Cat mats are clumps of dead hair stuck together by excess skin oils, which means that small and mid-sized mats release more easily with just a comb once the hair is thoroughly cleaned and blown dry. Mats that are larger than what can be comfortably combed out should be shaved out. This is not only to prevent the cat from becoming upset by extensive mat removal, but also because the matted hair is dead and damaged, meaning it can’t be brushed out and left long.

In human hair care, over-conditioning is an issue that can lead to limp, greasy hair that lacks volume. The same principle applies to cats. Having conditioner in the cat’s fur can also attract more dirt and debris, which negates the purpose of grooming in the first place and can cause mats to form more quickly.

Professional groomers need to be especially cautious of this when working with longhaired breeds, such as Persians or Maine Coons, whose fur can become easily weighed down by excess product. The goal should always be to enhance the natural beauty and health of the coat without overwhelming it with unnecessary products.

In addition to not wanting conditioner residue to stay on the cat’s skin and coat, remember that cats lick themselves frequently; therefore, they can ingest any products left in the coat after grooming. Groomers should be considerate of the types and amounts of products that will remain once the cat leaves the grooming salon.

Similarly, for breeds like the Maine Coon, which are known for their rugged, water-repellent coats, conditioners can alter the coat’s natural texture. This can lead to a soft, silky finish that is contrary to the breed’s standard of a more coarse and resilient coat.

Even shorthaired cats can have different hair colors and textures, which should be enhanced, not covered in product. For example, the Chartreux specifies a coat that is “slightly woolly in texture.” Whether a cat is pedigreed or not, a thorough assessment should be done before each groom so that products and techniques can be chosen to work with that particular cat’s natural features.

Show cats bathed weekly have many more options, including conditioning products as needed, because they are then bathed again within a few days to a week. Whereas a cat that only visits the grooming salon every few months should have a groom that focuses on deep cleansing and degreasing in order to remove the buildup of dead hair and skin oils.

Rinsing thoroughly is a crucial step in cat grooming. Ensuring that all the product is washed out will help in keeping the coat healthy and clean. Since conditioners can be more challenging to rinse out completely, avoiding them simplifies this process.

Once the coat is squeaky clean, it is important to dry them completely down to the skin. Start by using a towel to blot (not rub) excess water and then preferably use a non-heated HV dryer. A flat nozzle is great for blasting water and dead hair out while being incredibly gentle with the cat’s skin and healthy, live hair.

By focusing on pre-bath preparation, using high-quality cat shampoos, ensuring thorough rinsing and adopting proper drying techniques, groomers can achieve the desired results for each cat. Encouraging clients to bring their cat in frequently for bath and blow-dry appointments will also help improve the cat’s coat condition and keep them free from tangles and matting. As with any grooming practice, understanding the unique needs of each cat and tailoring the approach accordingly is essential for success.

A motivated and engaged team in the grooming salon requires proactive leadership, effective communication and genuine appreciation. By leading by example, sharing your vision and supporting employee growth, you can cultivate a dynamic team environment that drives success. Let’s shine and grow together!

Kim Kier is the owner/groomer of Little Barks Grooming & Boutique, an award-winning luxury salon in Columbia, South Carolina. She is also a Master Pet Aesthetician, Professional Grooming Credential (World Pet Association), Master Groomer Behavior Specialist, Fear Free Professional, Low Stress Handling Level Silver Certified, and Certified Puppy Consultant.

“We sell our cat hair to the allergy testing facility, so we were considered a medically necessary business,” shares Whitney. “During COVID, I and my two assistants were busier than we have ever been. Because almost everyone was at home 24/7, looking at their dirty, shedding cats, business was booming at The Charleston Cat Groomer. We had parking lot drop-off during the pandemic. I would meet the owner at their car, then bring the cat inside. It worked fine.”

As someone who requires their work keep them interested and involved, Whitney looks forward to each day, because with cat grooming there’s never a dull moment.

