Don’t cat’s groom themselves?
This is probably the question I get asked more than anything.
“I thought cats clean themselves?”
“Cats don’t like water”
“Surely they don’t need grooming?”
And yes, cats absolutely do lick themselves. They spend a huge part of their day washing. But here’s the honest truth…
Their tongues aren’t magic wands or a comb.
Cats groom… but only to a point
A cat’s tongue is brilliant at surface cleaning. It can smooth the coat, remove loose bits of dirt and spread natural oils around.
What it can’t do is:
• Detangle mats
• Remove all the dead undercoat
• Trim away hair around the bum
• Properly freshen up a greasy coat
• Clip claws
• Check skin thoroughly
It’s a bit like saying, “I shower every day so I don’t need a hairbrush.”
You might be clean… but you’ll still be tangled.
Grooming isn’t about replacing what your cat does. It’s about supporting it.
Long fur gets knotty. Fast.
If you have breed like Ragdoll, Maine Coon, Persian or a Domestic Long Hair, you’ll know how quickly fluff can turn into felt.
Mats love to form in warm, hidden areas:
• Armpits
• Tummies
• Behind the ears
• Around the back end
By the time you can see a mat, there’s usually more underneath.
Mats aren’t just cosmetic. They pull on the skin every time your cat moves. Imagine having a tight ponytail that you can’t take out. That constant tugging is uncomfortable at best and painful at worst.
Regular professional grooming keeps the coat breathable, light and comfortable.
Overweight or older cats struggle more
As cats get older, gain weight or develop arthritis, they simply can’t bend the way they used to.
That’s when you might notice:
• Greasy fur
• Dandruff
• Thick undercoat build up
• Poo stuck in the fluff
It’s not that they’ve stopped caring. They physically can’t reach.
Helping them stay clean isn’t vanity. It’s kindness. It keeps them comfortable, reduces skin irritation and helps prevent infections.
Cats deserve more
We’re very used to the idea of dogs being groomed. It’s normal and expected.
But cats deserve the same level of care and comfort.
A clean, well maintained coat means:
• Less itching
• Less matting
• Better skin health
• More comfort
• A happier cat
Grooming isn’t about fluffing them up. It’s about welfare.
So yes, cats lick themselves.
But they need support grooming.
Professional Cat Grooming in Grimsby and Cleethorpes
If you’re based in Grimsby, Cleethorpes or the surrounding Lincolnshire area and you’ve been wondering whether your cat might benefit from grooming, every cat benefits from regular grooming.
Many of my cat clients start off as a “one off” because of matting or a messy back end. But once owners see the difference in how their cat moves, feels and easier home maintenance, regular grooming suddenly makes a lot more sense.
If you’re not sure what your cat needs, you’re welcome to get in touch and tell me a little about your cat. Age, breed, coat type, any concerns. I can guide you through the options and recommend what’s most suitable.
I also offer a free meet & treat/consultation to visit the salon, ask any questions and we can create a personalised grooming plan for your cat.