How to Get Cats Dry

Better Cat Grooming

woman in peach shirt using blow dryer on cat sitting on pink towel

by Lynn Paolillo

ust like in dogs, it is important to avoid sending cats home wet or damp after grooming. However, unlike dogs, the drying process usually isn’t as straightforward and can easily lead to overwhelmed and stressed-out cats.

In this article, we’ll explore the various drying methods, how to select the appropriate drying methods for each cat, and discuss strategies to make blow-drying a low-stress experience for cats and improve the quality of the finished groom.

Should We Blow-Dry Cats?

The simple answer is, yes, as much as we can while staying within the cat’s comfort and tolerance levels. Blow-drying is crucial for removing tangles and excess dead hair, therefore preventing future matting and creating a fluffy and well-groomed coat. Additionally, proper drying of the cat prevents skin and coat problems that can occur when a cat’s coat remains damp for too long.

Time is an important factor to consider when grooming cats. Many cats have a “turkey timer,” meaning they will run out of patience, thus ending the groom on their own terms. Because of this, we have to be efficient when choosing which techniques and services are the best fit for each cat.

A quiet, low-powered dryer may be easier to introduce to some cats, but it can take substantially longer to fully dry a long or thick coat, making it a poor choice to do the bulk of the drying. A combination of methods is often the best to balance noise level, cat tolerance and time needed to thoroughly dry all the way to the skin.

Drying Methods

Varying in sound, intensity and maneuverability are several methods you can employ when it comes to drying a cat’s coat. Each has its advantages and may suit different types of cats and coat conditions.

HV Blow-Dryer

The most efficient and common dryer found in pet grooming businesses is the high-velocity blow-dryer. They will dry the coat the fastest and the most thoroughly, especially the legs and dense areas of coat. They will also get the most dead hair, clumps and tangles out of the coat, either letting them blow out gently on their own or pushing them away from the skin so that a quick flick of the comb on dry hair is all that is needed. However, they can be quite loud and powerful, causing some cats to react poorly and even become overly stressed.

The best option for HV dryers are the ones that have a variable speed so that they can be turned on a low setting and gradually increased based on the cat’s tolerance. Also, starting with no nozzle (instead of the popular cone-style attachment) where the mouth of the opening is wider can help cats with acclimating to the sound and feel of the air flow. Non-heated HV dryers can be used close to the cat’s skin, literally blasting the dead hair out from the skin level, which is the best way to get a beautiful, fluffy finish.

Stand or Hands-Free Dryers

These dryers are typically much lower in sound and power than HV dryers, making them easier for cats to be introduced to. Being able to use both hands also means you can focus on handling or moving the cat so that their head and ears aren’t in the direct path of the air. You also have more control over which areas of the body are being dried at a time, increasing efficiency.

However, using a lower-powered dryer means it will take a good bit longer to fully dry the cat compared to an HV dryer, and will require brushing or combing to fully remove the excess dead hair and any minor mats. Some cats may not tolerate the additional brushing or the additional time needed with this style of dryer, so it is best to use these for final fluff-drying or limited-area finish-drying like heads and tails.

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high-velocity dryer being used to dry cat that is wearing a cone

Photos provided by Lynn Paolillo

Stand or hands-free dryers are also a great option for small kittens or senior cats, as they are typically a heated dryer, keeping them warmer. Just be sure to monitor the temperature of the air and not to hold the nozzle close to the cat’s skin.

Handheld Dryers

Similar to hands-free dryer models, these are small, low-powered dryers that usually offer cool to warm settings and low noise. They are the quietest model of dryer, therefore making it easier to introduce to some cats since you can control the direction and intensity of the airflow. But just like any heated dryer, they should be kept a minimum of six to eight inches away from the cat’s skin, and they will also take substantially longer to fully dry the coat. These are best limited in use to drying specific areas of a cat’s body, like their chin or around the head.

Cage Dryers

A more passive drying method, cage dryers are especially useful for cats that are highly nervous about more direct types of drying. They can also be used in combination with other drying types. I have found many cats acclimate to HV dryers better if I start them in a cage dryer for 20 or so minutes, then turn on the other dryer I want to use in the same room before turning off the cage dryer. This way the cat is already acclimated to the louder noise so I can instead focus on introducing the air flow and pressure while on a grooming table or in my lap. With any cage dryer, always ensure the dryer and room are a comfortable temperature and that the cat is regularly monitored and always within your view for safety.

