Grooming becomes an even more important responsibility for owners as their cat grows older. Many older cats experience difficulty in self-grooming, and as a result are more prone to developing mats in their coats.

Older cats can become stiffer in the joints and less flexible in their later years, so your puss may require more help grooming areas that prove a little challenging for her to reach. A cat’s teeth also play an important role in grooming, as they use them to comb out mats in their coats. If your
older cat has lost a few teeth, she may not be effectively removing mats. You can help keep your cat’s coat in good condition by brushing it regularly.

Brushing not only helps prevent matted fur, but it also removes loose hair, which can be swallowed when your cat grooms itself and then develop into furballs. These furballs
can sometimes cause an uncomfortable blockage in your cat's
stomach.

As well as keeping your cat’s coat beautiful, brushing can also be very relaxing and enjoyable for both you and your cat. Your cat will love the extra attention, and making brushing
part of your daily ritual ensures you spend some quality time with your cat, which may sometimes be forgotten with your busy schedule.

Overgrown claws can also be a problem in older cats. Due to a less active lifestyle your cat may no longer wear her claws down in the same way she used to, so regular checking and more frequent trimming may be required. Claw trimming is so
important as overgrown claws can snag, sometimes causing injury as your cat tries to pull the claw free. Badly overgrown claws will also cause discomfort and problems with
walking. Your vet can show you how to trim claws should you require assistance.

Extremely old cats may pay little attention to grooming themselves, and therefore will greatly appreciate everything you do to help keep them clean and comfortable. They can be
wiped with a moist cloth around the ears, face and behind if necessary.