Frequently Asked Questions
- At what age can I start bringing my cat to the salon?
- Kittens are welcome and encouraged in the salon after they have received their first round of shots.
- Elderly cats (13+ y/o) must be in good health and able to handle the stress of grooming; consideration will be dependent on the individual cat and determined after a series of questions at the time of scheduling.
- Kittens are welcome and encouraged in the salon after they have received their first round of shots.
- How do you handle cats with behavioral issues, such as biting and scratching?
- We will only groom a cat for as long as they can handle being groomed. If they are biting and or scratching, but still allowing the groomer to do the necessary work, we will continue with safeguards in place (see list below of proper cat restraint methods).
If their behavior is deemed unsafe to continue by the discretion of the groomer, we will discontinue the service at that point and offer a second appointment date in the near future to complete the service after the cat has had time to calm down and adjust.
- We will only groom a cat for as long as they can handle being groomed. If they are biting and or scratching, but still allowing the groomer to do the necessary work, we will continue with safeguards in place (see list below of proper cat restraint methods).
- Can I sedate my cat ahead of time?
- Sedation is only encouraged if your cat cannot handle the normal stress of grooming. Sedatives MUST be prescribed by a veterinarian and you MUST make your groomer aware that your pet is sedated. If at any point during the service your cat starts to fall asleep, we CANNOT continue. Your cat must be awake and aware during the entirety of their grooming session.
- What if my cat doesn't like water?
- We will always attempt a bath, but if kitty tells us “no”, we have waterless shampoo available to help clean the coat, and loosen some of the undercoat. **Waterless shampoo will not get your cat as clean as a traditional bath, and is used only if your cat cannot be bathed.
- Do you offer flea baths?
- Yes! We perform flea baths with a cat safe flea shampoo.
- Do you blow-dry cats?
- Most cats will not tolerate the blowdryer. We will attempt to blow-dry if the cat has been compliant and well mannered throughout the bathing process however, if your cat will not tolerate use of the blowdryer, we will towel dry and place in a kennel with non-heated fans to air dry. Most cats will go home at least a little bit wet.
- Will shaving my cat reduce shedding?
- No. Shaving does not reduce shedding, it just makes the shed hair shorter. Regular bathing and brushing is the best way to reduce shedding.
- What if I want my cat's hair trimmed, but not shaved?
- There are multiple types of haircuts your cat can receive but it does depend on coat condition, your cat's overall health, and behavior.
Haircuts include:
Lion cut - The standard cat shave down. This can be done by request or if necessary to remove matting. Everything will be shaved except for the feet, tip of the tail, and head.
Comb cut - Your cat will be clipped with a guard comb, as opposed to a blade. Desired length will be discussed at drop off with the owner. Lengths range from 1/8 inch to 1 inch. This is only available for cats that are 100% mat free.
Sanitary Shave - The areas around the anus and genitals will be shaved. Shaved area can be continued up the belly and or the tail base by request of the owner.
Spot Shave - Only matted areas will be shaved, and the rest of the coat will be preserved.
Owner Request - If you have something else in mind that is not listed above, just ask your groomer!
- There are multiple types of haircuts your cat can receive but it does depend on coat condition, your cat's overall health, and behavior.
- Can I bring my cat for just a nail trim or brush out?
- Absolutely! We encourage nails to be trimmed monthly to maintain short, non sharp nails.
- Brushing can be performed as frequently as you prefer-keeping in mind that matted cats will have to be shaved, and are not eligible for brush out services.
- Absolutely! We encourage nails to be trimmed monthly to maintain short, non sharp nails.
- How can I stop my cat from scratching furniture?
- Like dogs, cats can be trained with repetitive, positive reinforcement. Make sure your cat has an acceptable alternative to your furniture like a scratching post. Encourage them and acknowledge them with treats or cat nip when they use the post for scratching instead of your furniture.
- Nail caps are another alternative that can be used. Nail caps are a silicone cap that is glued on to your cat's claws with pet safe nail glue. These caps must be removed/changed monthly to ensure the nail underneath remains healthy. These caps are an additional charge to a regular nail trim.
- Like dogs, cats can be trained with repetitive, positive reinforcement. Make sure your cat has an acceptable alternative to your furniture like a scratching post. Encourage them and acknowledge them with treats or cat nip when they use the post for scratching instead of your furniture.
- What if my cat needs a potty break?
- Disposable litter boxes with clumping litter will be provided when your cat has kennel time. Although most cats choose not to use the litter box while at the groomer, it is there as an option for them.
CAT RESTRAINING TOOLS AND PROCEDURES:
- Kitty Burrito
- Cat is carefully wrapped in a towel to gently restrain the body when trimming nails.
- Trach Saver
- A harness type grooming loop that loops around the cats front legs and not their neck, this may be used to keep a cat on the table or in the bath tub.
- Figure 8 Loop
- Your typical kennel slip lead, carefully shaped into a figure eight, and used in place of a trach saver.
- Happy Hoodie
- A stretchy towel like material that is placed around the cats ears to help reduce noise.
- Air Muzzle
- A helmet fitted to the cats head. Think less muzzle and more cone. This prevents the cat from whipping it’s head around and landing fatal bites.
- Bite Buster Gloves
- Gloves worn by the groomer to help reduce bite risks to the hands and forearms.