Jamie - i like cats. This is a case of where clipping would be a good idea. Using scissors tends to make it so that some veterinarians will be sewing up a laceration. Just go to a groomer and have them take care of it. It's the noise from the whips.
Animals relieve stress in different ways.
Just like we do. I have read a lot about how they make great pets. They tend to do better in quiet environments. Are very sedate. Young children can stress them and a lot of noise and commotion can scare them.