6 Tools Our Cat Groomers Use for Kitty Makeovers
When taking your kitty from too furry to fabulous, our cat groomers make it look easy. But the secret isn’t a magic wand—it’s actually a carefully curated set of cat grooming tools that are safe, gentle, and highly effective.
We know getting groomed isn’t at the top of your cat’s list of favorite activities. Yet it must be done, so we’ve done the hard work of figuring out how to make it an enjoyable experience. The tools we use play a vital role in not only how your cat looks when we’re done, but also how they feel during their spa day.
Let’s dig into what we use in our cat grooming toolkit and discover how we work our magic.
Clippers
The most essential tool for cat grooming, a good pair of clippers handles most of the grooming process. We prefer clippers to scissors because cats are squirmy and will make sudden moves with no notice. This can put a cat’s safety at risk (as well as the safety of the groomer), so we use clippers that can easily turn on or off in a heartbeat.
We choose clippers that have multiple blade depth options built in to avoid having to stop and change blades. This allows us to work on cats with varying lengths of fur and address all types of fur challenges, such as small tangles or thick mats.
We disinfect each blade prior to using it on your feline. Blades are among our biggest expenses and we take care to keep them sharp, clean, and rust-free. This not only lets us get the perfect cut but also keeps your cat’s health and safety a top priority.
Nail Trimmers
Cats’ nails grow long and sharp, so nail trimmers are used to help keep their claws at a manageable length. Regular trims prevent overgrowth and the risk of nails getting caught in things, like your skin or their own paw pads.
Trimming a cat’s nails can be a daunting task, mostly because they don’t like it. Again, there’s the risk that a cat may make a sudden movement, which can affect how the nail is cut. We take every precaution to avoid cutting a nail too short. Our nail trimmers have special guards that only allow the tip of the nail to be trimmed. We also sanitize the nail trimmers prior to using them on our pet clients for added safety.
A Variety of Combs in Different Sizes
Different combs and brushes are key for handling different coat types. Some cats have thick undercoats, which will require a more heavy-duty comb. Others may need a lighter comb to remove excess fur. We use smaller combs for the face, head, and feet. Having a variety at our fingertips lets us detangle, de-shed, and keep the coat smooth and clean, no matter the fur type.
Cat Shampoo and Conditioner
Cats’ natural aversion to water means getting creative with how we bathe them. We have found that a bar shampoo works well for avoiding potential bites and scratches during the bathing process. It’s formulated for cats and works well with all water types, such as well or city water. Holding the bar gives our groomers a barrier between their hand and the cat, plus it allows for even application.
We also offer a deep conditioning treatment that improves fur texture and shine. Not all cats will need conditioner. Your long-haired cat may benefit from it if they have severe tangling or matting or experience lots of static.
Variable Speed Dryer
After a bath, a variable speed dryer will gently dry the fur without startling your kitty. Turning on a dryer full blast might make them jump out of their fur. That’s why we use a dryer with multiple speeds. We start off low and slow, and it’s so quiet your cat will barely notice it. We’ll gradually increase the heat and intensity to dry your cat to purrfection.
Many cats will urinate when they hear a sudden loud noise, such as a dryer. But a dryer on a low speed and heat can mean the difference between re-washing their bottom vs. their entire body.
Safety Tools
Safety is an important part of what we do here at Kitty Spaw. We take every precaution to protect our feline clients as well as our certified feline master groomers. That’s why we carry a variety of protective gear, including a glove and kevlar sleeves to prevent scratches, round helmets to prevent bites, and masks to avoid swallowing flying fur.
We’ve been at this for a while, yet we never know how a new cat client will behave. We operate humanely throughout our services and ensure your cat’s comfort at all times, even when they need to be restrained for the safety of our techs.
Other Cat Grooming Tools
Our groomers come prepared with all the odds and ends that come in handy in the right situations. For example, we always carry cornstarch in the event that a nail gets clipped too close to the quick. Cornstarch will stop the bleeding quickly.
Soft spa-like towels, facial products, and even music have been part of our groomer’s tool lineup. We do whatever it takes to make your kitty feel special and comfortable during their spa service.
Give Your Kitty the “Spaw Day” It Deserves!
At Kitty Spaw, our groomers take no shortcuts when it comes to caring for your cat. We use high-quality cat grooming tools, products, and supplies to ensure their safety and pamper your pet the way they deserve. Contact us today with questions or to schedule service.