While many cats experience stress in the grooming salon, it doesn’t have to be that way. Together, groomers and owners can reduce a cat’s anxiety and set them up for success by using the right approach and implementing expert-recommended techniques.

Behind the scenes, a grooming salon can be overwhelming, but cats often experience stress even before arriving. One major clue that signals to the cat it’s grooming day is the presence of the carrier.

According to one study¹, owners were asked during a focus group to create a collage of what it was like to take their cat to the veterinarian—often a similar experience to going to the groomer. The images were not positive ones, with many of the collages depicting a stressful scene.

So, the question is, what can groomers and cat owners do to improve the experience?

Cat behavior specialist and Founder and President of All Cats All the Time, Inc, a nonprofit that helps to promote the adoption of cats, Rachel Geller, Ed.D.², explains that when cat groomers work with owners, it’s possible to help prepare cats for grooming with less stress for everyone.

Dr. Geller explains that behavioral issues are often fixable, and owners don’t realize it. One common problem area related to grooming is the carrier. Whether it’s a lack of experience or a fear formed by association, the carrier can elicit strong responses in cats.

Encouraging owners to work on carrier training at home can remove one element of stress when it’s time to bring their cat in for grooming. Many owners only bring out the carrier when it’s time to travel, leading the carrier to become a cue, causing cats to hide.

“First, you want to work on creating positive associations with the carrier for groomer visits,” Dr. Geller recommends. “What you can do is to start placing the carrier in a room where you and your cat spend much of your time. Make sure the door to the carrier is off or is propped open in a secure way so it doesn’t accidentally close or make a noise. I use pipe cleaners or baggie ties to secure the door open.”

She goes on to say that once the cat becomes accustomed to seeing the carrier and entering it, the door can be closed for a few seconds at a time. Owners can toss treats into the carrier right from the start. Eventually, owners work up to lifting the carrier with their cat inside and walking around their home with it. This routine helps prepare cats for travel. Regular practice makes the difference.

Another essential part of grooming preparation is at-home handling and brushing. Not only does this help cats become comfortable with the process, but it also benefits their coat. At home, owners can pair these sessions with treats to reinforce the training. Treats can play a role in helping cats form positive associations with grooming while practicing at home. Groomers can offer treats in a salon setting, too.

“Treats act as positive reinforcement, helping your cat to be tolerant during the grooming session,” Dr. Geller explains. “By offering treats before, during, and after grooming, your cat will learn that grooming equals treats.”

When possible, she suggests starting the process with kittens.

“Getting a kitten used to being touched, handled, and groomed early can make future grooming sessions easier and less stressful for both the cat and the groomer,” Dr. Geller adds.

She says that the owner can introduce the kitten to different aspects of grooming at home, with the first few grooming sessions being short. In the grooming salon, mini sessions should end on a positive note, incorporating plenty of praise and affection before longer grooming sessions are introduced.

Getting owners on board with training practice can make all the difference, so Dr. Geller suggests providing resources to help clients.

“I recommend sending clients a document that has the information printed out,” she says. “You can also provide a list of the tools you will be using.

“The groomer should advise clients that many cats do not like to be touched in certain areas,” Dr. Geller continues, “so they should desensitize their cats to handling by practicing short sessions that consist of gentle touches on paws, ears, and belly.”

While it takes some work, having a cat that is comfortable in the salon can lead to more frequent visits and more successful sessions. Breaking up training and acclimation into small steps, combined with consistent practice, can help change a cat’s response to grooming, handling and traveling.

When cats misbehave, it’s a sign. The cat may need help adjusting or have unmet needs.

“Cats don’t misbehave on purpose,” Dr. Geller adds.

With preparation and teamwork, grooming can become a calm and familiar part of a cat’s routine.

1. Volk, J. O., Thomas, J. G., Colleran, E. J., & Siren, C. W. (2014). Executive summary of phase 3 of the Bayer veterinary care usage study. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 244(7), 799-802. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.244.7.799
2. Rachel Geller, Ed.D., Cat Behaviorist. https://drrachelcatbehavior.com/

Think of it this way: Your business will only grow as much as you do. When you invest in yourself—whether it’s through upgrading your tools, learning new skills or simply taking a well-deserved break—you’re not only improving your salon, but also keeping your love for grooming alive.

Make it a commitment to invest in your dreams. After all, the better we take care of ourselves, the better we can take care of our beloved furry clients. Here’s to investing in you—because you deserve it!

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 Certified Professional, Low Stress Handling Level Silver Certified, and Certified Puppy Consultant.

