Pause. Look. Then choose.
Before the first brushstroke.
Check your pet’s comfort, coat and skin before starting. Stop for distress, pain or skin changes. Leave matted fur for professional assessment.
See the before-brushing check
01 / Notice first
Look at the pet before the tool.
- 01
Comfort
Begin in a quiet place, when your pet is comfortable with gentle contact. If they become worried or resist handling, stop and give them space.
- 02
Coat
Look for compacted or knotted fur. Do not pull through a mat or cut it out with scissors. Ask a reputable groomer for help; contact your vet if the area seems painful or the skin looks abnormal.
- 03
Skin
Notice wounds, sore patches, redness or an unexpected change in the coat. Pause grooming and speak to your vet instead of brushing over the problem.
Further reading: PDSA · Grooming pets
02 / Decide what happens next
A pause can be the right next step.
Stop & give space
Do not force the session. For an established fear of handling, ask your vet for guidance.
Ask a professional
Leave the mat alone. A groomer can advise; pain or a skin concern calls for a vet.
Contact your vet
A grooming tool cannot tell you what is causing the change.
This is a pause-and-seek-help guide, not a diagnosis or a mat-removal tutorial.
Before-brushing questions
My pet looks comfortable. Can I start?
Keep the first session short and gentle. Use a tool suited to your pet’s needs and follow its instructions. Ask your vet or groomer if you are unsure which tool or technique is appropriate. Continue watching your pet and stop if their response changes.
What signs mean I should stop with a cat?
RSPCA guidance says to end the session if a cat twitches, swishes their tail, growls or hisses. A change in coat condition, wounds or sore patches also warrants veterinary advice.
Will a different brush solve resistance?
Do not assume the tool is the only cause. Dogs Trust advises veterinary advice for an established fear of handling; pain can affect a dog’s response. Your vet can assess health concerns and advise on further support.
Sources & further reading
- PDSA · Grooming pets
- Dogs Trust · Handling your dog
- RSPCA · Grooming your cat
- ASPCA · Pet grooming tips (PDF)
Edited by FurCommand · . General guidance; ask your vet about health concerns and a qualified groomer about your pet’s individual grooming needs.
Photos: Sam Lion and Samson Katt / Pexels. Lifestyle photographs illustrate everyday care, not medical conditions, product results or a FurCommand grooming service.