or dog owners, a grooming appointment often feels like a spa day for their pet. But ask a cat owner, and you’ll hear a very different story…
While many cats experience stress in the grooming salon, it doesn’t have to be that way. Together, groomers and owners can reduce a cat’s anxiety and set them up for success by using the right approach and implementing expert-recommended techniques.
Behind the scenes, a grooming salon can be overwhelming, but cats often experience stress even before arriving. One major clue that signals to the cat it’s grooming day is the presence of the carrier.
According to one study1, owners were asked during a focus group to create a collage of what it was like to take their cat to the veterinarian—often a similar experience to going to the groomer. The images were not positive ones, with many of the collages depicting a stressful scene.
So, the question is, what can groomers and cat owners do to improve the experience?
Cat behavior specialist and Founder and President of All Cats All the Time, Inc, a nonprofit that helps to promote the adoption of cats, Rachel Geller, Ed.D.2, explains that when cat groomers work with owners, it’s possible to help prepare cats for grooming with less stress for everyone.
Dr. Geller explains that behavioral issues are often fixable, and owners don’t realize it. One common problem area related to grooming is the carrier. Whether it’s a lack of experience or a fear formed by association, the carrier can elicit strong responses in cats.
Encouraging owners to work on carrier training at home can remove one element of stress when it’s time to bring their cat in for grooming. Many owners only bring out the carrier when it’s time to travel, leading the carrier to become a cue, causing cats to hide.
“First, you want to work on creating positive associations with the carrier for groomer visits,” Dr. Geller recommends. “What you can do is to start placing the carrier in a room where you and your cat spend much of your time. Make sure the door to the carrier is off or is propped open in a secure way so it doesn’t accidentally close or make a noise. I use pipe cleaners or baggie ties to secure the door open.”
She goes on to say that once the cat becomes accustomed to seeing the carrier and entering it, the door can be closed for a few seconds at a time. Owners can toss treats into the carrier right from the start. Eventually, owners work up to lifting the carrier with their cat inside and walking around their home with it. This routine helps prepare cats for travel. Regular practice makes the difference.
Another essential part of grooming preparation is at-home handling and brushing. Not only does this help cats become comfortable with the process, but it also benefits their coat. At home, owners can pair these sessions with treats to reinforce the training. Treats can play a role in helping cats form positive associations with grooming while practicing at home. Groomers can offer treats in a salon setting, too.
“Treats act as positive reinforcement, helping your cat to be tolerant during the grooming session,” Dr. Geller explains. “By offering treats before, during, and after grooming, your cat will learn that grooming equals treats.”
When possible, she suggests starting the process with kittens.
“Getting a kitten used to being touched, handled, and groomed early can make future grooming sessions easier and less stressful for both the cat and the groomer,” Dr. Geller adds.
She says that the owner can introduce the kitten to different aspects of grooming at home, with the first few grooming sessions being short. In the grooming salon, mini sessions should end on a positive note, incorporating plenty of praise and affection before longer grooming sessions are introduced.
Getting owners on board with training practice can make all the difference, so Dr. Geller suggests providing resources to help clients.
“I recommend sending clients a document that has the information printed out,” she says. “You can also provide a list of the tools you will be using.
“The groomer should advise clients that many cats do not like to be touched in certain areas,” Dr. Geller continues, “so they should desensitize their cats to handling by practicing short sessions that consist of gentle touches on paws, ears, and belly.”
While it takes some work, having a cat that is comfortable in the salon can lead to more frequent visits and more successful sessions. Breaking up training and acclimation into small steps, combined with consistent practice, can help change a cat’s response to grooming, handling and traveling.
When cats misbehave, it’s a sign. The cat may need help adjusting or have unmet needs.
“Cats don’t misbehave on purpose,” Dr. Geller adds.
With preparation and teamwork, grooming can become a calm and familiar part of a cat’s routine.
- Volk, J. O., Thomas, J. G., Colleran, E. J., & Siren, C. W. (2014). Executive summary of phase 3 of the Bayer veterinary care usage study. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 244(7), 799-802. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.244.7.799
- Rachel Geller, Ed.D., Cat Behaviorist. https://drrachelcatbehavior.com/