Choosing a Cat Groomer
Proper grooming is essential to the well-being of our beloved felines. Finding the purrfect groomer should be more than just looking in the yellow pages. Use the following tips to help you find the right professional cat groomer for you and your pets!
Education and Training
The grooming industry is currently unregulated. Which means there are no licensing requirements, such as a hairdresser would have. So it is important to ask a lot of questions about the education and training a groomer has had, specifically for cats. How much experience do they have? Did they attend a grooming school or receive any certifications? The ideal groomer should be able to answer any and all of your questions regarding safety, handling, and the grooming needs of your cat.
Attitude
In addition to being well-educated, a cat groomer should be patient and compassionate toward your pets. When speaking to the groomer, they should be taking the time to address all of your concerns and have a calm, confident demeanor.
Tour the Facilities
If possible, ask to see where your pet will be groomed. While it is impossible to keep cat hair out of every corner, the groomer’s area should look and smell clean. The kennels or area where the cats are kept should be secure and of the appropriate size. The grooming room should be well-lit and of a comfortable temperature. If the salon also services dogs, where are they kept in relation to the cats?
Salon vs. Vet vs. Mobile vs. Housecall
Each type of grooming salon has its advantages. The right choice for you will depend on a variety of factors including the cats’ needs, the owner’s location and schedule, and what is available in your area.
Salon
Each grooming salon is unique in layout, design, services and schedule. Some will even service only one cat or one family of pets at a time. Some have specific drop off/pick up times, others have appointments throughout the day. It is important to ask how each salon operates in order to best fit you and your cat’s needs. A salon that allows cats to stay for longer periods will be convenient for owners who work during the day, while nervous cats may benefit from “express” appointments. Also, stationary salon prices are usually lower than mobile or housecall, so cost can be a factor as well.
Veterinary Clinic
Some veterinarians employ a groomer on premises. This is an option if your pet requires sedation or additional medical supervision during the grooming process. Only a licensed veterinarian should ever prescribe and/or administer sedatives to your pet. Make sure to ask questions regarding education, training and experience to make sure a professional groomer will be the one grooming your pet. This is a good option for cats that are too aggressive for a regular salon or have health conditions that require monitoring by a veterinarian or technician. Keep in mind that sedation can increase the cost of the groom by a significant amount.
Mobile Groomer
A mobile groomer brings the grooming salon to your doorstep. Usually inside a specially converted van or trailer, it is equipped with all the tools and equipment needed to provide full grooming services. Only one cat or one family of cats is inside the mobile salon at a time, and grooms are performed straight through. This is a great option for cats that are anxious, become stressed during car rides, and for owners with busy schedules. Ask to see the van and consider the above questions on safety, cleanliness, lighting and temperature. Mobile grooming is a premium service and the price of grooming will increase accordingly.
Housecall Groomer
A housecall groomer is someone who grooms your pet inside your own home. They bring all their own tools and equipment, only requiring a large sink or tub, and a surface to use as a grooming table. Housecall has many of the same benefits of a mobile groomer, with the added feature of the cat never having to leave its personal space and the owner is usually able to observe most of the groomer process. Make sure your home has enough clean space for the groomer to work in, this can include a large bathroom, mudroom, laundry room, etc. The area should ideally have a door so a sopping wet cat can’t escape under a bed! Housecall grooming is also a premium service and will have a higher cost associated with it.
Certified Feline Master Groomer Lynn Paolillo provides a variety of cat grooming services in our cat exclusive boarding and grooming facility in Hamilton, New Jersey, Cat Naps Cattery.