As owner of Cat’s Pajamas in Ottawa, Janet has been redefining what it means to be a cat groomer, which is why customers come from all over Canada and up from the states to get their cats groomed at her salon. Still, she wasn’t always known for working with the felines.

“When I was 17, I started showing and breeding purebred dogs,” she recounts. “So, I came to the grooming industry from the opposite direction that most people come. I learned from the masters of breed-standard grooming and then came into professional grooming.”

At the time, Janet knew nothing about cat grooming—but that was normal among those in the profession.

“A cat would come in terrified because they are surrounded by dogs, and all the equipment is the wrong scale and size—everything is just different,” she says. “But we didn’t know that at the time because the grooming schools don’t tell you there’s a difference. That’s why, usually, the cat grooming would go disastrously wrong.”

Back then, Janet chose to stop cat grooming because she felt bad charging a lot of money for a job she wasn’t proud of and having the cats go out the door stressed. But she didn’t want to fail, so she set out to find a cat mentor.

“I went to the cat shows and talked to people and tried to gleam some information the same way I had learned from breeding and showing dogs,” she shares. “But it was like a closed secret society and no one would tell you how they got their cats prepared for show.”

“The Middle East is almost the exact opposite of North America, as it’s almost all cat grooming and just a tiny bit of dog grooming,” she explains. “I had to up my game really, really fast.”

Janet credits Danelle German, the founder of both the National Cat Groomers Institute and the world’s first feline-exclusive grooming school located in Greenville, SC, with helping her improve.

“She came out to the Middle East and helped me glean those small but golden nuggets that made all the difference in learning how to groom cats to the standard of show-grooming dogs,” she recalls. “I became one of only a handful of people to be certified outside of her school.”

Before leaving the Middle East, Janet started a website and quickly found herself booked up with cat grooming appointments by the time she returned to Canada in July of 2013.

“I knew nobody was addressing cats and there was a huge untapped market,” Janet shares. “There are more cats as pets in North America than there are dogs. But cat people are so terrified going to a dog groomer, and understandably so.”

“I had modified her typical dog grooming studio into a cat-friendly environment when the dogs weren’t there,” she explains. “It took me two years to find a good storefront.”

When Cat’s Pajamas ultimately opened at its own location on the second level of an office building in October of 2015, Janet made sure it was 100% dedicated to cats with all cat-specific products and equipment.

“We’re just 500 sq. ft.,” she says. “I have five full-time cat groomers and I’m doing more the business end of things now. We’re booked out months ahead.”

In the beginning, Janet would use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to attract customers to the business. But their reputation quickly spread through word-of-mouth, lessening the need to invest time into marketing.

“We do use Google Ads and a company called NiceJob, which puts all of our reviews on our front page,” she shares. “We have a 4.8 Google review with well over 300 reviews at this point and we get a lot of positive feedback.”

In her business, Janet’s philosophy is simple: celebrating every cat as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Janet believes she has the best team in the grooming business, as she selects her groomers by looking for those who share her philosophy. On average, each cat groomer does eight cats a day. And with the whole scheduling and check-out process being automated, the groomers are able to devote the entirety of their day to onezz-on-one time with the cats.

The biggest challenge of cat grooming, Janet notes, is myth-busting and undoing all the bad information and misinformation that other groomers, veterinarians and the internet put out there.

“There are many services we won’t do, and this hasn’t diminished our popularity or reputation at all,” she says. “For instance, we don’t do lion shave-downs as a means of maintenance. We don’t scruff. We don’t have one person holding the cat down while the other grooms it.”

When customers come to Cat’s Pajamas, they walk into a reception area with two comfy chairs, a small art gallery and an escape-proof counter. There’s also a huge window in the reception area so cat owners can observe the entire grooming process.

“They have peace of mind that their cats are being groomed sensitively, and we tailor it to each individual’s experience level and temperament,” Janet explains. “Our workspace is designed according to flow. On one side, we have three tubs, there’s a window across the other side where we have our grooming and drying areas, and on the other wall we have our systems to do the trims.”

Janet also started a blog to help people understand what cat grooming is and why it’s important.

“Our blog gets over 350,000 viewers per year because people are desperate for sensible information on cat grooming,” she shares. “We want people to understand the benefits and that cats do need to be bathed and washed regularly. It’s like getting a makeover—a cat will look and feel better.”

Cat’s Pajamas also regularly sponsors the Ottawa Valley Cat Club Show each September to support feline welfare. And, since 2013, the business has contributed monthly free grooming to foster cats through its partnership with Ottawa Stray Cat Rescue.

