s professional cat groomers, we’ve all heard it before: “But I thought cats groomed themselves?” While it’s true that cats are fastidious lickers, many still develop coat and hygiene issues that require professional intervention. From kittens to super-seniors, each stage of a cat’s life brings different grooming needs and challenges. Understanding these changes is key to keeping cats comfortable and healthy throughout their lives.

The misconception that cats don’t need grooming leads to some of the biggest coat issues we see in our salons. A cat’s tongue can’t always keep up with shedding, matting, maintaining their nails and other issues. Matting, in particular, is a major problem that many owners don’t recognize until it’s severe. Unlike matting in dogs or human hair tangles, cat mats form into tight, painful clumps that can be difficult and risky to remove.

Shedding is another concern. Beyond just being an annoyance to owners, excessive shedding contributes to hairballs, which can sometimes cause dangerous blockages. Other common grooming concerns include overgrown nails (leading to ingrown claws or breakage), flea infestations, dandruff, and even litter box debris clinging to the fur. So, while cats may try to keep themselves clean, professional groomers play an essential role in their overall care—especially as they age.

Senior cats are among the most common age group for first-time grooming appointments—unfortunately, this is also when grooming is the most stressful for them. These cats often experience arthritis, weight loss, dehydration and skin fragility, making grooming a delicate process. A common issue in senior cats is nail overgrowth. As cats age, their nails can appear thicker, as they may not shed their outer layers as efficiently, leading to ingrown claws. Every grooming session for a senior cat should include a nail trim to prevent painful paw pad punctures.

Matted fur is another frequent concern, even in short-haired seniors. Because cat skin and coat changes with age and they tend to groom themselves less due to arthritis or mobility issues, their coats can quickly become clumped and matted. However, shaving a fragile senior can be risky; thin skin is more prone to injury, and extensive mat removal can cause unnecessary stress. If shaving is necessary, it must be done with extreme care.

Preventative grooming is the best strategy for senior cats. Regular bathing, blow-drying, and combing can help manage shedding and prevent painful mats from forming. When introduced gradually, many senior cats can tolerate and even enjoy regular professional grooming, which makes a huge difference in their comfort and overall health.

Seniors enter a transitional phase where their grooming needs increase, but they may still have the energy and flexibility to tolerate more involved grooming sessions. At this age, many cats begin experiencing changes in coat texture and oil production, which can lead to clumping, excess shedding or matting.

Health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, kidney disease or heart problems also become more common, all of which can affect coat and body condition. Professional groomers should be aware of these changes and alert owners if they have not had the changes checked by their veterinarian. Additionally, the grooming routine may need adjusted to accommodate any health conditions.

Routine grooming can help keep seniors comfortable. For long-haired breeds, a trim or sanitary cut may prevent hygiene issues around the rear, while some may need full haircuts like a Lion Cut (whether removing or preventing mats) or a Comb Cut (can only be done with no matting). The key is to establish a grooming schedule before serious problems arise—waiting until matting, skin irritation or nail issues appear only increases stress for the cat.

During adulthood, grooming needs vary widely based on breed, coat type and lifestyle. Many short-haired cats may require minimal maintenance, but long-haired breeds or those with thick, cottony coats can be high-maintenance even at this stage.

For adults with high-maintenance coats, regular bathing and professional grooming prevent future matting and excessive shedding. Persians, Maine Coons and other long-haired breeds benefit from regular appointments to keep their coats in good shape.

At this stage, owners often seek grooming services due to excessive shedding, skin issues or coat contamination (e.g., a cat getting into something sticky or dirty). Adult cats may also require flea treatment baths, medicated shampoos or sanitary trims to prevent fecal matter from clinging to their fur. The best approach to grooming adults is establishing a consistent schedule, which prevents severe matting or coat neglect that could make grooming more difficult in their later years.

One of the most overlooked grooming needs happens during the juvenile stage. Many long-haired cats go through a coat change between eight and 18 months, transitioning from their soft kitten fur to their adult coat. This process often leads to sudden matting, even in cats who never had an issue before.

This is the age range where many owners first bring in their cats due to unexpected matting. Breeds like Persians, Ragdolls and Siberians are especially prone to developing tight tangles during this period. Even short-haired cats with dense undercoats can experience increased shedding and clumping.

Professional grooming is crucial at this stage, as gentle de-matting and de-shedding treatments and routine trims can prevent long-term coat issues. Educating owners about regular brushing and scheduling follow-up grooming sessions can ensure their cat’s coat remains manageable into adulthood. Remember, matting is not a one-time thing—if the cat has mats at this age, they will need ongoing help with their coat and grooming needs.

While young kittens don’t typically require extensive grooming, this is the best time to introduce them to the grooming process. Getting kittens accustomed to nail trims, brushing, bathing and blow-drying early on can make a massive difference in their ability to tolerate professional grooming as adults.

Bathing kittens is relatively simple when done correctly, using warm water, gentle handling and hypoallergenic shampoo. A soft towel and a low-noise blow-dryer can help keep them comfortable during drying. Nail trims should be introduced regularly, as kitten nails grow quickly and can cause scratches if left too long.

The key to grooming kittens is making it a positive experience. Gentle handling, rewards and short sessions can set them up for a lifetime of stress-free grooming.

Regardless of age, every cat benefits from regular grooming. A well-maintained coat reduces health risks, prevents painful matting and keeps cats comfortable. The key to success is early introduction and consistency—starting young and maintaining a regular schedule helps cats tolerate grooming well into their senior years.

For professional groomers, understanding how grooming needs change over time allows us to provide the best possible care for our feline clients. Whether working with a wiggly kitten, a stubborn adult or a fragile super-senior, each stage requires a tailored approach. Educating owners on proper home maintenance and the importance of preventative grooming ensures happier, healthier cats and less stress for everyone involved.