My cat won't let me clip him. He struggles and gets aggressive

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Hi everyone,

I'm having a real bit of trouble with my Persian cat. As he's a long-haired breed, I have to keep on top of his coat and get him clipped because he gets mats in his fur.

The problem is he won't let me anywhere near him with the clippers. He panics as soon as he hears the noise and feels the vibrations. He becomes aggressive, tries to bolt, and starts scratching and biting.

Recently, I took him to the groomer for a full clip, but she couldn't finish the job. She only managed to do his back end.

Even though I was there helping to hold him, he was struggling so much that he managed to get away.

My cat isn't usually aggressive, but I think he's just terrified—it's a total panic reaction to the clippers and the vibrations on his skin.

Maybe he was traumatised by that kind of device or noise when he was a kitten. My nephew rescued him from the street when he was about a year old, we think (he's six and a half now).

He hasn't been neutered, but he is sterile (he only has one testicle).

He goes out at night and he's quite a hunter.

He’s not particularly playful or cuddly.

I’m at my wit's end. Does he need to be sedated? Restrained?

Could I try using manual clippers? But even then, it would be a nightmare as he won't let anyone touch him for any kind of grooming (like brushing, for example). Plus, if I hold him for too long, his purring gets so loud that he starts choking, to the point where he's panting and struggling for breath... so I have to let him go. What are you supposed to do? This problem is apparently specific to his breed, as he's a Persian cross.

Anyway, thanks in advance for your replies.

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    • ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Yes, it’s sevv, s.e.v.v. It’s not the easiest on the eyes... Actually, if you say it out loud it becomes easy; you just say ‘sev’ and remember to add a ‘v’.

    There we go!

    To get back to my cat—yes, @Jepi, he’s already been clipped and groomed before. I have it done once a year. He goes out at night and must have quite oily skin or fur. He’s a bit on the heavy side, about 10 lbs.

    I’ve only had him for 4 years. Before that, he was with my nephew who had rescued him. The cat, either lost or abandoned, had turned up in his garden. It was becoming a bit much for the family to look after him, so I took him in.

    Yes, I can trim his fur (the bits that haven't been clipped). In the unclipped areas, he only has one big mat (and some other smaller ones). That way, I’ll be able to comb him better. I’m also going to buy some hand clippers; I think they’re safer than using scissors.

    My cat is usually very chilled, but when it comes to being handled for grooming or touched in places he doesn't like (his back or his tail, for example), he just won’t have it—not one bit!

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Maybe your cat wasn't groomed from a young age? You haven't mentioned its history! If that's the case, starting when the cat is already 6 years old seems like quite a challenge. Svv’s website (yes, S and two V’s, which isn't easy on the eyes; I made that mistake myself and Svv very kindly put me right!) is really well put together, but in your case, it’s quite urgent if your cat has never been groomed, so you'll need to figure out a plan. Personally, I think if the fur is really matted, I'd trim it right back as much as possible with scissors (being extremely careful not to nip the skin, of course), as they're less scary than clippers. Obviously, he won't be completely shaved, but it'll be close. Make sure you do this when you're feeling energetic and very patient! Pick a day when the temperature is decent, or keep the cat indoors to make sure he doesn't catch a chill. It might be quite a struggle... definitely easier said than done... Then, afterwards, try to give him a brush every day, using a bit of diplomacy and some cat treats – best of luck!
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Yeah @sévy, that’s a really interesting blog, I’m going to follow that advice.

    (The cat in the photo looks exactly like mine, but not quite as handsome... )

    But I still need to finish clipping him though.

    Yes @solenneb

    I should also mention that he’s not exactly cooperative.

    Even when it comes to strokes. He won't let you touch his back or his sides, for example.

    I can only give him a fuss on the top of his head, his shoulder blades, the side of his face and his neck.

    Anywhere else is a total no-go!

    Finally, I should point out that he goes outdoors; he absolutely loves it in the evenings. During the day, he’s at home or in the garden. So, he does get a bit mucky...

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    Solenneb
    Solenneb Icon representing the flag French
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    I think you should avoid clipping your cat... you risk traumatising him by pinning him down... why not take him on your lap and brush, brush, brush... again and again... then if there are any mats that really won't budge, just cut them out with a pair of scissors...
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks for your replies.

    Yeah, I’m not exactly keen on the idea of anaesthesia, to be honest.

    I’ve got clippers at home, but as soon as I get near the cat with them, he bolts!

    I’ll try some manual clippers. Or maybe scissors?

    Once I’ve managed to get him clipped, because he really needs it, I’ll make sure to brush him more regularly.

    But it’s a real nightmare at the moment because you have to hold him down, and he just fights you!

    He must have sensitive skin, it’s the only explanation.

    I’ll see if I can find a grooming salon with some strong arms to help hold my cat...

    But it’s not easy, as I’ve noticed. These little furballs have incredible strength!

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    You just need to brush your cat really regularly (every day). You shouldn't shave a cat unless it’s absolutely necessary, and it definitely shouldn’t be a regular thing.
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    Sofi771
    Sofi771 Icon representing the flag French
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    Whatever you do, don't restrain your cat—he’s scared, and strapping him down will only traumatise him further. If he's frightened, you should try to get him used to the noise. Do you have a pair of clippers at home? Why not try running them near him first to see if it’s the clippers themselves causing the issue, or if it’s the handling and being held still that follows. As for sedating him, I'm against it. Anaesthesia is never a minor thing, especially for our four-legged friends. Otherwise, it takes longer of course, but have you considered using scissors if nothing else works? It’s not ideal, but if your cat really is phobic of clippers...
    Translated from French

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