Shorthaired cats use their rough tongues to groom their coat, longhaired cats can't always groom their coats themselves. Longhairs should be groomed, starting as a kitten, from 10 to 30 minutes a day. If not brushed or combed daily their coats becomes matted.
Special combs and brushes can be found at pet stores. Another plus of daily grooming is the fact that shedding of the coat will be reduced considerably. Daily combing because you will notice the amount of fleas on your animal during the grooming can reduce flea infestation as well as reduces the amount of hairballs your cat's digestive tract has to contend with.
Cats usually shed their coat in cycles brought on by the length of daylight. If a cat is exposed to natural light only, he will shed in the spring and the fall. Other things that can cause a cat to shed its coat are fleas, an allergy, ringworm, or diet deficiencies. If an unusual amount of shedding is noticed, consult your veterinarian.
Bathing your cat is a big no-no. If you scare your cat by trying to bathe her you can get severely hurt.