I have a hard time getting the hooks out of the cats. Most of them swallow it pretty deep and when I use the 6" needlenose pliers I end up cutting the line.
I'd like to know what tool/motions you guys use?

I us circle hooks. Most of the time it gets them in the corner of the mouth. Every now and then if I let them have it too long or forget to turn my clicker on they will get it deep and when they do I usually do like you and cut the line rather than tear them up trying to get it out unless I plan on keeping them anyway.

Circle hooks. Far less likely to gut hook the fish.
For treble hooks, grab the stem and go directly backwards at the angle of entry.

If youve guthooked the fish, I recommend cutting your line, and putting the fish on your stringer. It's probably going to die, and you could get another hook on your line faster than you could get your hook out of its gullet. That's just my opinion.

+1 on circle hooks never have a problem getting them out.

Monte175, if you choose to use the circles you don't set the hook when fishing with them. You just reel up the slack and pull back the rod and start reeling. Sorry if you already know that.

Another + on the Circle hooks

Team catfish has a good hook remover if you are not using the circle hooks. If you decide to let the fish go, then cut the line so there is about 6 in. of line sticking out of there mouth. According the the Kansas fish and game this way helps the fish swallow there pry easier for some reason.

I use Circle hook and with a 45 degree bent tip 10 inch long nose. I normally don't pull the hook out but I do move circlely the hook out.

Really long pair of needle nose pliers and Circle hooks are the way to go with cats.
When removing it. push the hook towards the fish, away from the barb. this opens the flesh alil bit enough to slide the barb past and out of the fish. Probly didnt explain it well enough, but it doesnt hurt the fish.
I carry 2 pairs of long needle nose pliers, Straight and 45 bend.
Bigger hooks helps aswell.

If your on your game and watchin those rods, the fish will never swollow it. and you will hookem in the corner of the mouth everytime.
I dont use smaller than a 4/0 hook, any smaller and they become a pain in the butt to hold onto with pliers and remove.
But thats just me...