Frequently Asked Questions
Why does it cost more to groom a cat than a dog?
- Grooming a cat is a very different experience to grooming a dog. It is a specialized industry which requires specialized training which most cat only groomers have undertaken.
- Generally, cats are a lot less tolerant of the grooming process or any intervention from humans.
- There are a lot more risks involved.
- Cats are contortionists and have 18 weapons to use at their pleasure which they aren’t afraid to use when placed out of their comfort zones. They have teeth that puncture deeper into the blood stream and can leave deeper wounds as a result that can cause a nasty infection in the blood stream. Dog bites can be messy also but they are easier to clean and keep from infection. One bad cat bite can end your career. If you are not paying extremely close attention to the subtle warning signs of a cat, you can get struck by a sudden attack.
- Cats can sometimes be super unpredictable.
- Cats don’t travel particularly well, so if you call upon a mobile groomer you are paying for their time, travel and skill.
- A lot of veterinary practices will only do shave downs on cats that are sedated for the safety and welfare of their staff.
Don’t cats groom themselves?
Yes, many cats are able to maintain themselves reasonably well, but there comes a point when they might need your intervention. Cats are meticulous cleaners but there are many reasons why they might not be able to get the job done. An obvious reason is particularly long haired cats. Self-grooming for cats with long hair can be somewhat problematic to keep their coats completely mat free. Obesity can prevent your cat from reaching certain areas, usually around the hips which can end up causing matting and pain. Age can play a factor also. As cats age they are prone to certain illness just like humans such as arthritis, which can restrict their want to groom certain areas due to the discomfort it causes. Hyperthyroidism is another illness that can cause a cat’s coat to look unkempt, greasy and matted which will need some sort of intervention. These are just a few of the reasons why we sometimes need to help our feline friends out with their grooming needs.
My cats short haired, it doesn’t need grooming
Even short haired cats shed hair. Each time the seasons change, you will notice more fur around the house. This is because they are losing their last season’s coat. Even in short haired cats, if this coat is not removed successfully by the cat or through human intervention, then it can mat and even turn into a pelt which would need to be clipped off safely using clippers. All of the above still applies also, e.g. illnesses, age, obesity. Not only that but regular grooming of your long or short haired cat stimulates blood flow under the skin and thus helps with circulation. It can also just be a pleasurable experience for the cat and a time to bond.
Can kittens get groomed?
Absolutely. In fact, it is best to get your cat used to the grooming process when they are young. This helps to prevent any future potential problems if grooming is required at a later stage in their life. It also gets them used to being handled by people other than their guardians which will build up trust and a sense of comfort with them.
Do you groom older cats?
Yes. As long as there are no current injuries or new illnesses that the cat is being treated for and your vet has not advised against grooming. We will take the necessary precautions such as splitting the grooming session over several appointments, if needed, and having even more breaks than usual. We want to help your cat no matter what its age and will do so in the safest, most stress – free and comfortable place for them. As cats age their skin can become very loose and wrinkly which can make clipping particularly challenging, if clipping is required. We would be extra mindful of this as well as handling techniques around areas of discomfort due to conditions such as arthritis.