What to Expect

Cats are very sensitive and routine-oriented creatures, and most are going to feel some degree of anxiety when a stranger enters their home- especially when that stranger approaches and starts messing with them!  My goal at Comfy Claws is to provide the services your cat needs in a way that minimizes this anxiety.  The methods I use to achieve this are going to be slightly different for every cat, because cats are individuals with their own preferences and each cat is going to respond a little differently to this experience.  

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Here is how you can expect me to interact with your cat when I arrive at your home:

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• I will approach your cat slowly, speaking in a soft, endearing voice (most likely commenting on how beautiful and/or handsome they are!).

• I will get on eye level with your cat- if they're on the floor, I'll get on the floor with them; if they're in the window, I'll crouch down and meet them there; if they're up high in a cat tree, I'll get as high up on my tippy toes as I can to greet them!

• I will keep my distance at first and give them a chance to approach me on their own, likely offering treats and/or their favorite toys to entice, distract, and try to put them at ease.  

• I will read their body language cues and attempt to restrain them only once I feel confident that they will tolerate it.  

• If, at any point, your cat becomes too difficult to restrain or starts showing signs of aggression (which is usually a fear response), I will stop and give them a short break, resuming only if and when I am confident that they are ready to continue.  If they show me that they will no longer tolerate restraint, we will not continue with the service and I will discuss options with you.

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Here are a few things you can do to prepare for our appointment and set your cat up for success:
 

• Schedule appointments on days when your routine is otherwise relatively normal; if you are getting ready to travel, host a party, or have been in & out of the house sporadically all day, your cat can sense that something is different and may already be on high alert before I even arrive.  

• If your cat tends to run away and hide when guests come to your home, please isolate them before I arrive- some clients prefer to put their cats in a carrier, some put their cats in a small bedroom or bathroom, and some just close off all the doors from whichever room their cat happens to be hanging out in.  The last thing we want is for our entire appointment time to be spent trying to catch your cat!

• ...on the other hand, if your cat is the type to get very anxious when you attempt to contain them, please let them stay wherever they are comfortable until I arrive and we will figure out the best way to approach them. 

• If you have small children or other pets such as dogs, please keep them in another part of the house (if possible) during our appointment or be prepared to make sure they are staying calm and quiet while we perform your cat's service.  Cats generally do not like loud noises or sudden movements!

• Although I am able to restrain most cats by myself, clients may be asked to assist by offering treats, gentle pets, and reassuring words.  

• It usually takes more than one visit to establish a consistent "routine" for our appointments and find the best combination of cat-friendly handling techniques that your individual cat responds to, but once we do, it becomes quick & easy- even for the less "cooperative" kitties.