Cat Grooming

homeowner

My guys HATE getting their nails clipped, which is why they currently have long American Werewolf in London claws. In addition, after many hours of cat fights, chases and dusting under the beds and couches, they are also a tad filthy.

I have no stomach for wrestling them down, clipping, shampooing, fluffing and drying them which is why I'm wondering if there is someplace that would do this for me. I'd love to have them start the summer clean and groomed. Any suggestions?

whinebachs

I don't know a place, but I want pics - before and after!

mark roberts

btw, I'm very glad my cats tolerate the clipping. I usually wait until they're sleeping and then by the time they realize what I'm doing, I'm half-way done. Luckily, both of them LOVE being brushed. I just have to say "brushy brushy time" and make motions with the brush (don't mock) and they come to sit on me and get their brush love on

japes317

I used these guys:

http://www.aussiepetmobile.com/

It's a little pricey but they do a really good job and they're super nice. They gave my cat a "lion" haircut and he looks kind of silly, but it really helped with dander/shedding. I can pet him a lot more now since he doesn't get hair everywhere!

anonymous

For the nails, get them when they're sleeping, then just clip the tips off (not the pink bit!)

You may only be able to do a few at a time, but it is easier when they are groggy.

antigone

I'm bad - I never clip my cats' nails. It's not a problem with Raoul, who bites his nails but Mia's sometimes get caught on things. I really should have gotten into the habit when they were younger. Now it's probably too late.

I don't get why anybody would take a cat to a groomer unless it's a long-haired cat like a Persian or Angora. Cats are self-cleaning! Brush them a bit during shedding season if necessary but I don't see the necessity of bathing a cat.

mark_l_88

ha...antigone...my mom has a boyfriend (father died 6 years ago) who is a total neat freak and who asked me "how often do you bathe your cats?". I laughed and said "um...they're self-cleaning".

It's not too late to get them into the habit. I recommend catching them when relaxed and sleepy. You can always throw a towel over them and roll them like a burrito with paws out if they get nasty

homeowner

Yeah, they are self-cleaning, but mine are ginger tabby's which mean that even with the greatest amount of cat baths, they still appear to be dirty after a romp in the yard (leashed, of course). I noticed this morning that their blonde/ginger fur was closer to grey which means a bath is in order.

antigone

Perhaps it depends on the cat. Raoul is an orange tabby with a beautiful fluffy white tummy. He is a fanatical groomer. He is an indoor cat, but he has had his share of mishaps, including jumping into spilled blue paint when he was a kitten. I got the paint off the best I could (he was NOT cooperative) and let the rest wear off over the next few weeks. We still have a few little blue pawprints on the floor.

Mia is a bit more of a slob. She does groom, but she's not as meticulous as Raoul is. She's older and tends to get dandruff. We brush her from time to time and I tried those kitty wipes, but she hates them (we sometimes use them for Louie the bulldog puppy now).

danielle123

japes317 wrote: I used these guys:

http://www.aussiepetmobile.com/

It's a little pricey but they do a really good job and they're super nice. They gave my cat a "lion" haircut and he looks kind of silly, but it really helped with dander/shedding. I can pet him a lot more now since he doesn't get hair everywhere!

Why are they called "AussiePetMoile" if they are based in California?

caseopele

I second Ezn's suggestion about catching them when they're sleeping. Just press the paw lightly to get the claws out and snip the tip off. I use regular nail clippers instead of pet ones, they're easier to maneuver. As for their fur, try unscented baby wipes to keep them clean.

smilintheslope

Hi there,

I am fairly new to Park Slope and recently took my cat to Animal Kind Vet clinic on 7th Ave to groomed and a lion cut. Her old groomer was also a vet that always needed to sedate the poor thing. Animal Kind did the whole thing without sedation. It was a pretty good job too and Sophie seemed really happy when I brought her home. I did have to give her an initial exam because she was a new patient, but I needed a new vet in the area anyhow. The price for the grooming was very reasonable (especially knowing it was done without having to sedate her) and they have early drop off hours which were great for my work schedule. Here is the contact info if you need it:

Animal Kind Vet Hospital
365 7th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Good luck with your babies!!!
(718) 832-3899

sbh9003

Animal Kind Hospital - 7th Ave and 11th. They do a great job.

ismaelgroomer

I groom cats im a groomer at paws in paradise 5th ave in park slope between 7th and 8th cat nails take around 10 minutes and it cost $25 and we dont sedate check me out my name is ismael heres the number 718-768-1888.

jack decarlo

Subject: Cat Vacuuming

Believe it or not, some cats will actually tolerate being vacuumed gently, and a few even consider it a treat! Vacuflo makes pet vacuuming attachments for central vacuums. Pets seem to tolerate these because of the low noise level of central vacs and is less alarming to their sensitive ears.

lynjoy48

I do it the old-fashioned way. Here's my StellaPuss yesterday getting her blow dry on: