Grooming Tools:

Try to get both a coarse (wide teeth far apart) and a medium (teeth closer together but not too tight) comb so when you go through the hair, you do not pull too much. Use the coarser comb first, then follow with the medium comb. I feel the most effective combs are the type that has an open end that allows you gently work out tangles.

You should only use brushes for short hair cats, and I suggest using slicker brushes for this purpose. Just be sure to use the 'gentle' type (for cats or puppies - generally the smaller size) and don't press the slicker brush down into the delicate skin of your cat while you use the slicker brush. Cats have very thin skin and if you comb or brush your cat too vigorously -- you can irritate and perhaps break the skin. Also, be sure to watch around the belly of your cat, since there are little nipples (which could easily be nicked or caught by the comb) there!

Rubber brushes are good for short-haired cats, as well. They do a great job taking off loose hair, plus they give a nice massage to your cat while you use them.

For nails, you can use a human nail clipper, but the nail clippers made especially for cats work a bit better and are much easier to control.

Clipping Nails:

Hold your cat's paw with just enough pressure that the nails protrude. Clip only the clear white part. Do not cut too closely to the quick (pink part) of the nail or it will bleed. If you do cut a quick, use a little bit of styptic powder on it. Cat's nails should be clipped about once a month.

Combing and Brushing:

For long-haired cats, use an open-ended comb, and bring the hair against the grain and hold the hair up as you brush and comb the hair underneath. Do this layer by layer. Look for any lumps, abscess or sores. If you see any, stop what you are doing and take your kitty to the veterinarian.

If the skin seems healthy, but there are tangles, try separating the hair gently with your fingers and comb. Be very careful... or you could rip the skin off along with the hair. Never use scissors to cut out the knots. The cat's skin is so paper thin and so very elastic that it makes it too risky sometimes even for a professional to use scissors. Even when a professional does use them, round-ended scissors are required... and it's still best to just use scissors for trimming, never for taking out mats! When you pull up the knot, the skin will stretch and lift off. I have seen several people use scissors, cut the skin and make a big hole. Their cat had to go at the veterinarian. It's important to spread and stretch the skin as you work, in order to not cause serious injury. Often, it's best to have a professional cat groomer clip the knots out.