frequently asked questions

My cat doesn’t like being groomed.  Have you any tips to help me ?

♦️ Leave the comb/brush out, so your cat can sniff and explore them in their own time and the tools becomes a normal sight. If you have had no success so far, use a new tool that holds no negative association. Before any combing attempt, hold the tool and let your cat rub their scent onto it.

♦️ A wide toothed, metal comb is ideal for cats with a thick coat, or double coat like a Persian. The ideal is to comb small sections at a time, right from the root of the hair. So part the hair, like a hairdresser would, and comb from the root.  A slicker brush is great for removing loose hair from the coat surface, but often won’t reach the full length of the hair.  Usually, using the comb first and then the slicker to finish is the best approach.

♦️ A finer coat will require a comb with teeth that are closer together.  We would advise to still choose a comb with metal teeth as plastic combs are more flimsy.  For some coats that are ultra fine (but shedding a lot) we find that even a flea comb can work wonders.

♦️ If you’re unable to comb at all, use the comb upside down.  So in effect, comb your cat with the spine of the comb.  Obviously, you won’t actually be doing ANY combing, but your cat can get used to the sensation and learn that the session doesn’t involve any pulling or tugging, and that there is nothing to be fearful of.  When your cat accepts this – be it days, or weeks down the line –  you can (slyly !) turn the comb over and begin gentle combing.

♦️  Choose a suitable grooming height.  You will have more control and be able to lightly hold if you do your grooming on a raised surface. A kitchen worktop is a good height.  If your cat is too low down you will spend your time following them around the room, as they slip and slither away.

♦️  Choose a good time to comb.  There isn’t always much choice, with our busy lifestyles but if your cat is asleep, drowsy after waking or grooming themselves already, they’ll be relaxed and more open to gentle interaction.

♦️  Make it normal.  A few minutes grooming every day is much better than an hour once a week. This is so the procedure just becomes a normal part of daily life and a bonding experience between the two (or three) of you.  Save any special treats until after the combing Session.

♦️  Positive reinforcement.  Make sure there is lots of fuss after your session, even if you’ve only managed 30 seconds. Work to build on the daily combing time slowly, day by day.

♦️  Every cat is unique so it is always a case of finding what works for the individual :

• A calming Diffuser, Spray or Wipe can help soothe and reassure.  We use products Feliway and Pet Remedy.  The products work in different ways.  Feliway is an artificial pheromone (the scent that cats produce when they rub or mark territory, which helps them feel safe).  Pet Remedy works by tricking the cat’s own natural calming mechanism, to spring into action.  We find these products work for many, but not all cats. What works for one doesn’t work for another so we would recommend testing the product in a non grooming environment first. For example, Pet Remedy over stimulates our own cats – but some of our customer cats roll around, totally relaxed and literally in heaven !  If Pet Remedy is a success in your household, the wipes are fantastic and can be wiped on tools, and even the kitty themselves.
• Is there anyone who can help you ? The other person at your cat’s head, for distraction ?  You aide’s duties are :
  • Talking to him/her
  • Giving treats.  Choose your cat’s favourite treats, or lickable treats like Lick e Lix (cat yoghurt) may occupy – as your cat would have to lick lick lick. The licking action itself is also a pacifier. It doesn’t always work.  Some cats won’t lick on principle !  If you do find a treat that works well, make sure you save it for during/after your grooming time only, so it becomes special and a positive reinforcement.
  • Distracting with toys or anything that will hold your cat’s attention.  With one of our cat clients, the cat is fascinated with shiny, rustly things – so a bit of tin foil being crinkled in front of him, or the Xmas decorations being jangled around help to distract him.
• Soothing background music can help.  There are many ‘cat music’ cds/files out there, some specifically composed to relax your cat (ie. sounds on there which are out of our hearing range). So many times, we have seen some cats literally tune in, when the music begins. We’ve also found that a streaming search for ‘piano music’ can be relaxing – and one cat we know loves the radio station Smooth FM !
• Use a towel.  A large towel folded long ways into a sausage shape and draped over the back of the neck or snugly around the neck means your cat can’t see what your doing.  Sheilding the vision with the towel can work wonders.  With some cats it really is a case of out of sight, out of mind.  The towel also gives you some protection if your cat turns to snap.  It is more likely that the towel will be bitten, rather than you.
• A fan may help.  Sometimes a gentle fan directed at your cat’s face is a winner.  From a distance to begin with, to make sure the noise or sensation doesn’t frighten, then you can move it closer if required.  If the environment is too warm when you are grooming, your cat will become fidgety and uncomfortable very quickly.

We hope that some of these pointers help you with your grooming time, with your cat.  If you find any of these tips help, or have any other methods that have worked for you – please come over to a post on our Facebook page and share your success !  We’d love to hear

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