“The thing I like least is when we can’t do a cat,” she says. “It’s disappointing to us and to the owner. It’s always frustrating when you can’t complete a groom, but you have to do what’s best for the animal. We do have a mobile vet that comes to sedate at the salon. We are lucky to have that option.”

Whitney also offers another unique service, which is listed on her website, www.charlestoncatgroomer.com, called “Groomer From Afar.” This is a virtual service through which she offers consultations for people who don’t have cat groomers in their area.

“I think my most exciting call was a lady from Ireland,” she continues. “There were no cat groomers within about 200 miles from her, but through Groomer From Afar, her cat got the care that it needed.

“It’s so satisfying,” Whitney adds. “After the consultation, I get lots of good feedback and reviews. Many send pictures and short videos and they say things like, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I did it. Thanks so much!’”

“Lots of people don’t realize that cats need regular grooming,” explains Whitney. “They have no idea how much maintenance these cats take. Just since I began cat grooming, there has been a huge difference in how much bigger and thicker the coats have become. The breeders know that people want these giant, luxurious coats, so there is a huge change in maintaining them.”

To further help cat owners, Whitney has an Amazon storefront called The Pineapple Cat Shop and a Shopify ecommerce site, www.pineapplecatshop.com, to sell cat grooming tools and equipment. The brand is actually a little tieback to Charleston, because in Charleston, pineapples are very popular and they are a symbol of southern hospitality.

She also has a new product she created for groomers and hair stylists called Strapped Aprons. It’s a clear apron with detachable, interchangeable straps that protects your clothing but doesn’t cover up your “style.”

Whitney gets a lot of business through her website, but she says that her Instagram page, @whitneybullockcfmg, has really helped her brand and her business. She posts every single day and has over 100,000 followers on Instagram, and she is one of the few that answers every message she gets. Whitney also makes educational tutorials and fun videos, and even has a cat, King Monty, who has become an Instagram sensation. One of his viral videos has had over 12 million views.

As busy as she is, this energetic go-getter still finds time for her family and fun. A self-proclaimed beach bum, Whitney says that they live close to the beach and can be found there most every weekend. And, loving all things Disney, they visit the park several times a year. Whitney and her husband were even married at Disney World.

Being able to balance her professional and personal life keeps Whitney Bullock looking forward to each new day. And The Charleston Cat Groomer and the Pineapple Cat Shop ensure that all of the feline families they serve are provided the best care and service possible.

The answer, as with many complex questions, is “it depends.” No one is suggesting that heavily matted cats can be brushed out. They cannot. There are, however, other alternatives and mitigations that are much healthier for the cat than complete shave-downs or even the popular “lion cut.” A full shave of the torso of a cat is almost never necessary, and potentially unhealthy for the cat. It is especially wrong if it is being done unnecessarily. Other options include requiring more regularly scheduled grooms, teaching the owner to assist with home care, pre-soaking in conditioners, spot shaving, or even shaving certain areas like rear pantaloons or bellies that cats spend so much time sitting on. All of these are much better for the wellbeing of a cat than a shave of the full torso.

The famous “Cat Daddy” and Animal Planet TV star, Jackson Galaxy, uses a perfect analogy to describe cat skin, cautioning us that it is “tissue-paper thin.” And veterinary science completely backs him up on that description. The thickness of a cat’s skin varies with species, breed and location, but ranges from 0.4 to 2 mm. In comparison, dogs’ skin thickness ranges from 0.5 to 5 mm. Even hairless cats, with their slightly thicker skin, still have microscopic vellus hairs to provide some protection. To underscore the severity of the thinness of their skin, cats can even get a unique condition called “skin fragility syndrome.”¹

The facts about cats’ dangerously thin skin and vitally protective and abundant fur coat raise questions about the practice of routine shaving of cats by pet groomers everywhere. So, should cats be shaved?

