Grooming & Wellness Myths: 5 Common Mistakes Cat Owners Make (And How to

Grooming is often treated as an afterthought in cat care. Many cat parents assume cats either handle everything themselves—or that grooming only matters when something looks “wrong.” In reality, grooming plays a quiet but important role in comfort, routine, and trust.

At Brigite’s Bengals, grooming is approached gently and consistently, not as a correction or intervention. Over time, we’ve noticed that many common grooming habits come from well-meaning myths. Here are the ones we see most often—and what tends to work better in practice.

🐾 Myth 1: Cats Don’t Need Grooming Help

While cats are excellent self-groomers, that doesn’t mean they never benefit from support.

In our experience, regular brushing:

• Helps manage loose hair

• Keeps coats from becoming tangled or compacted

• Makes handling and care routines feel more familiar

Grooming doesn’t need to be daily or intensive. Short, calm sessions done consistently tend to be far more effective than occasional, prolonged ones.

🧼 Myth 2: Baths Are Always Necessary (or Never Necessary)

Bathing is often misunderstood at both extremes.

Most cats maintain their coats well without frequent bathing. That said, some cats may benefit from occasional baths depending on coat type, activity level, or specific situations. What matters most is that bathing is never forced or routine without reason.

In our cattery, bathing—when needed—is slow, warm, and intentional, with a focus on keeping the experience as calm as possible. For many cats, brushing and spot cleaning are more than enough.

✂️ Myth 3: Nail Trimming Is Optional

Nail trimming is one of the most commonly avoided grooming tasks, often because it feels intimidating.

Regular nail maintenance:

• Supports comfort during movement

• Helps protect household surfaces

• Makes handling and play safer

We’ve found that introducing nail trimming early, keeping sessions brief, and stopping before frustration sets in helps cats remain relaxed and cooperative over time.

🧴 Myth 4: More Products Mean Better Care

It’s easy to overbuy grooming tools and products, but more isn’t always better.

A simple grooming kit usually goes further than an overflowing drawer:

• A brush suited to your cat’s coat

• Nail clippers

• A soft grooming mitt

Cats tend to respond better to familiar tools used consistently than to frequent changes or overly complex routines.

🧠 Myth 5: Grooming Is Only About Appearance

Grooming is not cosmetic—it’s relational.

In our experience, grooming:

• Builds trust through gentle handling

• Helps cats feel secure during routine care

• Creates predictable, calming touch

When grooming is treated as a shared routine rather than a task to “get through,” cats are often more receptive and relaxed.

What We’ve Learned Over Time

The most effective grooming routines are quiet, consistent, and responsive. Cats communicate clearly when something feels like too much. Paying attention to body language, keeping sessions short, and ending on a calm note makes a noticeable difference.

There is no universal grooming schedule that works for every cat. What matters is observing your cat, adjusting as needed, and keeping care routines supportive rather than stressful.

At Brigite’s Bengals, grooming is simply another way we support comfort, confidence, and trust—one small routine at a time.

Silver bengal

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