You can use grooming time as an occasion to practice your bonding. Most cats love to be combed and brushed, once they realize how good it feels. (Have you ever turned down a good back-rub or back-scratching, or a "do" and manicure?)

• Brushing: For shorthaired kittens, a slicker brush will do, but be gentle with your strokes. Very young cats or fragile-haired cats such as Rex or Sphynx breeds can be gently groomed with a glove made for that purpose, which usually consists of short rubber nubs. A pin brush or fine-toothed comb is more appropriate for longhaired cats, and very fine-toothed combs are useful for checking for fleas in cats of any coat length. You may need to use a bit of trial and error to find the most appropriate grooming tool for your kitten. Most feline aficionados have a whole array of brushes and combs to fit every cat and every occasion.

• Bathing: Most kittens do not need bathing, unless you are seriously preparing a kitten for showing at a cat show. The "How to Bathe a Cat" page gives detailed instructions in that event. NOTE: Young kittens can chill easily, so great care is necessary to keep them warm until thoroughly dried.
• Teeth Cleaning: If you've regularly practiced the exercises in "How to Gentle a Kitten," dental care will be a breeze. "Finger brushes" are available at veterinary offices and pet stores, and should be used with a dentifrice made for cats at least twice a week. Some kitty toothpaste even comes in fish flavors. "How to Clean Teeth" gives more detailed instructions.
• Nail Trimming: Properly socialized kittens will be amenable to nail trimming, if you approach it casually. Be sure to use very sharp trimmers. You can buy these at a pet store, although human nail clippers work just as well. You only need to clip the tiny tip of the nail. Be very careful not to cut into the pink "quick", as it will cause bleeding. Keep a styptic pencil handy in this event. "How to Trim Claws" gives more detailed instructions.

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