The answer, as with many complex questions, is “it depends.” No one is suggesting that heavily matted cats can be brushed out. They cannot. There are, however, other alternatives and mitigations that are much healthier for the cat than complete shave-downs or even the popular “lion cut.” A full shave of the torso of a cat is almost never necessary, and potentially unhealthy for the cat. It is especially wrong if it is being done unnecessarily. Other options include requiring more regularly scheduled grooms, teaching the owner to assist with home care, pre-soaking in conditioners, spot shaving, or even shaving certain areas like rear pantaloons or bellies that cats spend so much time sitting on. All of these are much better for the wellbeing of a cat than a shave of the full torso.

Yes, we need to take time with the owners to educate them so that they, too, can understand the vital role that hair and skin play in their cat’s health. We can stock and sell them the right combs and equipment to help maintain the coat. We can offer spot removal of mats while preserving what we can of their fur. At my salon, all the long-haired cats that we groom are mandated to be in for full or partial grooming on at least a two- or three-month schedule. The owners are happy to comply because this keeps the price down, their cats happier and healthier, and their homes cleaner of shedding.

In addition, as with the problematic shaving of fur-type dogs, the wispy and less protective undercoat hairs, which are more prone to matting, grow back quickly and heavier after shaving. The more protective and important primary or guard hairs do not grow back as quickly or as well, especially in older cats or cats that are repeatedly shaved.

The next layer of this debate between the two schools of thought in cat grooming centers around shaving a cat “against the grain.” Cats’ hairs grow to a genetically pre-determined length; that is, they grow to a certain length and stop. In dogs, we call these coat types fur not hair. And as in dogs with fur-type coats, they should not be cut, especially not on the upper torso, unless truly necessary. Most importantly, cats’ fur generally grows—with some breed exceptions—in a direction, from the head towards the tail and from the top of the spine downward.

There are those that aggressively defend—even require—shaving against the direction of the natural lay of a cat’s hair. Having asked about this point of view, the rationale given to me was that it was artistically necessary to smooth out the cut without showing lines. Not surprisingly, this camp also has no problem doing lion cuts or complete shave-downs on the whole torso for reasons no more serious than owner request. A few have told me that full shave-downs are all they do when they groom cats. Every cat, every time. Shaving is cat grooming to them.

Shaving a cat against the direction of the growth of the hair has several potential negative consequences. First, it can tear the delicate arrector pili muscle attached to the hair follicle. The arrector pili muscles function in thermoregulation by lifting the hair to make space for a layer of heat when the weather is cool or lying flat when the weather is warm. They are also important for giving social signals (i.e., raising their “hackles,” which is called piloerection). Shaving a cat against the hair growth can pull and stretch the arrector pili muscle and damage it.²

The argument also comes from the pro-shaving camp that cats are cooler and more comfortable if shaved. But, that is not a fact-based conclusion since cats do not have sweat glands that cool their skin. Cats have apocrine glands that hydrate inside the follicle, not exocrine glands, as humans do, which deliver hydration directly to the skin surface to cool it.

A final argument in contradiction of shaving against the natural lay of a cat’s coat has to do with the health of their hair follicles. Clipping a cat’s hair with a short blade against the grain pulls it the opposite direction from which it grows, causing the hair to pull away from the follicle and the way it normally lays. This leaves the hairs shorter than the level of the skin, causing the hair root to retreat inside the follicle below the skin level.

We should always make our grooming decisions based on what is best for the cat. And it is the highest calling for us to make those decisions based on facts, science and published data where possible. We would all benefit from getting more data about the consequences of some of our grooming decisions. Until then, common sense and a love for these naturally beautiful cats will hopefully guide us to not destroy, but instead protect, their natural and abundant fur coats.

1. Trotman TK, Mauldin E, Hoffmann V, et. al., (2007, October 18). Skin fragility syndrome in a cat with feline infectious peritonitis and hepatic lipidosis. Vet Dermatol. 18(5):365-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2007.00613.x. PMID: 17845626; PMCID: PMC7169342
2. The Certified Cat Groomer. (2021). International Professional Groomers, Inc. and Professional Cat Groomers Association. Linda Easton, ICMG, Kim Raisanen, CMCG

The skin is an organ that works as a protective layer; however, some chemicals, such as lipid-soluble substances, are absorbed by the skin, allowing them into the bloodstream to cause toxic effects on the body. And even if the chemical is not absorbed via infiltrating the skin, the cat may still lick itself, ingesting the chemical and causing issues internally.

