Grooming tools for anxious cats

Is it time to groom your cat? For some kitties, nail clipping and a little bit of water aren't terrifying—but for anxious cats, this can spell trouble. Your best bet is to invest in a cat grooming bag and cat sedatives so your feline stays calm and comfy throughout grooming.

Learn more about these two items that should be a staple in your cat grooming kit below:

Cat grooming bags

Even the calmest calico or tortie can express their dislike for bathing, having their fur trimmed or shaved, or their paw-knives clipped from time to time. Like most products, cat grooming bath bags have a vast selection, so find one that fits your cat to keep it comfortable and safe while grooming.

Things to consider when choosing a cat grooming bag

The proper grooming bag can keep your cat comfy and unable to escape or use its claws on you or its groomer. Consider the following features when choosing a suitable cat bag for your pet.

1. Bag size

A simple rule is to ensure that the grooming bag is neither too tight nor too loose for your feline. You can go to a pet supply store with your cat and try the bags there.

If ordering online, measure your cat from the base of its neck to the tip of its tail. Also, measure the widest part of your cat’s back. Find a bag with dimensions slightly bigger than these measurements. 

A cat bag that’s a tad larger should cover your cat from the neck down but still allow some wiggle room. 

2. Ease of use

Find a bag with enough openings for easy access. The openings should be large enough so you can work on your cat’s hindquarters while your cat is in the bag (pun intended). The bag should be easy to open and spread out, and the edges shouldn’t close upon themselves as you prepare the bag.

3. Cat bag design and materials

The bag should have openings in both the front and rear. A cat bag would have zippers or drawstrings, but you can find a bag with a velcro collar at the neck. Velcro can better prevent snagging your cat’s fur while you have them groomed at home. 

As for the materials, cat bags usually come in polyester or mesh fabric. If you want the option of bathing your cat, get a mesh bag to allow water and pet shampoo to pass. You may also want a mesh bag if you live in hot weather and your cat has a thick coat. 

Some bags will have added features like:

• A mesh hood to protect your cat’s head while bathing

• Carrying handles

• Pockets or pouches for storing grooming tools

• Accessories like combs, massage gloves, and claw clippers

Cat sedatives

Option 1: Sedative medications

When the anxiety is severe, you can try giving a cat sedative for grooming. Consult your vet on the proper dosage and possible side effects before administering these cat sedatives:

• Acepromazine - A sedative used on cats and other animals

• Benzodiazepine - A common cat sedative effective against anxiety. Don’t use this if your cat has liver or kidney issues; Side effects may include sleeplessness and disorientation.

• Chlorpheniramine - A sedative used for cats and other animals; It’s also an antihistamine that can suppress allergies.

• Gabapentin - Used to treat feline anxiety and chronic pain 

• SARI - Serotonin receptor antagonists; These provide fast and effective anxiety relief for cats but can cause dizziness and disorientation. 

Option 2: Natural herbs

If you prefer not to use sedatives, natural herbs are good alternatives. Natural cat sedatives may also be helpful when you leave your cat with a cat sitter or at a cat boarding facility. 

You can use valerian, catnip, chamomile, or passionflower. Ask a vet how to administer them.

Option 3: Non-medication sedation methods

There are other non-medication methods to calm your cat before grooming, and these include: 

• Synthetic pheromones - These mimic the natural secretions cats use to mark their territory. Synthetic pheromones also reduce anxiety-related behaviors like scratching and biting.

• Food supplements - Anxitane and zylkene are food supplements you can give your cat to remedy any chemical imbalance that can cause stress.

• Body wraps - These can be a towel wrap or a Thundershirt, which wraps around your cat’s body and apply gentle pressure for a calming effect.

• Bach’s Rescue Remedy - Cherry plum, clematis, rock rose, impatiens, and Star of Bethlehem essences reduce cat anxiety. Place a few drops in your cat’s water or wet food.

A comfy kitty is a happy kitty

Sure, you can groom your kitty at home. But if you don’t have the time or adequate skills, don’t worry – you can hire a Tasker to provide the care your cat needs. A cat grooming service is a convenient and safe alternative to doing things yourself. Post a task on Airtasker and hire an expert cat groomer today!