How do I groom a cat that hates being brushed?

Short sessions that stop before the cat asks, the gentlest tool you own, and a rake comb before anything with an edge — a cat tolerates roughly one unpleasant sensation before leaving.

Cats give you less rope than dogs, and the method reflects it.

Sixty seconds is a session

Stop while it is going well. Three good minutes across a day beat one bad ten.

Start with the tool that pulls least

A rake comb with rotating teeth rolls through knots instead of pulling them, which is why it works on cats where a rigid rake fails. A dual brush with soft bristle on one side is the other gentle option.

Where cats accept touch

Cheeks, chin, along the spine. Bellies, tails and back legs are where sessions end.

When to stop entirely

A matted cat is not a brushing problem. Mats against the skin need cutting out by someone who can see underneath — for a cat, that often means a vet rather than a groomer.