It often falls on groomers to help with accidental spillage of substances or contact with toxins, which can include:

Any substance that has damaged the skin, such as a chemical burn, will require veterinary treatment. Mechanical or chemical removal may cause more damage and pain or prolong the healing process.

Some life-threatening emergencies in cats are induced by direct absorption or by oral ingestion (through self-grooming) of a toxin after skin exposure. The client should always source veterinary treatment before the bath to be sure the cat does not require medical intervention. Advice is also available to the public via the Pet Poison Helpline about whether the substance is toxic.

Signs such as excessive salivation and foaming may be expected if a scented substance is spilled, but it can also be a sign of toxicity; only a veterinarian knows the right course to take. The cat will require consultation for oesophageal and mucosa damage, depending on the substance. The cat may also need IV fluids, absorbent medication, dialysis, gastric lavage or emesis to expel the toxins, and ongoing supportive care. Do not try to induce vomiting without veterinary advice, as it can damage the cat internally when the substance is expelled.

If a cat presents with these signs, send them straight back to the vet:

Removing the contaminating substance begins by breaking it up before it can be removed by shampoo and water. This starts by using a solid surfactant such as dishwashing liquid; be sure to use one without limonene or citrus oils. Use as little water as possible, increasing the water with every wash. 

The cat must be bathed multiple times (as many as 5-10 washes) before a shampoo is used to finish. Generally, the more the cat’s coat soaps up, the less oil or substance remains. Motor oil, for example, will make the color lighter, but it may take weeks to leave the hair shaft altogether.

Always ask the veterinarian before beginning the removal process for the recommended product to use. Removal of the substance does not guarantee that the cat has not been poisoned; the cat still requires monitoring with veterinary care.

If bathing, you must dry the cat completely to avoid hypothermia. Depending on the circumstances and the cat’s stress signs, this can be done either by a high-velocity dryer, in a cage or by air-drying using a heating pad. 

It is essential to keep up to date with your pet first aid and CPR certifications to be able to identify signs of neurotoxicity. If you are not educated in first aid or are not comfortable with helping an emergency case, please refer the client to have this completed under veterinary care.

Lexie Goldsmith teaches an online course, “First Aid for the Cat Groomer,” written by two Certified Vet Nurses and Master Cat Groomers, which helps you bridge the gap between an emergency and veterinary treatment, and includes a more extensive list of common household poisons and what to do in case of poisoning. The course includes a certificate of completion, tests and essay questions. learncatgrooming.com.au/p/first-aid

elines are not small dogs in cat suits; every pet groomer worth their salt is familiar with this fact. Some standard dog grooming practices can be dangerous to cats, and most of them have to do with the unique anatomy that felines possess. Here are some interesting facts that separate cat grooming best practices from those of dog grooming and why.

It is not uncommon for dogs to exit a grooming appointment happily sporting some type of product in their fur. It could be a leave-in conditioner, a little detangling spray or mousse, a dusting of chalk or a spritz of cologne. This works just fine because dogs are not the voracious self-groomers that cats are. Cats will ingest any product left on their fur after grooming as they clean themselves. Ideally, cats will be washed and conditioned with feline-safe products, rinsed well and sent home from their spa treatment with clean coats free of residual chemicals or hair care products.

Many pet groomers still routinely express anal glands on dogs they groom. Cats also have anal glands, and healthy cats express some liquid when evacuating their bowels. Experienced cat groomers know that cats will often release their glands when stressed, or sometimes even if the groomer merely lifts the tail to perform a sanitary trim. These delicate structures can become impacted, infected and even rupture. Groomers who note swelling, redness, hairlessness from irritation or other problems should refer the customer to seek veterinary attention for their pet.

Groomers willing to educate themselves about how to groom cats safely and effectively can create a highly lucrative niche for themselves. There are millions of loved pet cats in the U.S. and not enough knowledgeable groomers who offer the specialized care they require. While they are not little dogs in cat suits, grooming these unique creatures can be a delightful way to earn a living once you become familiar with the best ways to care for them.