Over the last 10 years, Cat’s Pajamas has grown year-over-year by double-digit margins, but Janet’s challenge now is whether she wants to open additional locations.

“This past year has been turbulent to make major business investment decisions,” she explains. “I have a couple of ideas though, and growth is definitely on the menu because we can’t keep up. The demand is there, and the interest is there, but it’s about pulling the trigger on the next business decision.

“What we’re known for is our quality, how gentle we are, and how thoughtful we are for each client in finding the right solution for the client and their budget. We go the extra mile,” Janet concludes.

A better approach in these cases is the “close–open–close” or “condition–shampoo–condition” method. The first conditioner breaks down (but doesn’t strip) the top layer of sebum, allowing it to be gently removed during shampooing. A humectant (hydrating) conditioner is particularly effective because it hydrates and helps break down old sebum more efficiently than oils alone. The final conditioner is critical, as it should replenish hydration and the oil in the coat to prevent overproduction and ideally soothe the inflammatory response.

Routine bathing and proper conditioning can be a key factor in preventing matting by maintaining the protective sebum layer. However, if a cat is only shampooed and not properly conditioned—or harsh products are used that strip away oils—it leaves the skin and hair vulnerable to matting. The cuticle opens, causing the same “Velcro effect,” leading to dehydration from the open plaques and lack of sebum covering the hair.

It’s essential to note that applying oil (an emollient) alone doesn’t rehydrate the hair or skin. Oils form a barrier that locks in moisture—a process often misrepresented as “moisturizing.” If the skin is already dry, adding oil just traps that dryness inside. Since oil and water don’t mix, oil alone can’t hydrate.

Additionally, applying a good conditioner only won’t necessarily close the cuticle. A boar-bristle brush used with the grain of the coat can help distribute oils along the hair shaft and close the cuticle.

Other contributors to matting include dry weather, lack of grooming or inability to groom. If a cat is unwell, arthritic or overweight, it may struggle to reach all parts of its body, which can lead to excessive matting.

Another issue to watch for is the formation of hairballs. When cats groom, they may ingest an excessive amount of hair, which can lead to vomiting. This is commonly associated with constipation and even secondary urinary infections and kidney failure caused by dehydration, which in severe cases can be life-threatening.

It is imperative to keep a cat’s hair and skin healthy to avoid the many health issues associated with matting. Prevention is always the best approach. The good news is that cats are usually diligent self-groomers between visits, making coat care easier—as long as we use the correct products and techniques to maintain healthy, well-distributed sebum and avoid matting.

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.

But here’s the truth: While cats haven’t been bred for jobs in the same way dogs have, the selective breeding that has happened is often more extreme—and a lot more obvious. In just a few generations, we’ve created cats with flat faces, hairless bodies, wild-animal lineage and coats so dense they practically dread themselves.

And let’s not overlook the “non-breed” cats—your Domestic Shorthairs, Mediumhairs and Longhairs. These cats weren’t bred to win ribbons, but that doesn’t mean they’re behaviorally random. They still carry generations of survival-based traits, and you’ll see them play out in the grooming salon loud and clear. Whether it’s a coat that mats overnight or a hair-trigger stress response, those traits weren’t pulled from thin air.

As groomers, understanding where these cats came from—genetically and behaviorally—can make all the difference in how we handle them. It helps us approach them with more empathy, adapt our methods, and maybe even avoid some of the bloodshed. Because behind every pelted Persian, yowling Bengal or silent tortie with murder eyes, there’s a story written in their DNA.

Their senses are hypersensitive, their boundaries are ironclad, and their nervous systems are primed to react first and process later. These are not animals built to be restrained, handled and fluffed—they’re built to survive. And as groomers, we see this firsthand. The cat might be fine…until it isn’t. When we understand that this behavior isn’t “bad” or “naughty,” it becomes easier to work with it instead of against it.

Here’s a fun, science-backed detail: Meowing is something cats developed to communicate with humans. Wild and feral cats don’t meow at each other past kittenhood—they communicate through scent, body language and silence. Vocalization is a tool they’ve adapted to get our attention, food, affection or mercy. So when a cat is meowing up a storm on your table? That’s not a tantrum—it’s evolution.

Understanding a cat’s background can be the difference between a smooth appointment and a “well, I guess I’m bleeding again” kind of day. As groomers, we’re not just handling coats; we’re handling personalities shaped by generations of instinct, adaptation and sometimes questionable breeding decisions.

