Introduction
If you’ve ever found cat hair in your tea, on your clothes, and somehow in the fridge, you’ll know grooming matters. But in summer, it’s not just about keeping your home clean — it’s about your cat’s comfort and health.
Cats are expert self-groomers, but warmer months bring extra challenges. Heat, moulting, and seasonal skin issues can all affect your cat’s coat and well-being. You might notice more hairballs, extra shedding, or your cat avoiding the sunny windowsill they usually love.
As a cat owner, you play a big part in helping your cat stay comfortable. Brushing, checking their skin, and keeping their coat in good condition make a real difference, especially for long-haired breeds or older cats who can’t reach every spot.
In this guide, I’ll share summer cat grooming tips you can use at home, plus when to get help from a professional groomer or vet. We’ll cover:
- How to match grooming to your cat’s coat type
- Why summer means more shedding and what you can do about it
- The right tools for brushing different cats
- Bathing — if, when, and how to do it safely
- Nail trimming, teeth cleaning, and ear checks
- Summer health risks you should know about
- Spotting signs of discomfort or illness during grooming
These tips are practical, quick to learn, and kind to your cat. Whether yours is a sleek short-haired hunter or a majestic Persian with a tail like a feather duster, you’ll find ways to make summer grooming part of your routine.
1. Why grooming matters more in summer
Cats naturally shed in spring and summer to prepare for warmer weather. This is a regular cycle, but for indoor cats, shedding can happen year-round. Without regular brushing, loose fur builds up in the coat, trapping heat and increasing hairballs.
Extra grooming helps:
- Reduce overheating — Removing dead undercoat improves air circulation next to the skin
- Prevent mats — Mats can pull at skin, cause pain, and even hide sores or parasites
- Keep skin healthy — Brushing spreads natural oils and stimulates the skin
- Spot health problems early — You’ll notice lumps, scabs, fleas, or ticks during a grooming session
Ask yourself: When was the last time you brushed your cat from head to tail? If you can’t remember, it’s time to start.
2. Match grooming to coat type
Every cat’s coat is different, so your grooming routine should be too.
Short-haired cats
Breeds like the British Shorthair, Siamese, and Burmese have low-maintenance coats, but still shed. Weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt removes loose hair and reduces hairballs.
Summer tip: Brush a little more often if you notice more fur around the home. This keeps your cat cooler and your furniture cleaner.
Medium-haired cats
Breeds such as the Turkish Van or Somali have more undercoat, so twice-weekly brushing is ideal. Use a slicker brush to get through the layers without pulling.
Check behind the ears, under the legs, and along the hindquarters for tangles — these spots matt first in warm weather when your cat’s more active.
Long-haired cats
Persians, Ragdolls, and Maine Coons are stunning, but their coats need daily care in summer. A combination of a wide-tooth comb (for undercoat) and a slicker brush (for surface fur) works best.
If you find mats, never cut them out with scissors — it’s too easy to nick the skin. Instead, work them apart gently with your fingers or a detangling spray made for cats. For severe mats, see a professional groomer.
3. The right tools make all the difference
Investing in the right brushes and combs saves time and makes grooming more comfortable for your cat.
- Soft bristle brush — Great for short-haired cats
- Rubber grooming mitt — Gentle, ideal for cats nervous about brushes
- Slicker brush — Works well on medium and long coats
- Wide-tooth comb — Detangles long fur and reaches the undercoat
- Flea comb — Useful in summer for spotting fleas and flea dirt early
If your cat hates brushes, start slowly — just a few seconds at a time — and reward them with treats or fuss.
4. Bathing: Yes or no?
Most cats don’t need regular baths — they do an excellent job themselves. But there are exceptions:
- Long-haired cats with heavy mats
- Cats that have rolled in something sticky or unsafe
- Elderly or overweight cats that can’t groom certain areas
- Medical baths prescribed by a vet
If you do need to bathe your cat:
- Use lukewarm water and a cat-safe shampoo
- Avoid wetting the head and ears — use a damp cloth instead
- Keep sessions short and calm
- Dry with a towel, not a hairdryer (noise and heat can stress cats)
Never use human shampoo — it can irritate the skin.
