How To Groom An Aggressive Cat

While many cats enjoy being groomed, other cats are more aggressive and don’t respond well to grooming. Grooming aggressive cats can be incredibly stressful as a result, and it can end up in plenty of scratches and hurt feelings.

However, grooming can be important for cats, especially if they have long hair or are unable to properly groom themselves. Fortunately, there are ways to make grooming an aggressive cat easier. 

Read on for tips on grooming aggressive cats.

Why Do Aggressive Cats Hate Getting Groomed?

Aggressive cats hate getting groomed for different reasons, but put yourself in their shoes (or paws). They might not feel comfortable with someone else grooming them, and it could be causing them stress.

It can always come down to more than one reason, but here are some answers to why your cat might hate getting groomed.

Your Aggressive Cat Is Actually Sensitive

Your cat’s aggression could be coming from a point of physical sensitivity or even pain. Aside from the normal reactions an aggressive cat might have, any signs of discomfort could mean that your cat has an underlying issue causing it pain. If you think this might be the case, consider taking your cat to the vet. 

Your Cat Is Anxious Or Has Past Trauma

Anxiety is normal in all creatures, including cats. There are various factors that could be causing your cat to experience anxiety. Perhaps you moved recently, or maybe your cat is completely new in your home. Also, a bad experience with grooming in the past could have left a lasting impact. See how your cat reacts to grooming tools, like brushes or clippers, before you try to use them. 

Your Cat Isn’t Close Enough With You

This is most likely to be the case for new cat owners or someone babysitting a cat. If the cat doesn’t know you very well, it might not be comfortable letting you groom it. 

Cat Grooming Aggressive Cats: Tips And Tricks

Whatever the reason is for your cat hating grooming, grooming is still important for their health. Here are some tips for grooming aggressive cats:

• Buy the right equipment. Your cat may respond negatively to one type of brush but positively to another. Research different tools available and try different products to help develop the winning recipe.
• Create a calming environment. Don’t surprise your cat with the brush or hold it down while you clip its nails. Make your cat feel relaxed to minimize any naturally aggressive responses. 
• Give your cat treats. Yes, giving your cat treats can help it associate something it doesn’t like, such as grooming, with something it does like, such as treats. 
• Take your time. You don’t need to get all the grooming done at once. Completing one paw of nail trimming can be a win for now, and you can give your cat time to mellow out. Also, keep in mind that aggressive cats aren’t going to respond positively to grooming overnight. Be patient with your cat.

If all else fails, consider taking your cat to a professional groomer or vet. Professionals know how to work with animals with all types of temperaments, including aggressive cats. A professional could even find a solution for your cat, making it easier to groom at home. 

Can I Sedate My Cat For Grooming?

If you’re wondering whether you can sedate your cat, the answer is probably no. Sedating your cat for grooming should be an absolute last step, and it should only be done under the supervision of a professional. 

Also, sedating your cat for grooming is a short term solution. You aren’t going to be able to sedate your cat every time it needs to be groomed. This is why working with your cat to improve grooming time is critical to your cat’s long-term health. 

Should I Groom Kittens?

If your aggressive cat is actually an aggressive kitten, then you should still make an effort to groom it. Not only is grooming healthy for a kitten, but positive grooming experiences early on will make your kitten more receptive to grooming as it grows older.

Kittens need to be groomed the same way that grown cats do, but sometimes with more attention. For example, because kittens are messy creatures, you may need to bathe them from time to time.

Grooming an aggressive kitten requires the same patience as grooming an aggressive cat, albeit with an energetic little kitten who might be scared.

To make sure grooming goes well, try to follow the same tips as with grooming an aggressive cat. It may help to play with your kitten first to try and tire them out.