10/24/2026
Meet Sunny!
Sunny was turned away and asked not to return to a grooming salon inside a large pet store. Prior to that experience she was fully sedated and shaved at a veterinary clinic.
Sunny had severe matting and desperately needed help. Rather than focusing on what Sunny wouldn’t allow, we wanted to understand why she was struggling and what we could do differently.
We started by reviewing Sunny’s history, her previous grooming experiences, and what might help her feel safe. We also learned that Sunny had experienced physical abuse in her first home. Knowing this was incredibly important because the way we approached, handled, and supported Sunny could make all the difference.
Together, we developed a plan specifically for her:
🐾 Sunny’s dad would speak with her veterinarian about calming medication to give before her appointment.
🐾 Her dad would stay during the appointment to provide comfort and reassurance.
🐾 Sunny would be our first appointment of the day, allowing us to work through the most challenging parts without interruptions or other cats around.
🐾 We would use gentle, feline-specific handling techniques, respect her boundaries, and adjust our approach based on her responses.
And how did Sunny do?
At first, she was understandably nervous. There was some wiggles, growling, and hissing as she communicated her discomfort. We listened, worked quickly, and handled her with care.
Not only were we able to safely remove her matting, Sunny also received a bath and a thorough deshedding treatment.
And by the end of her appointment Sunny was so comfortable that she decided to loaf on the grooming table and didn’t seem particularly interested in going home!
Sunny wasn’t an ungroomable cat. She was a cat who needed a different approach.
This is why our cat-exclusive grooming days, quiet environment, individualized care, and understanding of feline behavior matter so much.
Not every cat will respond the same way, and not every grooming session will look like Sunny’s. But taking the time to understand the animal in front of us can completely change the experience.