5. Nails, teeth, and ears
Grooming isn’t just about fur.
Nails
Indoor cats or older cats may need nail trims every few weeks. Outdoor cats usually wear theirs down naturally, but still check them — overgrown nails can curl into the paw pad. Use proper cat nail clippers and trim just the sharp tip.
Teeth
Dental health matters. Plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease, which affects overall health. Start with a finger toothbrush and cat-safe toothpaste. Aim for a few times a week.
Ears
Check for wax build-up, redness, or debris. Use a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton pad if needed. Avoid cotton buds, which can damage the ear canal.
6. Summer health risks every cat owner should know
Warmer weather is lovely for us, but it can bring serious risks for cats, especially those with thick coats, flat faces, or health issues. Adding a few checks to your grooming routine can protect them through the hottest months.
Heatstroke
Cats are usually good at finding cool spots, but they can still overheat, particularly if they’re elderly, overweight, or long-haired.
Warning signs include:
- Rapid breathing or panting
- Lethargy or weakness
- Drooling
- Vomiting
If you suspect heatstroke, move your cat to a cool, shaded place and call your vet immediately.
Grooming tip: Removing loose fur from the undercoat helps air circulate and keeps your cat cooler. Never shave a cat’s coat without vet advice — the coat protects against both heat and sunburn.
Sunburn
Cats with white or pale fur are more prone to sunburn, especially on the ears, nose, and thin-furred areas.
Prevention:
- Keep them indoors during peak sun hours (11 am–3 pm)
- Apply pet-safe sunscreen to vulnerable areas (ask your vet for a recommended brand)
Grooming helps by revealing exposed skin areas where hair is thinning, so you can protect them before they burn.
Fleas and ticks
Fleas thrive in warm weather, and ticks are more active in summer. Both can cause itching, skin irritation, and in severe cases, anaemia or disease transmission.
What to do:
- Use a flea comb weekly as part of grooming to catch infestations early
- Keep up-to-date with vet-recommended parasite prevention
- Check ears, belly, and armpits — ticks like hidden, warm spots
Hairballs
Shedding more in summer means more hair is swallowed during self-grooming, and there’s a higher risk of hairballs.
Help prevent them by:
- Brushing regularly to remove loose fur before your cat does
- Offering hairball control food or treats (vet-approved)
- Encouraging hydration — water helps hair move through the digestive system
Seasonal skin problems
Warm weather can trigger allergies, fungal infections, or hot spots (painful, inflamed patches). Grooming sessions are the perfect time to spot these early.
Look for:
- Red, scaly, or moist areas of skin
- Excessive scratching or licking in one area
- Hair loss in patches
If you find any of these, speak to your vet before trying home treatments.
7. Spotting trouble early
Summer brings higher risks of parasites and skin irritation, but early checks make all the difference. During grooming, look for:
- Fleas or flea dirt (tiny black specks)
- Ticks — especially if your cat goes outdoors
- Red patches, scabs, or excessive scratching
- Bald spots or thinning fur
If you spot anything unusual, book a vet check. Cats hide discomfort well — early action can prevent bigger problems.
8. Make grooming positive
Cats are more likely to accept grooming if it’s pleasant and predictable.
- Choose a quiet spot away from distractions
- Keep sessions short — a few minutes is fine
- Reward with treats or play after grooming
- End before your cat gets restless
If your cat hates being groomed, work with a professional groomer experienced with cats. They’ll know how to handle the process safely and calmly.
Final thoughts
Grooming your cat in summer is about more than looking neat. It’s a chance to keep them cool, reduce hairballs, and check for health issues before they become serious.
Start with short, gentle sessions matched to your cat’s coat type. Use the right tools, keep an eye out for changes in skin or behaviour, and don’t hesitate to get professional help if the mats or discomfort are too much to handle.
A little regular grooming now means a happier, healthier cat all summer — and a cleaner home for you.
Resources:
- RSPCA – Cat grooming advice
- Cats Protection – Coat care tips
- International Cat Care – Grooming guidance