Grooming13 products

Shampoos, combs and brushes for at-home cat grooming

Cat grooming supplies cover the shampoos, conditioners, brushes, combs and wipes that keep coats clean and mat-free between (or instead of) professional grooms. Most cats groom themselves well enough, but long-haired breeds, seniors, and cats with skin conditions usually need a hand. This category is for owners who want to manage shedding, matting, or medicated bathing at home without a trip to the groomer.

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Dermcare

Dermcare Malaseb Medicated Shampoo

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The range splits into three broad groups. Coat tools — rubber combs like the KONG ZoomGroom, slicker brushes, and de-shedding combs — pull loose fur before it ends up on the couch or in a hairball. Medicated washes such as Dermcare's Aloveen and Malaseb are vet-prescribed staples for itchy, flaky or infected skin and are used on a schedule rather than as regular shampoo. General shampoos, ear cleaners, dental wipes and paw balms round out the everyday grooming kit.

Most Australian cats are indoor or indoor-outdoor and don't need frequent bathing, but shedding ramps up in spring and autumn as coats turn over. Long-haired breeds like Ragdolls, Persians and Maine Coons benefit from a comb two or three times a week to prevent mats forming behind the ears and under the legs. If your vet has diagnosed atopic dermatitis or a yeast issue, a medicated wash is likely part of the long-term plan.

How to choose

Start with the coat. Short-haired cats generally need a rubber curry brush or grooming glove once a week; long-haired cats need a wide-tooth comb and a slicker, used in short sessions before mats set in. If you're buying a shampoo, check whether it's a general cleanser or a medicated product — Aloveen (oatmeal, soothing), Malaseb (antifungal/antibacterial) and Pyohex (chlorhexidine) all treat specific conditions and shouldn't be used routinely without a reason. Match the pH to cats: human shampoo is too harsh. For ears, use a proper cat ear cleaner rather than cotton buds. Introduce any new tool slowly — a cat that associates the brush with a scrap is a cat you'll never brush again. Nail clippers designed for cats (small scissor or guillotine style) are safer than dog clippers on their thinner claws.

Key considerations

Coat length matters

Long-haired breeds need combing several times a week; short-haired cats usually only need a weekly brush to manage shedding.

Medicated vs general shampoo

Aloveen, Malaseb and Pyohex treat specific skin conditions on a vet's schedule — they're not everyday washes.

Cat-specific formulas only

Never use dog or human shampoo on a cat. Their skin pH and grooming (licking) habits demand cat-safe ingredients.

Introduce tools slowly

Short, positive sessions build tolerance. Forcing a full groom on day one usually ends the relationship for good.

Watch the sensitive spots

Mats form fastest behind the ears, under the front legs, and around the back end — check these areas first.

Frequently asked

How often should I bathe my cat?+

Most cats rarely need bathing — they handle it themselves. Bathe only if the coat is genuinely dirty, greasy, or if your vet has prescribed a medicated wash for a skin condition. Over-bathing strips natural oils and stresses the cat.

Can I use dog shampoo on my cat?+

No. Dog shampoos are formulated for a different skin pH and often contain essential oils (tea tree, permethrin in flea products) that are toxic to cats. Always use a cat-specific or vet-prescribed product.

What's the best brush for a long-haired cat?+

A wide-tooth stainless steel comb for the undercoat plus a slicker brush for the top coat covers most long-haired breeds. Work through in sections and stop before your cat has had enough.

How do I stop my cat matting?+

Comb regularly — two to three times a week for long-haired cats. Mats form when loose undercoat tangles with the top coat, so removing loose fur early is the fix. Established mats often need clipping out rather than combing.

Are medicated shampoos like Malaseb safe for cats?+

Yes, when used as directed by a vet. Malaseb and Aloveen are commonly prescribed for cats with allergies, yeast infections or bacterial skin issues. Follow the contact time on the label (usually 10 minutes) and rinse thoroughly.

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