? how to get started shaving a cat

[johnt]

I have a very nice set of clippers. Wilbur has gained so much weight he can't quite get to his lower 'self' to clean up.

I bought some rinseless shampoo but i really need to shave him.

I haven't tried yet but i can say with absolute certainty he will flip his lid at the noise. he even goes bananas if I spray the shampoo (foam) near him.

many many years ago I completed cosmetology, and barbering schools and was licensed in both. though I've never done this on animals.

How should I start this out? or should I?

 

[Kris & Teasel]

You might have to start with desensitization exercises taken in baby steps - eg. letting him see the clipper without turning it on, then rub it gently over him gradually getting near the hind end, eventually turning it on away from him so he hears the sound, bring it closer, touch it to him when it's running and so on. This might take many, many days or even weeks but it might get you there in the end. Going slow is key.

Another idea is to call around to pet groomers to see if they will do this on anxious cats. More expensive but it wouldn't have to happen often. Plus - he'll lose weight slowly now that you're working on switching him to low carb weight food.

 

[Veronica & Babu-chiri]

One more thing is do it on different sesions covering different areas ( the blades tend to get hot and he will not like that ) and do not try to get it nice and perfect the first time or second or maybe ever (who knows he may get used to it eventually) just shave the indispensable areas and tell everyone you are trying a new style

 

[Larry and Kitties]

FIrst see how Wilbur responds to the noise of the clipper. If he is OK then:
- Clip nails to help avoid deep scratches
- Get another person to either hold Wilbur and you do the shaving or visa versa.
- Consider getting a muzzle if Wilbur tend to bite
https://www.amazon.com/Cat-Muzzle-Choice-MEDIUM-Downtown/dp/B001AAK0JU?tag=felinediabetesfdmb-20
I use one to clip some of my cat's claws

 

[johnt]

You might have to start with desensitization exercises taken in baby steps - eg. letting him see the clipper without turning it on, then rub it gently over him gradually getting near the hind end, eventually turning it on away from him so he hears the sound, bring it closer, touch it to him when it's running and so on. This might take many, many days or even weeks but it might get you there in the end. Going slow is key.

Another idea is to call around to pet groomers to see if they will do this on anxious cats. More expensive but it wouldn't have to happen often. Plus - he'll lose weight slowly now that you're working on switching him to low carb weight food.

I found a groomer that will do in home grooming, she charges $100 per cat to come out. he's the only one that 'needs' it. the other two cats are fine. But I figured I could save a bunch of money by doing it myself if I csn get him to relax. It's a good tip to get him used to the sound slowly.

One more thing is do it on different sesions covering different areas ( the blades tend to get hot and he will not like that ) and do not try to get it nice and perfect the first time or second or maybe ever (who knows he may get used to it eventually) just shave the indispensable areas and tell everyone you are trying a new style

Yeah these are great points. I have several different clipper heads. all the way down to #0000 so if I had to I could swap them out when one gets hot. It's a nice clipper set so it's somewhat quiet but they all make noise.

I don't need to shave him completely, but it would be nice to get him evenly groomed. I know to stay off the head and feet.

FIrst see how Wilbur responds to the noise of the clipper. If he is OK then:
- Clip nails to help avoid deep scratches
- Get another person to either hold Wilbur and you do the shaving or visa versa.
- Consider getting a muzzle if Wilbur tend to bite
https://www.amazon.com/Cat-Muzzle-Choice-MEDIUM-Downtown/dp/B001AAK0JU?tag=felinediabetesfdmb-20
I use one to clip some of my cat's claws

Wilbur would never let me clip his nails. I've tried for years. I didn't know enough when they were kittens to get them used to me touching their feet. I would love to put some soft claws on but if I even attempt to touch his feet he jerks them back. and he's a really big cat with a lot of strength.

Also made the mistake one time of trying to get him in the bathtub. nearly bled myself out that day


Thanks for all the tips everyone!

 

[Lillie]

These are good tips. I have to take my Leo to the vet for clipping. Depending on how much he needs clipped they sometimes have to give him a tranquilizer. I'd love to do it myself though and have been mulling it over. It would sure save me some money.