How do you groom a cat?

skyewld · 01-06-2009, 03:29 PM

I have this 5 year old tabby and she is fat and happy but very furry. I got home from vacation last week and boy does she stink. Is there a special way to groom my cat?

Thanks ahead

PHPong · 01-06-2009, 03:50 PM

I tried to groom Grady. He was full of knots and was not grooming himself. I tried some pills the vet gave me to try to make his sleepy. That did not work and he clawed me good and would not let go. I will not try that again with him. I ended up taking him to the vet and that cost me big bucks to knock him out so that groomer would not get clawed. I would try bathing and brushing your cat. If she is not knotted it should work.

zanytactics · 01-06-2009, 04:12 PM

Definitly make sure you have 2 people. If it's just you, you might get clawed! Have one person hold the feet, 2 in one hand and 2 in the other and the other can bath. Use luk warm water and lots of talking in low tones.....I bath my cats, some are a chore some are easy.

animalcraker · 03-25-2009, 04:48 PM

I bath my cat all the time, I also worked at a vet clinic so I would bathe clients cats on occasion. The absolute first thing you must do is cut the nails!!! I have a hand held sprayer and a saftey bar in m shower/tub; so I'm able to put a harness on him, tie him up, and bathe him myself. If you don't have that the you'll need a second person to help keep them in the tub/shower/sink/etc. I try to be as quick and gentle as possible. Use lukewarm water and a massaging technique to help get the water through the coat and lather the shapoo.

Youn can also buy waterless shampoo from your local pet store if the water is too much for them. Oatmeal can be used as a waterless shampoo as well. Just rub it in and brush it out.

Whipple · 09-13-2009, 03:38 PM

I used to bath my cat all the time, and I did a few friends cats too. I only got scratched a few times. The secret? Scruffing!
Its not mean, and it doesnt hurt them, in fact it calms them. I scruff with one hand, rest their bum on the tub bottom, and wash with the other hand. Just make sure to rinse very well.
I talk to them the entire time in a very calm soothing tone. It seems to help.
When Im done I wrap them in a towel, and then let go of their scruff. They usually just lay there, if not I'm out of scratching zone by then and they can just go runaround and dry.
And wet cats will normally lick themselves dry. So an alternative is to mist your cat and they will lick themselves that way. Forced self grooming. As long as there is nothing harmful on their coat of course.