Kittens spend a lot of their waking hours grooming themselves, but as an owner, you too have responsibilities and a role to play when it comes to the grooming of your kitten. Caring for your kitten in this way will not only support your pet's health and wellbeing, it will also help you to bond.    

Maintaining your kitten’s coat  
Brushing your kitten regularly gives you the opportunity to check for parasites such as fleas and helps to prevent hairballs which can build up in the stomach.    

How to brush a kitten's fur  
• Start off very gently so your cat gets used to being brushed or combed.  
• Always comb your kitten with and then against the direction of growth to gently remove loose hairs and any tiny knots.  
• If a knot resists, be gentle and patient rather than pulling hard and damaging the fur.  
• Short-haired cats require weekly brushing with grooming glove to remove loose hairs and tone the skin.  
• Mid-length and long-haired cats need to be comb everyday with a toothed metal comb to avoid knots and remove dirt.    

How to clip a kitten’s nail 
Ask your vet to explain which part of the nail you can cut without causing pain and bleeding.  
• Guillotine clippers are the best tools for trimming claws - Cut the white tip of the claw, staying away from the end of the pink triangle, which is the fleshy part at the base of the nail (the quick). If you clip too close to the quick, you risk causing distress and bleeding. It's best to cut a small amount several times rather than making a big cut.    

How to clean a kitten’s face  
• Cleaning your kitten’s eyes - Some cats, those with flat faces for example, may leave tear marks under the eye. You can clean the fur with clean tissue and warm water wiping from the inside of the eyelid towards the outside.  
• Cleaning your kitten’s nose - A healthy kitten’s nose should always be damp and clean. Some cats have nasal secretions in the corners of their nostrils. You can easily remove it with tissues and warm water.  
• Cleaning your kitten’s ears - Your kitten’s ears should be examined regularly. If they are dirty, you can drizzle a little ear solution inside and massage the outer ear. Then gently wipe clean the exterior part of the ear clean with a cloth.   

Consult your vet for a diagnosis if you notice any secretions or discharge, as they will be able to recommend an appropriate treatment.