by Chris Anthony
Photos provided by Chris Anthony

Many groomers don’t enjoy grooming cats because they claim they are unpredictable. However, cats are very proud creatures and will 100% tell you what they are feeling. If we are surprised by their actions, we are just not listening.

The first thing to take into account is that a cat is not a dog, and their body language can be much more subtle. Cats speak softly and carry very sharp claws. They are very much like little ladies in fur coats; while dogs can often be calmed down, try telling any woman to calm down after she is already angry.

Communication is also a two-way street. If we understand everything a cat is saying but unintentionally say rude things to them, the situation will probably escalate. What goes over better are combinations of bribery, making them think it’s their idea and vibes.

We know that animals can sense energy, and cats are absolute masters. They know if you like cats in general, them in particular and if you are afraid—and they will 100% use that information. If you don’t like grooming cats, you shouldn’t. Ultimately, it’s not fair to the cats, but it’s also not fair or safe for you. They will sense your dislike and will respond in mean-girl fashion, usually with claws.

Bribery, aka offerings of the Churu, go hand in hand with making them think it’s their idea. While dogs are geared to please, cats are very much transactional opportunists; think pay-to-play. If you want a cat to do something, you have to give something: high-value treats, affection, respect or ideally a combination of all three.

This will come in handy when some restraint is necessary, especially when shaving the belly. The underside is a very vulnerable spot and where we need all of our skills and tricks. Less is generally more when dealing with restraining cats. While keeping a cat safe during shaving is vital, just enough pressure should be used to make them feel secure without feeling forced.

Fig. 1 shows a cat looking over the side of the tub, clearly plotting. Hanging onto the edge gives her a sense of control and lets her examine her surroundings more easily. Always watch where they are looking; it often will let you know exactly how and where they are planning an escape. Her ears are back but not flat, which says she is not happy but not angry and can still be sweet-talked through her bath.

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Fig. 2 shows she’s still calm but clearly saying, “How dare you?” Her whiskers are forward, meaning she’s curious, and her ears are still sideways but not quite as far down as before. She is mildly annoyed and could go either way depending on what happens next.

Fig. 3 shows she is calmer out of the bath. A Happy Hoodie was used for the HV portion of the groom and has been removed for the quiter fluff dryer. Her ears are upright, which is a good sign. But follow her gaze; she is actually plotting a failed escape attempt over the wall.

Earning the trust and respect of a cat is not always easy, but it is one of the most rewarding experiences in pet grooming. As long as we remember that a cat is not a dog and treat them with the same respect and gentleness that we want to receive from them, we’re at a great starting place.

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