Need some advice kinda quick!

A friend of mine has a cat that she's been wanting to find a new home for (the reason she gives is that this cat was getting beat up by the other cats daily). The cat is 4 years old, and when I met her at my friend's house she was so sweet and friendly. Well, I found an adopter who is coming tomorrow to meet her. John picked her up on his way home from work, and brought her here to make it easier on everyone involved. I put all of our cats/kittens up in crates for awhile and let Bonnie out to get food/water and use the litter box. She immediately started hissing like crazy if we even looked at her, and then took off under the bed. I want to gain her trust, and I understand she's scared, but I have 20 hours to get her to stop flipping out... and to come out from under the bed without traumatizing her. I have tried enticing her with canned food (Evanger's pheasant dinner), but she'd rather just hide under the bed.
And here's the best part... I have to groom her for tomorrow. She is a VERY longhaired cat and hasn't been brushed in at least 4-6 months so is full of mats. I want to comb her to make her look more presentable (though I have already discussed with her new owner that she does have the mats and will need a thorough grooming).
Any ideas on how to make friends with a very grumpy cat, very quickly?

I think your friend needs to come over and help out with the cat tonight for the grooming. And be there tomorrow when the new person comes over. There isn't enough time, IMO, to do anything to make it work otherwise.

Thank you for helping.

Originally Posted by Mom of 4

I think your friend needs to come over and help out with the cat tonight for the grooming. And be there tomorrow when the new person comes over. There isn't enough time, IMO, to do anything to make it work otherwise.

Thank you for helping.

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I know that's probably the best course of action, but she works and I know she won't be able to make it out here. I moved the bed, and stood there for awhile talking to Bonnie... she came out, hissing and rubbing against me/head butting all at the same time. I know she's just scared, and with a little time she'll be ok... I just don't want to stress her out too much.

Your just going to have to explain to the new owners the situation, just be as honest as possible. I really hate to tell you this but there's not much you can do at this point. If you try grooming the cat and it's not used to you or the grooming... the cat may freak out even more! Just expain it... the owners will understand! Good luck!