https://www.chewy.com/education/small-pet/chinchilla/how-to-groom-a-chinchilla
*With their soft fur and sensitive systems, chinchillas require specialized care. The Chinchilla Education Hub includes guides on dust baths, diet, temperature control, and cage enrichment—helping you meet your chinchilla’s unique needs with confidence.
The main purpose of grooming your chinchilla is to remove dead fur and prevent matting, which helps maintain a clean coat and proper temperature regulation.
Chinchillas naturally shed every 3 - 4 months, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes. If dead fur is not removed, it can block airflow and cause overheating. It also reduces the effectiveness of dust baths and can lead to intestinal blockages if ingested during self grooming.
Chinchillas with thick, cottony fur tend to trap more dead hair and require more frequent grooming than those with straighter coats. Professional breeders use sharp metal grooming combs in stages, but pet owners often find rabbit slicker brushes and sturdy metal combs effective and safer.
Dead fur commonly builds up near the tail, back, and legs. Mats, especially around the genital area, should be gently removed to prevent discomfort.
Grooming should be done with care - fur pulls out easily, and sharp tools can injure both pet and owner if mishandled. Many chinchillas dislike grooming at first, but with patience, some become relaxed and even nap during sessions.
A towel on your lap and a secure hold on your chinchilla help create a calm grooming experience. Use gentle strokes to work out mats, and scissors only when necessary, cutting carefully to avoid injury.
Regular grooming not only keeps your chinchilla healthy, clean, and comfortable - it also creates a special opportunity to build trust and deepen your bond. With patience and gentle care, grooming can become a calming routine that brings you closer to your pet.
Chewy editorial team offers this heartfelt guide to help you care for your chinchilla’s coat with confidence, while nurturing the connection you share.
