Yes! Not all cats can be groomed without some help.  

Some cats will show fear and stress, and we must reduce these stressors to lower the risk of injury and health problems that can arise during grooming. 

Please do not think worse of your groomer; they are thinking of the safety of your cat, and cats are… well… cats! (And sometimes they think they are lions).

Why would a cat need to be medicated? 

• Aggression where the cat is a risk to itself and/or the Groomer
• Pain due to arthritis or an old injury
• Memory of the pain of an old injury
• Fear that causes a high stress response (flight, fight, fright or freeze)
• Sensory decline or cognitive dysfunction
• A previous bad experience

Some cats do not have the option of full sedation or anaesthetic at a Veterinary Clinic, so to continue grooming at a salon, they may need help with removing the fear or memory.

A common recommendation is Gabapentin, but your Vet may recommend another medication due to your cat’s health.

What is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant and analgesic medication. Gabapentin is prescribed by veterinarians for felines suffering from seizures, chronic pain, and anxiety. It works on calcium ion channels in the brain to reduce excitement.  This is a short-acting medication that takes effect in 60-90 minutes and lasts about 8-12 hours.

You should always test any medication at home before presenting for grooming.  If anything goes wrong or you feel your cat is not ‘sedated’ enough, you can return to your veterinarian.

Some potential side effects include:

• Lethargy
• Sedation
• Vomiting
• Loss of motor coordination
• Agitation

This is not a miracle drug, of course, as with any medication, some cats will become worse, or require something extra to make Gabapentin have its full effect. 

Natural alternatives that may be tried are:

• Zylkene
• CBD Oil
• Aromatherapy
• Bach animal rescue remedy
• Pheromones such as Feliway

This is for informational purposes only, and you should always consult with your veterinarian and advise your groomer if you are to medicate your cat. Never give medication to your cat that has not been recently prescribed for your cat and is under veterinary care.

More reading:

Study: Gabapentin Reduces Stress in Cats Before Veterinary Visits (fearfreepets.com)

Gabapentin For Cats: Usage, Safety, And More – All About Cats

Ready to Take Your Cat Grooming Skills Further?

If you’re passionate about improving feline welfare, reducing grooming stress, and building a successful cat grooming business, consider becoming an Australian Certified Cat Groomer (ACCG). This comprehensive certification program teaches feline behaviour, low-stress handling, anatomy, health conditions, grooming plan modifications, business skills, and industry best practices to help you become a confident and knowledgeable cat grooming professional. Whether you’re new to grooming or looking to specialise in feline care, the ACCG course can help you stand out in the growing field of professional cat grooming.

👉 Learn more and enrol today: Australian Certified Cat Groomer (ACCG) Course