• Essential Oil and Liquid Potpourri Poisoning in Cats. VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/essential-oil-and-liquid-potpourri-poisoning-in-cats
• Pet Poison Prevention: Understanding Alcohol Toxicity In Pets. Animal Emergency Care. https://animalemergencycare.net/pet-poison-prevention-understanding-alcohol-toxicity-in-pets/
• Household Hazards – Toxic Hazards for Cats. VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/household-hazards-toxic-hazards-for-cats
• Anal Glands in Cats. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/anal-glands-cats
• Watch Your Senior Cat’s Nails! Trumann Animal Clinic. https://trumannanimalclinic.com/2021/10/26/watch-your-senior-cats-nails/
• Understanding Stud Tail in Cats. South Seattle Veterinary Hospital. https://www.southseattlevet.com/understanding-stud-tail-in-cats

Simple things such as letting our tools do our work for us, keeping distractions to a minimum, working within our skill level and not being afraid to walk away from a groom are all examples of self-care while grooming. As business owners, setting clear work hours and scheduling time off will help keep us motivated to stay involved in and excited about our grooming business.

You never know when a distracting text or notification will come up on your phone. If you lose focus for one second, you could easily lose control of the cat you are grooming and become injured. If things are chaotic or stressful outside of work, it is best to reschedule your clients than to risk an injury to yourself or to a cat.

If you are ready to expand your skill level, complete more difficult grooms and take on more aggressive cats as clients, seeking an education through an organization that focuses on feline grooming is an important next step. Increasing your education before you increase the difficulty level in the cats you accept as clients will help to keep you safe.

I have had many bites over the years. Two of those bites required emergency surgery and a week in the hospital. I know from experience it is far better to walk away from a cat than to continue a groom that has the potential to cause you an injury.

I set the second Thursday of the month for my day off so everyone knows I will not be available and no one will be able to reach me on that day. Now I go even further and use no electronic devices on that day. Yes, it was scary at first. Yes, it can be hard. But I found it is a very important part of my success. It gives me time to refocus, prioritize what is important in my life and reset.

While self-care is often thought of as practices you can do outside of work, there are many self-care steps we as groomers can take to help us become more productive and to keep us in love with grooming.

The best way to address this problem is using a condition-shampoo-condition (close-open-close) process to break down the old sebum (first conditioning step), followed by a shampoo stage to remove the top layer of old sebum, and then a very hydrating/soothing conditioner in the second conditioning stage. Degreasing the area is not recommended because it is irritating and will tend to get a rebound-sebum-production effect as a response. Bathing may need to be done twice weekly to weekly to settle down and quiet the irritated glands.

With the aggressive way the cats chew and pull out hair, the most obvious conclusion is that it may be allergic in nature. They tend to be only moderately responsive to steroids and anti-inflammatories (varying from cat to cat), leading us to believe another underlying issue exists. Conditioning with a good hydrating conditioner may not be curative but will help soothe the issue.

The good news is that if the coatis restored, most cats will return to grooming, if capable. With many of these disease processes occurring later in life, some cats lose the ability to groom themselves because of obesity or arthritis and will need to be groomed regularly to avoid this condition.

Although cats tend to have fewer hair and skin issues than dogs, they do still benefit from proper, routine grooming to keep their hair and skin healthy.

Dr. Cliff Faver graduated with a BS in Biology/BA in Chemistry before getting a Veterinary degree in 1987. He is the past owner of Animal Health Services in Cave Creek, Arizona and now the US distributor for Iv San Bernard products, teaches the ISB Pet Aesthetician Certification program, and speaks internationally on hair and skin. His passion is to merge groomers and veterinarians to aid in helping and healing pets. He is also a member of AVMA, AAHA, AZVMA, Board member with Burbank Kennel Club, and has served on Novartis Lead Committee, Hill’s International Global Veterinary Board, and a Veterinary Management Group.