Cat Grooming FAQ
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General Questions
Do you groom cats?
Yes! We offer gentle, one-on-one cat grooming in a calm, cage-free environment designed specifically for feline comfort.
What makes cat grooming different from dog grooming?
Cats are more sensitive to sound, handling, and changes in their environment. We groom one cat at a time, work slowly, minimize noise, and never force a service your cat cannot tolerate safely.
Do you sedate cats?
No. Sedation must be handled by a veterinarian. If your cat requires sedation to be groomed safely, we will refer you to a trusted veterinary partner. However, we can groom cats who have been given vet-prescribed oral sedation at home prior to their appointment, as long as the medication was prescribed specifically for grooming and your cat is still responsive, stable, and safe to handle.
If your cat requires injectable sedation or becomes fractious even with oral medication, grooming is safest in a veterinary setting.
Do you groom feral or semi-feral cats?
No. These cats require specialized handling in a veterinary setting for safety.
Do you offer comfort breaks?
Yes. We offer comfort breaks for cats whenever needed. Cats often have a natural “grooming window,” and even with gentle handling and breaks, some cats let us know when that window has closed. If your cat becomes too stressed or uncomfortable to continue, we will pause the session or end the groom for their safety and wellbeing.
Temperament & Safety
What if my cat is nervous, anxious, or shy?
We specialize in low-stress handling. Many nervous cats do well with quiet, one-on-one care. We work slowly, offer breaks, and follow your cat’s comfort level at all times.
What if my cat becomes stressed or aggressive?
If your cat becomes unsafe to handle, we may pause, take breaks, modify the groom, or stop the service. Safety always comes first—for both your cat and our groomers.
Grooming Services
What services do you offer for cats?
We offer baths, brush-outs, nail trims, sanitary trims, lion cuts, clipdowns, and mat removal—only when safe and tolerated.
Do you offer lion cuts?
Yes, we offer lion cuts and clipdowns when your cat tolerates the process safely. Some cats are not comfortable with full-body clipping; in these cases we adjust or decline the service.
Do cats really need baths?
Yes! Contrary to popular belief, cats don't groom themselves - they lick themselves! Many cats benefit from professional bathing, especially longhaired breeds, senior cats, or cats with oily skin, dandruff, or difficulty grooming themselves.
Do you deshed cats?
Yes — our deshedding baths and brush-outs help reduce shedding, dander, and hairballs.
Matting & Coat Condition
Can you demat my cat?
We will remove light or mild matting when it is safe and tolerated. For tight, painful, or extensive mats, a clipdown (shave) may be the safest option. Some cats tolerate dematting while others may try to rearrange our faces.
What if my cat is severely matted?
If the mats are too tight to safely remove without risk of injury, we may recommend veterinary grooming, where sedation can be used.
Appointment Expectations
How long does cat grooming typically take?
Typically 60–90 minutes. Cats who need breaks or have more extensive coat work may take longer.
Do I stay during the appointment?
No — cats tend to do better without their owners present. Your cat will remain calmer in a quiet space with less stimuli.
Should I bring my cat in a carrier?
Yes, all cats must arrive in a secure, well-ventilated carrier for safety. We cannot proceed with grooming your cat if they do not have a carrier.
Pricing & Scheduling
Why does cat grooming cost more than dog grooming?
Cats require more specialized, slow, careful handling than dogs and require two groomers. Prices vary based on coat condition, temperament, and the time needed to safely complete the groom.
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higher risk than dog grooming
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advanced expertise
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behavioral knowledge
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physical danger & infection risk to groomer
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requires two groomers
Aftercare
Will my cat act differently after grooming?
Some cats may be quieter, sleepy, or more affectionate. Others may need space after a new experience — this is normal. It's not uncommon for cats to hide under a couch, bed, or in a closet for a short time after grooming. Contact us with any concerns.
How often should my cat be groomed?
Most cats do well on a 6–8 week schedule. Longhaired cats and certain breeds may benefit from more frequent grooming depending on coat density.
Booking & Policies
Can I book multiple cats at once?
Yes — but we groom one cat at a time. Additional cats can wait in their carriers until it’s their turn.
What if my cat refuses the groom?
If your cat is too stressed or unsafe to continue, we will stop the service. A partial or handling fee may apply based on time spent. If you're unsure of how your cat will react to grooming you can schedule a free Kitty Meet & Greet.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Yes — please see our general grooming FAQ page for details or click here.
Looking for something else? Our General Grooming FAQ covers broader topics that may help.