Towel Drying

A good initial step before using any dryers is using a highly absorbent towel to help remove a significant amount of moisture without any noise or mechanical air. Gently squeeze the excess water out of the coat, limiting any rubbing back and forth to prevent static in the coat. Switching towels also helps make sure the cat is not sitting or laying on a wet towel while you work on other areas.

Lap Drying

While most pet grooming happens on a grooming table, adding lap grooming to your repertoire of cat grooming techniques can be immensely beneficial. Shy or nervous cats prefer curling up and feeling hidden in a towel or your lap, giving you a lot of control over the cat’s movements while helping them feel more comfortable and confident during grooming. Lap drying is perfect for stand and hands-free dryers, but also HV dryers, whether holding the nozzle with one hand or by using a holder.

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Introducing a Cat to Blow-Drying

The key to a successful introduction to blow-drying lies in gradual acclimatization. Here’s how to ease your cat into the process:

Start Young. If possible, introduce kittens to blow-drying and grooming early. Younger cats adapt more quickly to new experiences, including the sounds and sensations associated with blow-drying.
Control a Calm Environment. Before you start, ensure the grooming area is quiet and free from other stressors. Limit interruptions and uncontrolled loud noises like dogs barking, doors slamming shut, phones ringing, etc.
Use Head/Ear Coverings. Part of introducing new, louder noises can be muffling those sounds to make some cats feel safer. A small towel, Happy Hoodie, or even an e-collar or muzzle can prevent air from blowing directly into their ears or face. Even sweet, compliant cats may benefit from one of these options in order to keep them happy while drying the majority of the body, legs, chest, belly and tail. Then only around the head and face are done without the additional muffling.
Practice Desensitization. Before using the dryer on the cat, let it get used to the sound. Turn the dryer on a few feet away from the cat, allowing it to observe and listen from a safe distance. Gradually bring it closer, making sure to adjust based on the cat’s reactions.
Mind the Temperature. Always use a low heat setting to avoid overheating or burning the cat’s skin. The sensation should be warm and soothing, not hot.
Start on the Sides. I’ve found the most success in starting the drying process on the cat’s sides around the ribcage. This is far enough from the head and face to not freak them out, but also not close to the rear end, which can stimulate them to pee. Hold the HV nozzle close to the skin and work in small circles; not in jerky or fast movements.
Work on Legs and Underside Early On. If a cat is going to lose patience during the blow-drying, the last thing you want to be working on are the areas that are more difficult to get to, like the legs and belly. Instead, follow the cat as they walk or shift around so that you can focus on the inner legs and belly as much as you can early on in blow-drying. You’ll most likely need to go back to those areas if the cat doesn’t want to be handled or moved to reach them.

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Expert Tips

The majority of cats in my cat grooming salon are blow-dried entirely with an HV dryer with either no nozzle or a flat, water-peeler-style nozzle. I utilize Happy Hoodies and an e-collar or muzzle, depending on the cat, to keep air away from their face. This lets me dry the rest of the cat thoroughly before working gradually around the head.

Occasionally, I won’t use the HV dryer around their head and face, instead letting them sit under a low fan for the last 10-15 minutes of drying in a cage dryer to finish around those areas, making sure to comb those areas a few times so the hair doesn’t clump together. Over several grooms, a cat can better be introduced to different drying methods and you’ll be able to finish around the head and face without causing too much stress.

For the legs and underside, I will either roll them gently onto their sides or lift up under their armpits or belly while the cat stands. I make sure the cat’s bodyweight is supported by their legs, which prevents the cat from lifting and tucking their legs so I am better able to blow-dry the crooks of those areas more thoroughly. Gently lifting one leg also lets me reach underneath to dry the inside of the opposite leg.

The flat or water-peeler-style nozzles are my favorite for cat legs and paws. I only use them on longer hair while holding the dryer a bit further from the skin so as not to whip the long hair around. Short, dense hair will take a surprising amount of time to dry, so do not neglect to get those areas dry all the way to the skin.

By incorporating these techniques and tips into your grooming routine, you can ensure that the blow-drying experience is safe and comfortable for both you and your feline clients.

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