style is my favorite because I’ve seen too many fingers get caught in closed-loop grasps. If the cat is wiggly or resistant, this grip ensures that you’re not putting yourself at risk by getting stuck or not having the ability to pivot the clipper quickly or as needed. It sanitizes well, has held up for thousands of cats, and even has a nail guard you can add on if you’re really scared about cutting the quick. You don’t need screens, lights, or anything fancy.
Purchase here and use Promo Code MEOW for a discount at checkout.
Face/Foot/Flea Comb
This comb was designed specifically for fleas, however it is the perfect dimensions to use as a face/foot comb. It’s important that a cat’s legs be regularly brushed out as they can quickly become compacted and then matted. The same goes for the top of the cats head, cheeks, and behind their ears. Do not use this on any other part of the body.
Purchase here and use Promo Code MEOW for a discount at checkout.
Pin Brush
As a cat owner, I love a good pin brush and this one is my favorite. I use it daily to maintain my cats’ coats to ensure that the long hair is staying straight and not tangled. This is not something you’ll see me using at a grooming appointment, because it is purely for daily maintenance. I will use it as well before my Persian enters the show ring, to tidy up their coat. An essential for every cat owner to condition their cat to handling and grooming and can be used daily. Specific to long haired cats but short to medium can also benefit. It feels good to them, and supports bonding.
Purchase here and use Promo Code MEOW for a discount at checkout.
10 inch Comb
This comb accomplishes two things. First, it allows you to pull through the coat and see if there is any build up that will require deshedding. Second, it’s long enough to maintain the coat while keeping your hands out of the bite and scratch zone. It’s long enough that it adds additional safety for cat parents who need to brush the back legs and stomach without putting your hand too close. Do not use more than once or twice a week unless you can visibly see build up you’re trying to fix.
Purchase here and use Promo Code MEOW for a discount at checkout.
Cat/Carding Comb
Professional grade comb used to de-shed. I think it’s important for everyone to have on hand, but this is not something you would use every single day. This is the comb to use after you have detected too much build up with your 10 Inch Comb. You can over brush your cat, and pulling out too much coat will cause damage. If your appointments are further out than every 6 weeks, then you’d want to for sure have one of these.
Purchase here.
Shampoo Bar
Pooptastrophes happen. I book out far and I can’t always help out in last minute emergencies. I think every owner should have a bar of shampoo that is cat-centric on hand in case they need a little midnight-maintenance.
These bars are excellent at getting out all funk and feces and because it’s not a liquid you don’t have to worry about bacterial growth, dilutions, or if application will hurt your cat.
Purchase here. I sell these in my shop, so you can purchase at your next appointment or order on my website for delivery.
Facials
Brachycephalic cats such as Persians require daily facials. Tear gunk build up can cause not just staining but infections. Cats with chronic respiratory infections also require daily facials, so having this kit on hand is really vital. I like to use the applicator pad (comes in solution) if the eyes are very gunky, then dry off with a dry applicator pad. Tear staining is beneficial if you have a cat whose coat is getting stained. Follow instructions as provided.
Purchase here.
Ear Cleaner
My favorite ear cleaner is a dry cotton applicator pad, but if the ears are gunky this is an excellent option to follow up with. I don’t always use these on cats I’m able to wash out their ears during the bath, but it’s important to have on hand just in case. Just make sure you’re leaving the ears completely dry after you wipe them down, as moisture can lead to infections. If your cat is prone to chronic ear-grossness, be sure to take them to the vet because sometimes they’ll prescribe special ear medications.
Purchase here.
Tool Bag
Okay so not a necessity but this Andis tote bag is my favorite because it’s padded to keep your tools secure and it’s brand-specific so you’re not going to confuse it with anything else. It’s large enough to fit your cat first-aid kit in, as well as any non refrigerated medications etc. I highly encourage all of my clients to keep documentation of important vet records, vet contact numbers in case of an emergency, and other essentials.
Purchase here. Use Promo Code MEOW at checkout for a discount.
When professionals say that cats are “low maintenance”, in my professional opinion they’re comparing maintenance to something like that of a poodle or Persian. I do think cats are lowER maintenance compared to other species or breeds, but I think we cause a lot of harm implying that they just simply don’t need any care outside of food or water.
Cat Groomer 