Cat Grooming for Difficult Cats
Some kitties do better with professional grooming than others. But for the felines who want it their way or the highway, there’s still hope: a good groomer knows how to handle tough kitties.
Don’t let signs of aggression or a lack of love for the water stop your cat from looking and feeling their best. We’ve got the tips and skills to make every grooming experience a positive one, even if they want to fight tooth and claw against it.
Tools to Help Groom Difficult Cats
At Kitty Spaw, our Certified Feline Master Groomers have several tools within arm’s reach to help groom every cat, even those with spicy temperaments. Depending on your cat, we might use one or more of the following.
Cat Harness
Cat harnesses look like little hammocks specially designed to help your cat chill out. They feature leg holes so your cat can comfortably fit in the harness but not easily escape. Once situated, they can “hang out” while they receive their grooming.
Cat Grooming Bag
For fidgety kitties, a cat grooming bag is a handy helper. This unique bag wraps around your cat like a taco shell while leaving openings for their legs, head, and tail. Or in some cases, bags are fully closed (except the head), keeping sharp claws and paws inside so they can’t fight back. It zips closed along their back or uses drawstrings to create a secure seal. It also includes a handle so our groomers can easily lift and move your cat while grooming.
These bags are made of mesh, allowing our groomers to apply water and soap and rinse them clean. It’s comfortable on your cat while providing an extra layer of safety to the groomer. Your kitty will be snug as a bug and unable to bite, claw, or run away from the experience.
Variety of Brushes
Brushes come in a wide range of shapes and textures, and your feline may respond better to one than another. For example, brushes with soft bristles might mimic gentle petting. Rubber bristles can penetrate deeper and feel more like a massage. We bring a variety of brushes so we can find the feel that works best for your cat.
Music
Music soothes the savage beast, which is why we might play some soft tunes to calm your nervous kitty. Studies have shown that music can calm agitated cats, at least enough to handle them safely.
Is Cat Grooming Sedation an Option?
When you need cat grooming for difficult cats, it’s tempting to pull out all the stops, including the possibility of sedation. It makes purr-fect sense: if your cat is asleep, they can’t scratch, bite, or chew their way out of their grooming session.
For anxious or aggressive felines, sedation is more than just a tranquilizer. It’s an opportunity to reduce stress for both the pet and the groomer. Some cats have a strong fear of clippers or brushes that can turn a simple grooming session into a wrestling match. In these cases, sedation can not only make the experience smoother but also allow your cat to be gently introduced to grooming techniques that might otherwise frighten them.
So yes, cat grooming sedation is an option, and a good one. However, before we go to the extreme of sedation, it’s worthwhile to explore whether your cat truly needs it. Sometimes, all they really need is a little patience and positive reinforcement. When they’re awake, they can get used to professional grooming and develop their own coping skills to get through their spa session.
Are There Additional Fees for Grooming Difficult Cats?
Difficult or aggressive cats might incur additional charges for their grooming session. This is because our groomers need to take additional time and precautions to protect your cat and themselves. Service charges may vary depending on your cat’s temperament and the services you are receiving.
Best Tips for Grooming Success
Disliking the grooming process or being downright difficult isn’t a free pass to get out of grooming. Cats need regular brushings, bathing, trims, and nail and ear care to keep them healthy. If you’re struggling with your difficult cat, try the following tips to make grooming less of a hassle.
Acclimate Your Cat to Grooming
Some cats need more time to get used to being groomed. The best way you can help is to show them how much fun it can be (and how much better they’ll feel later). Start small by showing them the brushes before you use them, then do a few gentle strokes. Use a damp cloth to wipe their fur. Hold their paws and expose their nails without cutting them.
These small steps will get them used to being handled and cared for. As they acclimate to these, you can start introducing other tools and steps.
Don’t Try to Do Too Much
Regular groomings are part of caring for your cat’s health, but don’t overdo it. If your cat is extra spicy, try to focus on one goal at a time, such as trimming nails or brushing. Small “doses” of grooming can keep them at ease while reducing stress on you.
Choose Experienced Cat Groomers
Not all groomers excel at handling difficult cats. Certified Feline Master Groomers give you the best approach, as they have unique skills and special training geared toward cats compared to general grooming experience. Cat groomers for difficult cats carry special tools and have the knowledge that can turn any grooming session into a positive one.
Getting Your Difficult Cat Groomed
All cats need grooming, and being difficult is no excuse to avoid a thorough cleaning sesh. Our professional mobile groomers have experience in working with feisty felines and can help put your kitty at ease while they receive the royal treatment. Request your appointment today!
