Feline Grooming: Meeting Cats Where They Are

A successful groom is measured by how safe and respected a cat feels during the process. Over the years at Paw Shapers, we’ve groomed a variety of cats including Domestic Shorthairs and Long Hairs, Siberians, Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest Cats, Persians, Exotic and British Shorthairs, Scottish Folds, Selkirk and Devon Rexes, Siamese, Himalayan, Russian Blues, Ragamuffin, Ragdolls and more.

What is included in a grooming session depends on each individual feline. We pay attention to their comfort level and go at a pace they can tolerate.

Benefits of Bathing

Bathing keeps the coat clean by removing dander, debris, oil, loose undercoat and saliva that build up over time. Removing loose hair may also reduce the amount of hair a cat ingests from self-grooming, reducing hairballs. Whether your cat has long or short hair, regular grooming can keep them comfortable and manage tangles.

How about claws?

Observing them every week is a good habit. How often they need a nail trim depends how quickly they grow and how much they wear down naturally. Overgrown nails can catch on blankets, furniture, or become uncomfortable. In severe situations the claw begins to grow into the paw pad.

Ear Cleaning

Checking the ears weekly is also a good habit. Some cats naturally have cleaner ears than others. When cleaning is needed, we use an ear cleaner that is safe for cats and gently wipe the accessible areas. We will advise if we notice unusual odor, redness, irritation or anything concerning so you can consult with your veterinarian if needed.

Little Knots Can Become a Big Problem

Tangles have a way of sneaking up on us. One day the coat feels fine and later there’s a knot we can’t comb through. Small tangles turn into mats, which can pull on the skin and become uncomfortable.

We pay particular attention to areas where tangles commonly develop, including behind the ears, around the neck and chest, on the belly and legs or anywhere there is frequent friction.

Senior Cats

As felines age, their grooming needs may change. Senior cats develop tangles in new places because of changes in flexibility, mobility, sleeping positions, coat condition and overall health. We are happy to partner with you and your pet’s veterinarian to discuss changes in grooming habits.

Feline Body Language

When grooming cats, cooperation is very important and they communicate with us throughout the process. A cat that is becoming uncomfortable will often give signals before scratching or biting.

Flattened or rotated ears, a twitching tail, tense body language, pulling away, hissing, vocalizing or repeatedly trying to escape can all signal that the experience is becoming too stressful. We pay attention to those signals and adjust accordingly. Moving on to another area, changing our approach or slowing down can often help. For a particularly nervous or overwhelmed cat, the best choice may be to end the session rather than push through and gradually build up their tolerance over time.

Belly Shave and Sanitary Trim

A belly shave involves shaving hair underneath the cat, usually to help manage mats or heavy shedding. A sanitary trim is more focused, removing excess hair around the private areas to keep cleaner and reduce chances of waste getting caught in the fur. We comb out the rest of the body coat and don’t normally shave it unless there’s a reason, like matting, a medical procedure or a skin condition.

Make the Carrier Part of Their Everyday Space

A comfortable grooming experience can start before your cat ever leaves the house.

If your cat hides the moment carrier comes out, you’re not alone. When the carrier only appears for grooming appointments or trips to the vet, cats can quickly learn what it means.

One way to make things easier is to leave the carrier or crate out as part of their everyday space. Add a comfortable bed or blanket, place a few treats inside, or even feed them in it. Over time, it can become just another familiar place in the house.

Some cats may even choose to nap or hang out in their carrier when they aren’t going anywhere. The more normal it feels, the easier it can be to get them inside when it’s time to travel.

Reducing stress before the car ride begins can help set the stage for a calmer experience once they arrive.

The goal is to complete as much of the groom as is possible while keeping the cat safe, comfortable and respected throughout the process.