Muzzles and Grooming Bags

Here you will find practical aids that can be used when you have a difficult-to-handle cat that needs claw cutting, treatment or to be washed. Using a muzzle, you can medicate, cut claws and perform other care needs without having to worry about getting bitten. A cat muzzle can also have a calming effect and be used if you have a cat that easily gets stressed. Another tool you can use when the cat is not cooperative is a grooming bag, "cat bag". This keeps the cat stationary so that coat care, claw cutting and treatments can be performed without risk of you being scrathed or the cat injuring itself.

A cat muzzle may look a little scary but it is completely harmless for the cat to wear (short periods of time, of course) and can protect both you and the cat from injuries. Muzzles that cover the entire face, including the eyes, usually calm the cat down. A cat who is scared, stressed and worried can flop around and try to get away, which can mean that the person handling the cat gets scrathed or bitten, or that the cat hurts itself. With a cat muzzle these risks are reduced. Keep in mind that the muzzle is an aid that should only be used temporarily for short periods of time when needed. The muzzlet should sit well in place, but not too tight. The soft nylon material means that the muzzle does not rub in the same way as a hard mouth basket does.

Another tool you can use when the cat is hard to keep still is a cat bag / grooming bag. With this you can keep the cat calm and still while giving eye drops, ear drops, washing eyes and ears, trim fur, bathing the cat or cutting claws. Here, both you and the cat are protected from flopping, which can cause the claws to be cut too short or the cat to fall from the treatment table. The bag keeps the cat in place so that treatments and care can be performed safely and securely. This is a good option if you have a cat that is difficult to claw clip - bring out one paw at a time and cut while the cat is sitting in the bag.