Cat groomers -- sedatives before bringing the cat in?

[pixelinpink]

I really want to get my cat groomed -- but it's more difficult than anything to get her into her carry cage -- does anybody know if groomers can offer pet owners sedatives to give the cat before bringing the animal to get groomed?

[vanillasugar]

Most pet groomers will not sedate an animal in their care (and I really disagree with those who do). If your cat is very difficult to manage, you can take her to the vet for grooming, since they are qualified for admistering things like sedatives, and know how to monitor an animal who's on these types of drugs.

[OsnobunnieO]

are you more concerned about how your cat will be at the groomers... or simply getting the cat into the carrier so it can GO to the groomers?

I used to have a heck of a time getting mine in the carrier. My first suggestion would be to get a bigger one. Even ask your vet if you can borrow a larger sized carrier and bring it back when you're done. Next, put it somewhere the cat can't see. My routine for when Addison has to go in is to put the carrier, door open, on the dryer in the laundry room. Shut the door. Go on with my morning routine as usual. When I'm finally ready to go, simply scoop him up like nothing is wrong, carry him into the laundry room and plop him in the carrier before he knew what happened!

If you stress about it, your cat will stress about it and you'll have such a fight you'll end up giving up.

However, if you're THAT concerned about your cat's behavior at the groomer, the vet might be a better option. Has it ever gone to a groomer before? You may be surprised at how well they can get things done without a lot of stress on the cat. We have cats we can't get NEAR at the vet's office that groomers have no problems with.

[doodlebug]

I agree with the larger carrier idea...since I got a bigger one, it's a lot easier to get them in. Also, I leave the carrier out all the time (in the spare bedroom where their litter boxes are), so that it's a very familiar object. Kobi even takes a nap in it when he 'wants to get away from it all'.

You can also try spraying your carrier with Feliway or giving the cat Rescue Remedy to keep keep her calm. I'm not sure about using both at the same time...maybe someone else will have an opinion on that.

[BamMcg]

Pillowcases work wonders too lol. Our cat hated her crate and to keep her happy, the best was a pillow case. It is vented enough to not smother them, it's not cumbersome, and the darkness keeps them calm. Just an idea.

[OsnobunnieO]

We've got a few people that use pillowcases too... but be prepared for looks!! You won't believe how many people must thing "oh my gosh, they're putting their cat in THAT?? they must be ready to drop it off and run!"

Ask the groomer for suggestions as well. Afterall, they're the ones that will be dealing with the kitty and I'm sure have learned from past experiences how to keep them happiest.