Fearless feline grooming

Cats are a great challenge. It’s mostly just a case of treating them like the completely different species that they are, spending a little time learning some simple cat behaviour dos and don’ts.

By Katie Gwilt, Cat Grooming Trainer for the iPET Network.

Work from behind the cat, not in front of their face

I have seen so many people try and work with cats face-to-face. This is quite intimidating for the cat who is (usually) a relatively small animal and doesn’t like having us tall humans standing over them.

Work from behind the cat’s head and if they are lying on their side then work on the side furthest from the outwards reaching paws. There is no sense in putting yourself within reach of the sharpest parts of the cat; the teeth and claws. Move around the cat as needed to keep behind the sharpest areas and learn to handle them carefully and respectfully.

Watch their face and body for signs of their mood and don’t be fooled by a wagging tail

Cats have very different body language than dogs and often their cues that they are unhappy are harder to spot if you aren’t used to them. Usually, a waving or switching tail is a sign that the cat is annoyed. Look out for how the ears are positioned, the pupil size and how their body is being held in general.

A relaxed cat will feel looser and an annoyed one like a coiled spring ready to pounce or run away. Growls and hisses can be warning signals that the cat is unsettled and also give you a warning that you are working near a sensitive area.

You will see changes quickly in cats when you are near an area that is knotted or in pain so always pay attention to their reactions as they are usually trying to tell you something.

Keep a large towel nearby and don’t scruff cats

Cats have three main instincts when in a high-pressure situation: fight, flight and freeze.

A towel can be offered if the cat is showing signs of wanting to run away and hide. Some cats don’t like feeling like they are on display and are more comfortable with something over them. Others are the opposite so spend a little time getting to know each cat before starting grooming and checking their reactions.

A towel can also be used to help with handling trickier cats and you should avoid holding them by the scruff of the neck the way mothers carry their young kittens. Cats are both predator and prey animals and so they can seem aggressive once they go into defence mode. Try and spot any triggers that are causing the cat to swipe and see if there is a way to reduce that reaction.

Work with the cats in your care and don’t try to make them all follow the same grooming routine

No two grooms will be the same, even with the same cat. Always assess the cats’ temperament before starting as you don’t know what has happened before they see you.

Cats are usually not as used to travelling as dogs and going to a new environment so can find grooming tricky before even getting out of their carrier. Some cats will suit being groomed on a table and others on your lap or the floor.

Instead of trying to force the cat through the session and making things more difficult at the next visit, try something different and see if you can find a way to work with the cat.

Look at each cat as an individual and don’t assume they all need bathing

I always do a drier test before even thinking about bathing as I find that cats can be very sensitive to loud noise.

Cats aren’t used to being bathed and generally getting wet in their day-to-day life. They tend not to jump in streams and puddles like many dogs do so it can be a completely foreign occurrence for them. Bathing will give a lovely finish to the cats’ coats, but the well-being of the cat on the day always comes first and if they don’t like the process then don’t push it.

A dry groom is a great alternative that can be offered with a dry shampoo for short-haired cats or a conditioning spray for those with long fur. Many catexclusive groomers don’t even offer a set bath as an option unless there is a definite need for one.

Do some additional training just on cats and don’t assume that they have the same needs as dogs

The iPet Network Cat Grooming Diploma includes sections on cat behaviour, feline first aid, cat welfare and much more as well as lots of practical hands-on experience working with cats.

It is a great addition to your skill set and will help you start to understand and enjoy working with these fabulous creatures. Visit www.ipetnetwork. co.uk/ipet-network-canine-and-felinequalifications/cat-grooming/ for more information and the closest provider to you.