or many cat groomers, the phone is ringing off the hook. But for others, the calls may be few and far between. With the need for cat grooming on the rise, here are seven ways to increase the number of cat clients reaching out to your business.

Have a Shop Cat.

One simple way to create a feline-friendly atmosphere is to have a resident shop cat. Not only can a friendly feline help promote styles and grooming services, but having a cat on the premises can also be a great conversation starter for clients. A huge selling point is to have clients “feel” the difference of a well-groomed cat.

Having a shop cat can also be a great way to build a rapport with local cat owners and create a sense of community around your salon. Sarah Warner, owner of Aristocats Feline Day Spa in Brisbane, Australia, has a huge following around her shop cat, Sebastian, of clients from nearby businesses who regularly stop by to get their kitty fix.

Network with Cat Specialty Businesses.

Another effective way to attract more feline clients is to network with other cat specialty businesses in your area. This might include local veterinarians, cat rescues, pet sitters and feline behaviorists. By forging relationships with these businesses, you can tap into their networks and potentially attract new clients who are looking for grooming services. Consider reaching out to these businesses to offer special promotions or discounts for their clients, or collaborate on events or educational seminars.

Share Cat Grooms on Social Media.

Social media can be a powerful tool for attracting new clients, and this is especially true for cat owners. Many cat owners are passionate about their pets and love seeing pictures and videos of other cats. You’ll be surprised at the number of dog clients that didn’t know their cat could also be groomed.

Make sure your social media profiles feature plenty of cat content, including before and after photos of cat grooms, behind-the-scenes shots of your staff working with cats, and informative posts about cat grooming and health. You can also consider running social media contests or giveaways to encourage engagement and attract new followers.

Answer Cat Owners’ Questions.

One way to build trust with potential clients is to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge about cat grooming. Consider creating a blog, short videos or other social media series focused on answering common cat grooming questions, such as what tools cat owners can use at home or how to trim their claws. By providing helpful information and tips, you can establish yourself as a reliable and trustworthy source of information, and potentially attract new clients who are looking for expert guidance on cat care.

Update Branding to Include Cats.

In addition to sharing cat grooming content, make sure your branding and marketing materials are cat friendly as well. This might include using eye-catching cat photos or graphics on your website, business cards and other promotional materials. You might even consider commissioning a local artist to create a cat-themed mural or other artwork for your salon’s walls. By featuring cats prominently in your branding, you can help create an association in potential clients’ minds between your salon and feline care.

Have Cat-Only Days/Times.

If you’re looking to create a calm, quiet atmosphere in your salon that cats will love, consider setting aside specific days or times exclusively for them. This can help reduce the stress and anxiety that some cats might experience in a loud or busy grooming salon. By having designated cat-only times, you can also attract more feline clients who might be hesitant to bring their cats to a grooming salon that caters primarily to dogs.

Cross-Promote with Other Groomers.

Not all groomers work with cats, so consider cross-promoting with other grooming businesses in your area who specialize in dogs or other pets. By collaborating with these businesses, you can potentially share mutual clients or leverage the calls that the other salons receive for cats.

The biggest hurdle for cat groomers is getting themselves in front of cat owners. Once you have established a strong reputation for grooming cats in your area, the calls will greatly increase and your books will soon be overflowing with cats!