Although cats are good self-groomers, they also need a little extra pampering at least once a week. Provide a stable, nonslip surface for the cat to rest on during the procedure. Your grooming area should have good lighting and access to an electrical outlet and be quiet and relaxing.

Before brushing your cat, run your hands over her head, neck, body, and extremities. Feel for lumps, bumps, lesions, and sores. Discovery of any irregularities gives you an opportunity to treat them before the condition worsens.

Continue to examine your cat's skin as you begin brushing. Part the coat to the skin and brush or comb in layers. Look for scratches, parasites, flea dirt, embedded thorns, or redness. Be sure to check those hard-to-reach areas — the belly, between paw pads, and under the legs.

Brush your cat to remove dead hair. Use a slicker brush on long-haired cats and a bristle brush on short-haired cats. Comb through the coat with a fine-tooth metal comb to detect fleas. Brush out any tangles or mats by securing the hair at the base of the follicle and gently brushing the hair at the tips. As tangles loosen, venture toward the skin until the tangles are dislodged.