Cat grooming is a specialty skill which requires feline centric education in temperament, anatomy, health, handling, and ethical and proper grooming procedures. Although both dogs and cats are companion pets, finding the right pet groomer is essential for a safe and positive experience for your cat.

Here are a few red flags to look out for when you are searching for a cat groomer!

No Neck Leads or Loops

While leads are absolutely supportive and ethical to use while grooming dogs, cats under no circumstances should ever be placed into a noose or lead around the neck. Cats are much more flexible and twisty than dogs, and have a natural tendency to “popcorn” when startled, anxious, or trying to get away. Cats can suffer extreme injury and even death. If your cat tolerates a loop, it probably doesn't need it. If you think the cat needs the loop, they definitely shouldn't be placed in it.

Experienced cat groomers who have been properly trained in cat grooming are able to use a variety of minimal restraint holds to keep that cat in place without using leads.

Remember, when you work with live animals, it’s not a matter of “if”, it is a matter of “when”. Just because leash-grooming has been successful in the past, does not make it the best practice or worth the risk.

Offering Bath-Free Grooms or “Waterless Shampoos”

There is no substitution for water. Your groomer would not offer you a dog groom featuring a “waterless bath”, and you shouldn’t make any less of an exception for your cat.

Washing a cat can seem intimidating and challenging, and a groomer not offering it is your first clue that they may not be the feline professional you’re looking for. If they tell you all cats hate water and bathing is dangerous for them, run. 

Baths should be included and built into each and every groom. While some cats may struggle for a bath the first time and need medication or handling conditioning prior--that's okay. But opting out of the bath is the exception, not the rule. 

They Don’t Groom A Lot Of Cats

As mentioned above, cat grooming is a specialty. And any specialty, requires a specialist. When looking for a cat groomer, be sure to ask them how many cats they are used to doing and where they received their experience from. Reputable educational resources such as The National Cat Grooming Institute are premier schools which offer real cat grooming education from real cat grooming professionals.

There are many groomers that are successfully able to do both dogs and cats, but it is your due diligence as an owner to advocate for your cat and make sure that the individual working with them has the experience to modify, recognize important signs of stress before it gets bad, and how to effectively groom your cat.

Finding A Reputable Cat Groomer

Finding someone reputable can be a huge challenge. Thankfully, organizations such as The National Cat Grooming Institute and Fear Free offer map searches so you can find a professional near you.