Daily Care2026-03-10Carelogy編集部
Cat Coat Types & Grooming: Care Guide for Short, Long, Curly & Hairless Cats
How to groom different cat coat types: proper techniques for shorthair, longhair, curly-coated, and hairless breeds.
Know Your Cat's Coat Type
Cat coats vary widely by breed, and each type requires its own grooming approach. Start by identifying your cat's coat type.
Shorthair
Coat length under 5 cm. Bengals, Russian Blues, and American Shorthairs are classic examples. Relatively low-maintenance, though shedding increases during coat changes.
Longhair
Coat length 5 cm or more. Persians, Maine Coons, and Norwegian Forest Cats are typical. Tangles form easily, making daily brushing essential.
Curly-Coated (Rex Breeds)
Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, and Selkirk Rex have distinctive curls. Their skin is less protected by fur, making them more sensitive to cold.
Hairless
Sphynx is the most well-known. Not truly bald — covered in fine peach fuzz. Oil management is especially important.
Double Coat vs. Single Coat
Most cats have a double coat with outer guard hairs and a soft undercoat. Single-coated breeds (Siamese, Burmese) tend to shed less.
Grooming by Coat Type
Shorthair Care
- Frequency: Brush 1-2 times per week
- Tools: Rubber brush, short-hair slicker brush
- Method: Brush in the direction of hair growth; during shedding season, an undercoat removal tool (like the Furminator) is very effective
- Bathing: Generally unnecessary; only 1-2 times per year if heavily soiled
Longhair Care
- Frequency: Daily brushing is ideal
- Tools: Metal comb, pin brush, slicker brush
- Method: Check for tangles with the comb first, gently tease out mats with your fingers, then brush the entire coat with a slicker
- Problem areas: Armpits, belly, and inner thighs are prone to matting
- Bathing: About once a month; use conditioner to prevent tangles
Curly-Coat Care
- Frequency: Gentle brushing about once a week
- Tools: Soft brush or simply your hands
- Caution: Aggressive brushing damages the curls; use a light touch
Hairless Care
- Oil removal: Weekly baths to remove accumulated skin oils
- Moisturizing: Apply pet-safe moisturizer during dry seasons
- Sun protection: Guard against sunburn from direct UV exposure
- Clothing: Cat-sized garments for warmth in cold weather
Handling Grooming-Resistant Cats & General Tips
Gradual Approach for Reluctant Cats
1. Let the cat sniff the brush and get familiar with it
2. Show the brush while offering treats
3. Lightly brush one area (back) just once or twice, then treat
4. Gradually extend the area and duration
5. Stop immediately if the cat resists; try again another time
What to Check During Grooming
- Skin abnormalities: Redness, flaking, bald patches, lumps
- [Fleas and ticks](/en/columns/cat-parasite-prevention): Look for tiny black specks (flea droppings)
- Mats: Especially check longhairs for matting
- [Lumps](/en/columns/cat-lump-bump): Palpate under the skin for any new masses
When to Use a Professional Groomer
If your longhair cat has severe matting or home grooming is just too difficult, enlist a professional. Summer clips (lion cuts) are best left to experts.
General Tips
- Use only cat-specific shampoo (human products cause skin irritation)
- Turn brushing into a bonding ritual your cat looks forward to
- Watch for signs of over-grooming as well
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