Desensitisation

Systematic desensitisation and counter-conditioning (DS/CC) are the main techniques that behaviour professionals use to change a cat’s response to specific triggers (stimuli, e. water) in a variety of situations.

In the Grooming salon, these triggers include water, clipping, blow-drying, other cats and nail clipping.

If done properly and slowly over a period of time, these techniques can have a desirable effect on a cat’s reactions and behaviour to grooming. The goal is to replace the unwanted emotional reaction (fear, anxiety or aggression arousal) to the trigger with a more relaxed, calmer reaction. To be successful, these techniques must be performed every day by the Cat Owner for the cat to accept the Grooming stimuli it fears.

If a Cat is scared of the blow-dryer to the point of stressful flight and fright reactions, we can work on slowly having the cat accept the dryer but starting the dryer in a separate room, giving the cat treats or positive rewards, and over a few days having the dryer in the room (with wide distance) keeping the cat calm with a sock over the ears and positive reinforcement, to over weeks, or even more, the cat accepting the dryer on the coat. (Some cats require drying to prevent matting and hairballs)

I am, of course, not a behaviour professional and always work in conjunction with a Veterinarian or Feline Behaviourist.

Here is a video of a cat that has been undergoing desensitisation in my salon and at home.

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