Cat Care Tips

Try it step by step

1. Let your pet sniff a soft pet toothbrush and toothpaste made for their species.
2. Briefly touch the lip and reward them. Work up to gently lifting it in a later session.
3. Once comfortable, brush the outside of a few teeth along the gumline. Build up slowly.

Keep in mindSkip human toothpaste and never force the mouth open. Sore or bleeding gums or trouble eating need a vet check first.

Try it step by step

1. Choose a quiet moment when your pet is relaxed, with brush and reward ready.
2. Use the same short cue, then give a small reward afterwards so the routine becomes predictable.
3. Work towards gentle daily brushing. Go back to touching the lips if that is all they can manage.

Keep in mindBrushing helps remove plaque. Do not try scraping off hardened tartar yourself.

Try it step by step

1. Touch the top of a relaxed paw, let go and reward.
2. When your pet accepts being handled, look between the toes and at the pads for debris, redness or cuts.
3. Wipe ordinary dirt with a soft damp cloth, then dry between the toes. Do only as much as they accept.

Keep in mindLimping, a wound or repeated licking of one paw needs a closer check, not more rubbing.

Try it step by step

1. Ask a vet or groomer to show you the quick, and choose pet nail clippers of the right size.
2. Introduce the clippers and paw handling first. With cats, also practise gently pressing a toe to expose the claw.
3. Clip only a tip you can clearly identify as clear of the quick. One nail and a reward can be enough.

Keep in mindDo not guess with dark nails or an unclear quick. Stop for struggling, pain or bleeding and get help if needed.

Try it step by step

1. Check the species, minimum age and weight range on the pack.
2. Tell your vet about outdoor access, hunting and travel to decide which parasites to cover.
3. Follow that product’s directions. Ask before changing products or using more than one together.

Keep in mindNever use a dog product containing permethrin on a cat. Contact a vet immediately after exposure, even without symptoms.

Try it step by step

1. Wash favourite bedding as its care label allows, and vacuum crevices and upholstered furniture.
2. Pick up poo promptly and wash your hands. Check the skin and coat while grooming.
3. If you have several pets, ask about a plan for all of them, using a suitable product for each.

Keep in mindCleaning does not replace parasite treatment. Never put household insecticide, essential oils or dog treatments on a cat yourself.

Try it step by step

1. Choose a brush for the coat type. Let your pet sniff it, then try a few strokes in a favourite spot.
2. Follow the direction of the coat in small sections, without pulling at knots.
3. Pause if the body stiffens, the head turns away or the tail starts lashing.

Keep in mindLeave tight mats to a groomer or vet. Do not pull them out or cut close to the skin with scissors.

Try it step by step

1. Choose a quiet room. Keep the phone steady, out of reach and clear of any dangling cables.
2. Record just a few gentle strokes your pet already enjoys, keeping the natural brushing sound.
3. Finish when they want to leave. Keep playback quiet and do not extend grooming to get a video.

Keep in mindASMR here means recording the sound, not a treatment. If your pet dislikes the brush or noise, skip the recording.

Try it step by step

1. Put a small mat in a quiet spot. Let your cat approach and reward a paw on the mat.
2. Reward a little stay, then end the session while it is still easy.
3. Later, try one light touch on a shoulder or paw, then release straight away.

Keep in mindNever hold your cat on the mat. Let them leave and make the next session easier.

Try it step by step

1. Leave a stable carrier out, with its door secured open and familiar bedding inside.
2. Reward approaching the doorway, then place rewards at the entrance and gradually inside.
3. Once your cat goes in and out freely, briefly close the door, reopen it and reward.

Keep in mindDo not chase or push them in. If they hide or look frightened, return to free access with the door open.