So, you’re considering getting a new cat? Congratulations! If this is your first cat, you might wonder which supplies your new kitty will need once you bring them home. For example, what do you need to keep your cat clean and well-groomed? While your cat’s needs will vary somewhat based on their coat type, here are 10 essential cat grooming supplies to get you started.

The 10 Essential Cat Grooming Supplies

1. Shampoo

Yes, cats sometimes need baths, too. While you probably won’t be bathing your cat as often as you would a dog who goes out and rolls in the mud, you should still be prepared by stocking up on bathing supplies. When bathing a cat, you need a shampoo formulated for pets and should avoid formulas for humans. Pet shampoos don’t dry out your kitty’s skin and coat like human shampoo.

Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is a pH-balanced option made with natural ingredients. The oatmeal keeps your cat’s skin and coat moisturized as it cleans. Hepper’s soap-free shampoo is made in the USA and has a pleasant cucumber and aloe scent.

2. Brush

A sturdy brush is one of your cat’s most essential grooming supplies. If your cat has long hair, you’ll probably use the brush daily to keep their coat tangle-free. Short-haired kitties don’t need to be brushed as frequently, but the activity is an excellent way to bond with your cat while reducing the amount of shedding.

The Frisco Cat and Dog Pin Bristle Brush is an excellent all-around model because it has bristles that work for long and short coats. The brush is gentle and easy to use, but it doesn’t have a self-cleaning feature.

3. Nail Clippers

If your new cat is a kitten, get started on nail trimming as soon as possible. The sooner your cat gets used to having their feet handled and nails cut, the easier your life will be as they grow up. Cats spend a lot of time scratching and sharpening their nails, but you’ll need to keep them trimmed regularly.

Overgrown cat nails can get snagged and torn or grow into the paw pads, and sharp claws can damage your furniture or other pets. The JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Nail Clippers are the right size for your kitty’s feet. The easy-grip handles are designed for left and right-handed people.

4. Toothbrush & Toothpaste

A cat’s mouth can be dirty, and you need to make dental care a regular part of your cat’s grooming routine. Again, teaching your cat to accept the process when they’re young is your best option. Choose a toothpaste designed for pets rather than a human brand.

The CET Dog and Cat Poultry-flavored Toothpaste and Toothbrush kit has everything you need to keep your cat’s teeth clean. The tasty toothpaste functions as a treat for your cat while you brush. CET’s toothbrush head is small and set at an angle, which is ideal for reaching the corners of a smaller cat mouth.

5. Comb

For long-haired cats, such as Maine Coons or Ragdolls, you need a comb and a brush. Combs remove dirt and mats from your cat’s coat and provide that finishing fluff so your cat always looks Instagram-ready.

The Andis Steel Pet Comb is lightweight and features coarse and fine teeth for all parts of the cat’s body. Because it’s made of stainless steel, the Andis comb is more durable than other brands. It’s well-tolerated by most cats, based on user reviews.

6. Ear Cleaner

Some cats rarely need their ears cleaned, while others need weekly wipe-downs. If your cat suffers from frequent ear infections, your vet may instruct you to clean their ears more often. Be prepared by stocking a pet-formulated ear-cleaning solution with your grooming supplies.

Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner for Dogs and Cats is frequently sold and recommended by veterinarians. The solution is gentle on your cat’s ears and helps decrease odors. You can use a cotton ball or pad to wipe out the excess cleaner.

7. Dental Water Additive

If you’re concerned you won’t have the time or your cat won’t tolerate brushing, a dental water additive is an easy way to provide tooth care for your kitty. While it doesn’t provide the same cleaning action as brushing, a dental water additive can fight tartar and keep your kitty’s breath smelling fresh.

OxyFresh Premium Cat and Dog Dental Water Additive is odorless and tasteless, increasing the chances that your cat will drink it. It is non-toxic and made in the USA as well. It helps decrease plaque and fights bad breath.

8. Pet Wipes

Pet wipes provide a handy solution when your cat needs a quick clean-up rather than a full bath. You can also use them during bath time to easily clean your cat’s face and paws. Choosing a pet-safe wipe rather than those designed for babies ensures your cat’s skin doesn’t get irritated.

Hepper wash wipes are hypoallergenic and designed to clean and deodorize your cat. They’re sturdy enough to scrub your cat and feature a refreshing scent.

9. Deshedding Tool

You’ll need something a little tougher than the traditional brush and comb for cats that shed heavily. Deshedding tools are designed to reach down into the cat’s undercoat and remove as much loose hair as possible. They can reduce the amount of hair in your home while keeping your cat free from uncomfortable mats.

The Furminator Long Hair Cat Deshedding Tool is sturdy, comfortable to hold, and won’t harm your cat’s skin when used as directed. It features a handy “Furjector” function for easy cleaning. The Furminator removes excess hair without requiring a lot of pressure and is typically well-tolerated by cats, based on user reviews.

10. Grooming Gloves

For sensitive cats or older adoptees who never learned to tolerate brushing, grooming gloves can be an effective tool to ease them into a coat care routine. Your cat will think you’re just petting them, but you’re removing dead hair and helping their coat stay shiny and clean. The gloves are most effective for short-haired cats and cannot remove tough tangles or mats.

The HandsOn All-In-One Pet Bathing and Grooming Gloves can be used inside the bath or out. They collect loose hair as you “brush” your cat rather than sending it flying off into a cloud. The gloves are relatively easy to clean, but some users reported that fine hair is tough to remove from the gloves. However, your cat is likely to enjoy the massage while you groom their coat.

Conclusion

Regardless of the length or type of your cat’s coat, it needs regular grooming to keep it healthy. Even hairless cats need frequent bathing or wiping to keep their skin moisturized and in good condition. These essential cat grooming supplies should give you everything you need to get started when you bring your new pet home. If you are uncertain or unsure how to perform grooming tasks like nail trims, ask your vet or their staff to teach you all their tips and tricks.

• See Also: Essential Products to Spoil Your Cat

Featured Image Credit: RJ22, Shutterstock