What You Need to Know Before Taking Your Cat to the Groomer
Cats aren’t the easiest pets to take to groom. As creatures that love to be in control, they aren’t fans of giving it up to anyone—including you! So they may not like having to relinquish control to a professional groomer who intends to wash them up, dry them, and trim their fur and nails.
But as a responsible pet owner, it is important to look out for them and do your best to take care of them. As intimidating as it could be, there are things you can do to help ease your cat’s hesitation before and during a grooming session. Here are a few tips that you can use:
5 Ways to Help Your Cat Before Going to the Groomer
1. Bring Out the Carrier Days Prior
To help remove any negative associations that your cat may have with the carrier, have them get used to the sight of it. That way, when it’s time for them to get inside, it won’t cause them to panic (as much) and will hopefully make the entire process easier.
The reason for this is that your cat doesn't understand that the groomer is a necessary experience for them to undergo to maintain their best health when it comes to their fur, skin, nails, and hygiene. Instead, when they see the carrier, they assume the worst.
When you're taking your cat to the cat groomers here at EarthWise Pet Bentonville, we know that it can be a difficult experience for them, and our experienced team of cat grooming experts will do our best to ensure that your feline friend stays comfortable, secure, safe, and fear-free.
2. Make the Carrier a Comfortable Spot
One way to make the whole carrier experience a bit better is to make it a more comfortable spot! There are a few ways that this can be done:
- Leave a favorite treat in there
- Place a nice and cozy blanket to make it more comfortable
- Include a favorite toy or another item that they like
If you're in need of cat toys to make the carrier ride a bit easier, shop here at EarthWise Pet Bentonville! We have cat supplies, cat treats, cat toys, and much more, anything your feline family members would need!
3. Go on Practice Rides
You can help make the trip to the cat groomer a bit easier by allowing your cat to get used to riding in the car. The first time is always the toughest, so by taking it on trips prior to the appointment, you give them a handful of chances to experience the car and taking trips.
You can give them treats before, during, and after the car rides to create a positive association with the experience. With that in their minds, they won’t associate all car rides with trips to the groomers and it can make the initial process of getting your cat into the carrier and into the car a bit easier.
4. Limit Food During the Day of the Appointment
Your cat might have a tendency to throw up when nervous or due to motion sickness. If this is the case, make sure that you are feeding your cat a little bit less on the day of your trip to the cat groomer!
You definitely don't want the added stress of having to clean up any accidents, especially in your car! You can avoid these mishaps by giving them less food that day until after the cat grooming appointment, as well as by going on practice rides before the trip. The practice rides should give you a better idea of whether your cat is adversely affected by vehicles or motion sickness.
If you're looking for cat food, we have plenty of that as well! Browse our online catalog or swing by the store. You can also place an order for curbside pickup! Be sure to ask our pet nutritionists if you need specific help with your cat's diet.
5. Make Sure You Get a Groomer That Knows What to Do
Most groomers are experienced with grooming dogs, which are creatures that are entirely different from feline friends. Dogs will often stay still when asked, and they don’t mind water most of the time. On the other hand, cats can be stubborn and less submissive and are sometimes up for a fight!
Make sure, before booking an appointment, to specify that your pet is a cat. Mention if they have any conditions that the groomer should be aware of and their general behavior towards people and being groomed. That way, no unnecessary trouble will come along the way.
When Is the Best Time to Take a Cat to the Groomers?
We recommend getting them used to trips to the groomers early as kittens. Getting older cats used to the groomers will be a little more complicated, but they deserve to get pampered and cleaned whatever age they are. And that's exactly what we'll do here for both kittens and senior cats, we'll make sure they're pampered and purring by the end of it!
Conclusion
As a cat parent, you need to think of what’s best for your pet no matter what. While cats aren’t the biggest fans of grooming, grooming can help them avoid bacterial infections from dirt, overheating from summer weather if their fur is too thick, and having nails long enough that could hurt their paws. As long as you prepare them for the trip, you won’t feel guilty about giving them a small moment of discomfort for long-term happiness.
In your cat’s best interest, you would need to find pet groomers that will be as gentle and kind to your pet as possible. For the best cat grooming in Bentonville, visit Earthwise Pet Nutrition Center and Wellness Spa. With experienced groomers that handle every kind of pet there is every day, you’ll be leaving your cat in good hands. Visit us or schedule an appointment today!