Cat hygiene: litter, grooming, teeth (tip cards)

Scoop the tray at least daily, ideally twice.Why?Cats avoid dirty, smelly trays and may go elsewhere. Their noses are far more sensitive than ours.Source: [3][4][6]

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Empty and wash the tray regularly.Why?Non-clumping litter: weekly. Clumping litter: every 2–4 weeks. Use a mild, unscented detergent.Source: [3][4]

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Skip scented litter, tray liners and strong cleaners.Why?Strong smells bother cats and claws snag on liners, so many cats stop using the tray.Source: [3][4]

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Short coat: brush at least once a week.Why?Brushing removes loose hair, means fewer hairballs and gives you a chance to check for fleas, skin and ear problems.Source: [1]

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Long coat: comb daily with a wide-toothed comb.Why?Long hair mats easily, especially in the armpits and between the back legs. Tease mats out by hand, never with scissors.Source: [1]

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Quick quiz!How often should you scoop the litter tray?

WeeklyDaily, ideally twiceWhen it looks full

Spot on! Clean tray, happy cat.

That’s a bit long! Scoop daily, ideally twice.

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Tail swishing, ears turning back? Stop brushing.Why?Those are signs of discomfort. Pushing on makes next time harder; finish with a treat.Source: [1]

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Healthy cats rarely need a bath.Why?Cats keep themselves clean. Bathe only when really dirty, with cat shampoo; human shampoo dries their skin.Source: [1][2]

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Trim claws every two to three weeks.Why?Blunter claws are kinder to people and furniture. Add a sturdy scratching post too.Source: [3]

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Check ears weekly; never poke cotton buds inside.Why?Healthy ears are pale pink, clean and odour-free. Probing the canal can cause injury or infection.Source: [2]

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Brush your cat’s teeth with cat toothpaste.Why?50–90% of cats over four have dental disease, mostly preventable by brushing. Human toothpaste can be toxic to cats.Source: [5]

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Quick quiz!Which toothpaste for your cat?

Children’s toothpasteToothpaste made for cats

Right! Human toothpaste can be toxic to cats.

Not that one! Human toothpaste can be toxic to cats.

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Sudden accidents outside the tray? See a vet, don’t punish.Why?It’s usually illness or stress, not revenge. Punishment only makes the cat more afraid.Source: [6]

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A male cat straining but not peeing: emergency, go now.Why?It may be a urinary blockage, which is life-threatening if treatment is delayed.Source: [7]

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