Please don't use scissors I've lost track of the number of kitties we've had to stitch up after unfortunate grooming events. One cat actually had to have the end of it's tail amputated because it wouldn't heal

Maybe I missed it, but when you bring her to the vet, would it be out of line to suggest a light sedation for her to make the trip easier and less stressful on her and everyone else involved? I'd feel safer about sedating at the vet. We actually do this quite a bit for our shave-down kitties: it is absolutely not a first resort by any means, but some cats are so badly matted that it's painful. Add that on top of the stress of the trip, and they are NOT happy with us, much less compliant about us messing with them!

Some clients come in on a regular basis for shave downs, even great cats that just lay there and let us do anything to them (which I find odd - we aren't groomers by any means but we get the job done), because they are either overweight and don't groom themselves properly or are just long haired and they can't properly keep up with maintenance.

We will also regularly shave down their rears on annual visits at no charge just because it's easier on the cat and the owners, and who doesn't like a fresh, mat-free and clean bottom? hehe