What Should I Do?

[poodle_Trouble]

Okay, first of all I'm not a groomer (yet). I have bathed my Own cat since she was a kitten. Now, my Sister wants me to do hers. I am unfamiliar with her cat. From what my sister says the cat is an Outdoor cat, says she is friendly and unmatted. I suggested she take her to a Groomer but unfortunately where she lives there are no groomers (Small rural area). And here in my city there are also no Groomers willing to do Cats. So now my sister has turned to me. I am not a fan of grooming cats I'm not Familar with. I know she is my sister and I trust her but I worry about my safety more. In a way I want to be helpful and just do her cat but I'm scared of getting hurt. the cat has all nailsand a full mouth of sharp teeth. It wouldn't surprise me if the cat has killed or eaten dead animals. She does taake the cat to the vets regulary and I know her shots are up to date.

So here is my question: Would you guys help yoursister out and not be so worried about it? Or would you try to find a groomer to do it? I have actuaslly called severeal groomers myself and none do cats.

I love my sister and her cat. And I want to help her but I'm scared at the Same time.

[sheilabgroomer]

If you are this scared and worried about it I wouldnl't do it. This kitty will pick up on your fears and end up making them a reality! BTW, why is she wanting the kitty bathed? Is she very dirty or have fleas? If it is a flea problem get a spot on product and apply. If she is dirty, give her a good brush and combing and see how she does w/that. If she seems amiable and you are comfortable you can take it to the next step, if not, stop right there. Make sure to cut the nails BEFORE you do anything else!

[diamienono]

First, wrap the cat tight in a towel and make your sister hold it so you can cut the nails. If you get that done, then go to the bath and make your sister help. With 2 people you should be able to get it done. Use the dunk method. Fill a 5 gall. bucket, dunk the cat, soap her up and dunk again to rinse. Make sure you have the cat scruffed to do this. That way there is less of a chance of getting scratched.

[poodle_Trouble]

thank you. My sister wants her bathed because she lives in a Group home and is moving to a new residence and they have told her to get the cat a litter box and a Good cleaning. I don't know if it has fleas. Though I doubt it because where she lives there is like a TON of snow and I know fleas can't survive in it. But I'm not 100% I guess they could live on her cat. Also my sister is Notorious for forgetting to brush...No matter how many Times I tell her to. She swears this cat is NOT matted but my math iwith a cat outdoors and Unbrushed leaves me questionable. I've already told her if The cat gets Matted there is NO WAY I will do it. I was thinking again last night about it. I think I could possibly ask a Favour from a Friend of mine if It is. I love my sister and her cat Keiko (it's a Girl). Anyways I may try my mom's Idea about sticking the cat to a Screen or a towel.

Thank you for the help. And yes IF I do the cat I'll be getting my sister to Help me.

I never used to be scared of Cats until one day I got badly bit on my arm by my Dad's now I'm more wary of them.

[barknpurr]

If the cat is friendly and easily handled, you can do it. I think there should be a boatload of information about grooming cats on the board here as well as the previous one. It may just take you getting over your fear with a nice cat, to show you that cat grooming can be okay. And, the nice thing is that if you attempt to do it and you fail, it's okay because it's family.

If you need some hints and or help, pm me and I can walk you through it with some tips.

Good Luck!

[diemonster]

They make dry shampoo that's safe for cats (though make sure you brush it ALL out!). First clip kitty's nails, then see how she does with brushing before using any of the dry shampoo. If kitty will let you brush her, then go ahead and use the shampoo as directed.

Good luck!

[poodle_Trouble]

Thank you BarknPurr

I'm not sure when she will bring the cat down but I'll let everyone knowwhen she does

[Raggs]

I say make your sister help you. If she refuses or looks scared, don't do the cat. I would have no problem doing it, but that's me. I specialize in cats, I was taught to do them before dogs. But yes, clip the nails before anything else. I've been sliced to the bone by a cat before and that was after I did the nails. If I hadn't done them it would have gone into the bone. Also use vet wrap or medical tape or something to wrap the paws in while your working on the cat if your still scared of getting attacked by the claws. Whichever you choose, good luck.

[poodle_Trouble]

Call it mean:

But if I do any of my mom's or dad's or sister's I make my sister Help. She hates bme because the deal is: If the cat me I get to throw it at her. I wouldn't do it but I'd definately be Mad and she Knows I'd be and she hates when I get mad at her lol. So, ya she knows the rules. If I say grab her neck she must ASAP because if it so mudch as looks at me I'm out she does the rest. And she lies my hlp Joys of wanting to be a groomer. ALL my family will call me to do their pet. I've had my uncle bring his Mother-In-Laws Shih Tzu over and ask me to brush him for him. I lookedat him and laughed and just did it...But when it comes to Actually Scissoring or Clipping them I tell them: "Call your Groomer." In a way I laugh and another I'm ashamed I can't do it.

[diamienono]

But if I do any of my mom's or dad's or sister's I make my sister Help. She hates bme because the deal is: If the cat me I get to throw it at her. I wouldn't do it but I'd definately be Mad and she Knows I'd be and she hates when I get mad at her lol. So, ya she knows the rules. If I say grab her neck she must ASAP because if it so mudch as looks at me I'm out she does the rest. And she lies my hlp Joys of wanting to be a groomer. ALL my family will call me to do their pet. I've had my uncle bring his Mother-In-Laws Shih Tzu over and ask me to brush him for him. I lookedat him and laughed and just did it...But when it comes to Actually Scissoring or Clipping them I tell them: "Call your Groomer." In a way I laugh and another I'm ashamed I can't do it.

Don't be ashamed that you have not learned. Just be proud that you can admit it. Now is the time to take a part time job as a bather and soak up everything you can from the groomer.

[poodle_Trouble]

Don't be ashamed that you have not learned. Just be proud that you can admit it. Now is the time to take a part time job as a bather and soak up everything you can from the groomer.

I soaked up what I know from a friend of mine who is a Groomer. I used to help her out in the summers. I've watched her groom for years. I've known her since I was a kid and I still hang around with her. I guess I'm lucky because I've been "Behind-The-Scenes" since I was about 10 lol

[Wisconsin]

Good advice Diamienono.

Has anyone ever used those mesh bags that are available in pet grooming supply magazines? I'm not a cat groomer but often wondered if it would be good to have on hand.

[poodle_Trouble]

Cat is Coming to town

Yup it comes here either Monday or Tuesday and I will be bathing, drying and doing it's nails. My sister WILL be forced to help no Matter what. If this was my parent's cat it'd cost them $20.00 but seeing as she's my sster I'm nice and let her get the cat done for Free. Of course if I get hurt....I could charge her for Band-aids lol

[poodle_Trouble]

Kitty is here But

Somehow in a house with 2 floors and ALL doors closed my sister's cat has managed to hide. All that I did was brush her and did her nails. My sis let her run loose and now she can't find her.