Most grooming advice online is written for dogs, which is a problem, because cats respond to the process very differently.
Cats are more sound- and touch-sensitive
A cat's hearing range and startle threshold are both higher than a dog's. A clipper that a dog barely notices can still put a cat on edge, which is why motor noise and vibration matter even more for feline grooming.
Short sessions are non-negotiable
Where a dog might tolerate a longer session once acclimated, cats generally do best in very short bursts — two to five minutes at a time, several times over a few days rather than one long sitting.
Let the cat set the pace
Forcing a groom on a cat who's actively resisting usually backfires, leading to scratching or a lasting negative association. Stopping the moment your cat gets tense, even mid-stroke, and trying again later, works better long-term than pushing through.
Focus on mats, not a full-body trim
Most cats keep themselves reasonably groomed through self-cleaning. Home grooming for cats is often more about addressing specific matted areas — behind the ears, under the arms, near the tail — than an all-over trim.
Reward generously
Treats, praise, and a calm voice throughout matter more with cats than almost any other technique. A cat who associates the clipper with good things will tolerate far more than one who's simply enduring it.