Grooming Cats, Rabbits and Other Small Animals

Most people picture a dog when they think of a groomer. Cats, rabbits and other small animals are groomed too, and it's a different kind of work. The animals are lighter, quicker and more easily frightened, and the way you hold them, the pace of the visit and even the sounds in the room all matter more than they do for a sturdy retriever.

Paws and Reflect grooms dogs, cats and small animals. That's a short line on the website, but it covers a lot of different animals. This post is general information about how handling differs for smaller animals and what to watch for at home, so you know what to ask when you call.

Why cats are different

A cat decides whether a situation is safe within seconds. Cats generally dislike new places, strange smells, restraint, and noise, and a salon has all of those. A groomer working with a cat tends to move slowly, speak quietly, and let the cat settle before starting. Rushing is the quickest way to turn a nervous cat into a frightened one.

You can help before you ever arrive. Bring your cat in a secure carrier with a towel or blanket that smells like home. Cover the carrier with a light cloth on the ride, which many cats find calming. Get your cat used to the carrier for days or weeks beforehand by leaving it open in a living space with a treat or a bit of bedding inside, so the carrier stops being a sign that something unpleasant is coming.

Tell the groomer about your cat's habits. Does she tolerate her paws being touched? Does he swat when someone touches his back legs? Has your cat ever been sedated for anything, or had a bad experience being restrained? Honest answers let the groomer plan the work, and they help the team decide how to keep your cat comfortable.

Rabbits and other small animals

Rabbits are prey animals, and they feel the world that way. A rabbit that's lifted wrong, held without support, or startled can kick hard enough to hurt itself, since its long hind legs and delicate spine aren't built for struggle. Safe handling means supporting the hindquarters, keeping the animal close to the body, and never picking a rabbit up by the ears. A calm, confident handler makes a big difference.

Shane, the salon manager and groomer at Paws and Reflect, grew up on a horse farm and spent years in 4H and rabbit shows, which led him through many animal related careers. He became a certified pet stylist in 2013. Time spent around show rabbits teaches you how a rabbit wants to be held and how it behaves when it's nervous, and it's the kind of background that helps with small animals who don't behave like dogs.

Coat signs that call for help

Many cats and rabbits keep themselves tidy, so when the coat starts to go wrong, it's worth paying attention. Here are the signs groomers see most.

• Mats or clumps of fur that don't comb out, especially along the belly, behind the legs, under the collar and at the base of the tail.
• A coat that looks greasy, dull or unusually oily, particularly down the back.
• A long-haired cat or rabbit who has stopped grooming certain areas, or who can't reach them anymore.
• Fur that stays dirty or stuck around the back end.
• Heavy shedding with loose fur coming out in clumps, or a hair-ball problem you are noticing more often.
• Nails that have grown long and curved, or that catch on carpet and fabric.

Older animals and heavier animals often groom less, because stiffness or extra weight make it hard to twist and reach. Long-haired cats and angora-type rabbits can mat quickly. A groomer can help with the coat, but anything that looks like a skin problem, such as redness, sores, hair loss or scabs, is a question for your veterinarian first.

Brushing between visits

For cats and rabbits, brushing is easier in short, frequent sessions. A soft brush or a wide-toothed comb is a good start. Brush in the direction of the hair growth, go slowly, and stop if your animal wants to leave. Some cats like a brushing session more than others, and treats or petting between strokes helps. With rabbits, sit on the floor so your pet isn't lifted, support its body, and keep the brush light, because rabbit skin is thin and delicate.

Pay attention to the belly and the armpits, where animals resist brushing but mats like to form. If you find a mat, don't use scissors. Thin skin can fold into the knot, and one slip can cause a cut. It's a job for a groomer with the right tools and a steady hand.

Booking a visit

Small animals are best groomed by people who like working with them. Say what species you have, describe the temperament, and mention anything the groomer should know about health or handling, so they can plan. If you're local, the salon is on Main Street in Germantown, and its entrance is on the west side of the building, next to The Vault Pet Supplies.

To ask whether Paws and Reflect can help with your cat, rabbit or other small pet, call or text (262) 423-3500. The salon works by appointment, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 AM to 3 PM, and voicemail is welcome if nobody can pick up right away.