my siamese screams at the sound of the brush

So Sparrow is 5 and a very vocal Siamese. Willow, my 2-year-old Ragdoll, is fine with grooming, but Sparrow will hiss and scream the second I even open the drawer where the brush is. I've tried the damp cloth thing and a regular comb, but he hates the sound of the bristles hitting his fur. I'm expecting a baby next month and I'm worried about balancing the new arrival with his care. Has anyone gotten a cat used to the noise?

Ollie is a bengal mix and sheds like crazy. I just use a damp towel and ignore the noise. If he screams, I stop. Try that? Also, check out scream at the sound of the brush if you want more specific ideas.

I'm in the same boat with Chloe. She's shy and has a hard mat behind her ears. I tried combing it out and she got aggressive. I think the sound is the main trigger for her too. I'm also expecting a baby next month and it's a lot to manage. Maybe look at mat behind ears on my shy girl for how I handled the mat.

@jessc86 I've seen that thread but I'm not sure if it applies to the sound issue. Sparrow doesn't have a mat, just the vocal reaction. I think the baby coming will make it harder to do slow desensitization. Does anyone else have a vocal cat that hates grooming?

Pumpkin is a persian mix and gets hairballs. I use a slicker brush daily. I play with him first so he's tired. If he screams, I stop. You can read more about my routine in my siamese screams at the sound of the brush which I wrote earlier when I first got Sparrow.

@LoriInDenver I think you're referring to my own thread? I'm the one who posted that. But thanks for the tip. I'll try playing with him first. Also, I'm worried about the baby. new baby and my shy cat has some good tips for Chloe, but I'm not sure if they work for a vocal Siamese.

I'm not sure if the baby tips work for a vocal cat either. I think the sound is the main issue. Maybe try a different brush? picky eater who won't touch wet food is about food, but I think the principle of introducing new things slowly might apply. Also, I'm expecting a baby next month and I'm worried about balancing the new arrival with Chloe's care.