Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

How to get my feral cat groomed if she needs light sedation?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Female | spayed

Hello, I rescued a feral cat in December and she has become a pet. I was referred to you by Dr. Foster & Smith. I would like to get my cat groomed, but she has not been around humans. I want to get something to lightly sedate her, so I can take her to get her groomed. She has sooo much hair. She will let me brush her all over, but not her belly. I would like to take her to a groomer to have most of her hair removed, but she needs to be slightly sedated for me to do that. Can you provide me with

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 5th, 2018

Hello. I am sorry but legally we are not allowed to prescribe or recommend a medication for an animal that we have not directly examined. You can contact your veterinarian and ask them about providing you with a prescription. If your cat has not visited a veterinarian in a long time, you will have to have her examined and brought up to date on vaccinations including FDVRCP and Rabies before any grooming facility will accept her for an appointment. Please contact your regular veterinarian for the medication you need and it is likely that even they will need a current physical exam to prescribe something.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Can I give my cat something to calm her for matted fur removal?

There is nothing OTC that you can safely give that will effectively calm her down enough for grooming. You may need to have her lightly sedated by your veterinarian so she can be safely shaved or clipped. Using scissors at home can lead to a laceration if you aren't careful. An exam is also a good idea to determine why Xena is not grooming herself.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Can my senior matted cat be safely sedated for grooming?

Hello there, The best way to assess Molly's anesthetic safety at her age would be a physical exam from a veterinarian and bloodwork. They may recommend other testing based on her exam. Physical exams can screen for dehydration, heart murmurs, abdominal growths, or other ailments. Bloodwork ensures that her kidneys and liver are able to process the anesthesia. Based on these results, your vet can determine the safest sedation protocol for her to get her matts removed so that she does not develop skin infections under them. I hope this helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My senior cat has matted fur. Is it safe to sedate him for grooming?

If he isn't grooming as he once did, there may be an underlying medical cause, especially given his age. A physical exam by your veterinarian would be recommended along with blood work to assess major organ function.. If he gets a clean bill of health, you can discuss mild sedation and a clip down with the veterinarian.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat has mats. Can Gabapentin help relax her for grooming?

Hello. This may work, all you can do is try. Use the dose recommended by your veterinarian, & if this does not do the trick, then consider having her professionally groomed or sedated & shaved by your veterinarian. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat bites when brushed. How to groom matted fur? Vet or calming?

Some vets can sedate cats and then groom them or even clip them short so that you don’t need to worry about brushing as frequently. You could also try a pheromone diffuser or spray like Feliway if it’s available near you but it may not be quite enough to get the job done.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

What can I use to sedate my semi-feral cat to remove her flea collar?

You can throw a blanket or large towel over her and grab her that way, wrap her and then cut off the collar with scissors. Best get someone to help you. Your vet can also give you some acepromacine tablets you will need to crush and put in her food, preferably inside, so she cannot run off and hide and fall asleep somewhere else or get attacked by a dog while sedated. There are cat traps that you may be able to borrow from your local animal welfare organisation.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My feral cat has a skin lesion. How can I get him vet care if I can't pick him up?

This looks like a severe abscessation that requires antibiotics and appropriate disinfection. You can request an house call at your local veterinarian if possible or otherwise they may give you a bland sedative to be able to put him into the cat carrier.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share