How to groom a really mean cat?

Question

Our cat "a male" is 4yrs old. He is the most loving kitty, except when it comes to grooming, he is super mean. He's pretty matted and we are trying to save a bit of money and groom him ourselves, however he goes CRAZY, hissing, screaming, struggling to get away... Any suggestions on how to groom without a groomer??

Answer 1

.m. says: take him to a groomer. Cats have long memories and you really don't want a distrusting house-mate.    

Answer 2

If you are having concerns about the cat's behavior, then do what we did to groom my cat; get him drunk. Lol it may sound absurd, but they make cat serums that are supposed to relax them for grooming and nail clippings and such. Go to your local pet store and take a look around. It doesn't hurt them or anything, they'll just lay around till they can return to normalcy.

Answer 3

Love the responses so far on this.  I am new to cats too, adopted one that the neighbor tossed out a few winters ago.  She is not fond of being combed either.  I did buy a furinator comb for my dogs that I use on her and wow does it work wonders for mats.  She sure does seem to get quite a few of them at certain times of the year and this thing is good on long hair as well as short. I use it on my aussies and then the two cats on the front porch. I don't hold them down just stroke them with it as they go by, as cat love to do.  Good luck on the relaxing stuff everyone recommends, won't hurt to ask your vet for something like that if the health food store doesn't help.

Answer 4

Go to the health food store. I believe there is a product called Rescue Remedy, naturally relaxes cats, makes them easier to handle when traveling. It may help.

Answer 5

if the above answers do not work, I suggest asking the vet for a sedative  for your cat. Many cats come into my shop that are sedated. It does not hurt them at all, but the stress being created (which is obviously happening given the cats reaction to attempted grooming) may cause an issue.

Also, try getting the cat accustomed to grooming slowly, don't try to go at shaving him down first off. If you are trying to shave him, attempt to get him used to the sound of the clippers, a lot of cats are afraid of the noise they make, especially if you bought a cheaper pair. Try sitting there and cuddling with him and turn them on where he can't see them, just hear them. Don't force him to stay when he runs, but try to go to him, with them still on and not moved so that he can still hear them, and comfort him (if you pick him up and move him towards them he will probably get scared more and become aggressive), just let him know that they don't hurt. Gradually, he will become more used to the noise and will not run from that.

Cats are very set in their ways, and if this is a first time it is going to be hard and I understand why. I really say that if he gets that bad, it would be best for his health to take him to a vet or other groomer sedated. It will save you money over time if you make sure to brush him after he is shaved, then you wouldn't have to worry about the matting anymore.

Also, cats have VERY thin skin that is very easy to cut..it is almost like tissue paper. For the sake of your cat, I please ask that if you are removing the matts by using scissors..stop, this is very dangerous. Sadly I have seen many self-named "professional" groomers slice a dog/cat very bad from doing this. Sorry but just looking out for the well being of your kitty.

Answer 6

ask your vet to give you acepromazine. usually if your a regular client etc they will write you a script. its sort of like valium.