The good news? You don’t have to be a feline geneticist, you just have to be observant, flexible and willing to shift your approach based on what’s in front of you. Here are a few tips to help you get through your grooms unscathed:

1. Match Your Energy: Some cats need firm confidence while others need slow, steady reassurance. For example, the Maine Coon might let you do anything—until you use the high-velocity dryer. Or, that Ragdoll may flop in your arms but scream the moment you clip a nail. Reading the body language and adjusting your tone, pace and pressure is everything.
2. Educate the Client (Gently, But Honestly): A lot of owners don’t know their cat’s breed—or how that affects grooming. They may think their Exotic Shorthair is “low maintenance” or that their DSH “doesn’t mat.” So, your role isn’t just doing the work, it’s also helping them understand why regular grooming matters for their specific cat.
3. Be the First Line of Health Detection: Because of how selective breeding has affected some cats (especially Persians, Folds and Sphynx), you may notice problems long before a vet visit. Tear staining, skin irritation, pelted coats, dental issues and joint sensitivity often show up in your hands before anyone else sees them. Don’t underestimate your role in early intervention.
4. Know When to Walk Away: Not every cat is safe to groom in every moment. Sometimes the combination of genetics, trauma, poor handling history or medical issues makes it too dangerous—for the cat or for you. Giving up isn’t failure; it’s professional wisdom. Rescheduling, referring out or recommending sedation grooming is part of ethical practice.

Ultimately, being a great cat groomer isn’t just about technique—it’s about understanding what you’re working with. When you respect the instincts that cats were born with, the body they inherited and the boundaries they’re telling you about, your chances of success go way up…and so does your survival rate.

By the time a cat ends up on your grooming table—purebred, mixed, feral or fluffy—it’s carrying the weight of its genetics, instincts and past experiences. That’s why understanding feline behavior through the lens of breed and inherited traits isn’t about stereotyping—it’s about preparation. It’s about giving yourself the tools to recognize when a cat is overstimulated versus when it’s just being spicy, when a coat is likely to mat overnight or when a “talkative” cat might actually be trying to communicate something important.

From tortie vengeance to Maine Coon weightlifting sessions, every cat tells a story written in its DNA. Our job is to listen, adapt, and do the work with as much empathy and awareness as we can. And if all else fails? Clip the nails first!

Once the cat’s body is securely wrapped, remove your stabilizing from underneath the towel and place it back onto the cat’s shoulder area, resting firmly on top of towel number three to hold the initial burrito closed.

For particularly noise-sensitive or “spicy” cats, consider placing a Happy Hoodie on the cat before creating the burrito for additional sound reduction. However, the dryer should still be introduced in the same manner.

Proceed to dry the cat primarily through this rear opening in the burrito. When the cat indicates it’s ready to emerge, remove the two outermost towels, leaving the cat resting on the last towel.

Be aware that cats may urinate during the drying process, especially when the rear is being dried; the remaining towel serves as a crucial barrier to absorb this, preventing the need for a re-bath.

Shy cats respond well to a quiet and calm approach, towel wraps, hiding their head and offering them breaks to help them acclimate to new experiences (like grooming). An Aggressive cat will do better with a confident approach that limits handling and balances speed and efficiency.

If a cat is escalating quickly in aggressive behaviors, you may have misjudged the cat’s temperament and will need to change your techniques. The following techniques will be primarily for cats that fit this “aggressive” description.

Fear is the most common cause. Cats are hardwired to avoid danger, and a grooming table with unfamiliar smells, noises and hands can be terrifying. A frightened cat may go from tense to explosive in a matter of seconds if they feel they can’t escape.

Pain is another key factor. Cats experiencing arthritis, dental pain, previous injuries or wounds under severe matting may lash out if touched in a sensitive area. Even routine handling can feel unbearable if it exacerbates an underlying condition.

Previous negative experiences also shape behavior. Cats that have been roughly handled, had painful grooming in the past or suffered trauma during vet visits may come in already braced for a fight. They’ve learned that restraint means discomfort, and they respond accordingly.

Time can also be a major contributor. Some cats simply run out of patience. They may tolerate the beginning of a groom fairly well but become increasingly reactive as the appointment goes on. Recognizing this shift can help you plan your process more strategically.

1. Silence is Golden: Limit distractions and sudden, loud noises. This will help to prevent the cat from reacting to something happening elsewhere in the salon while you’re mid-groom.
2. A Towel is Your Best Friend: Draping or wrapping a cat in a towel (leaving one area exposed at a time) can help with gentle control while also providing a layer of protection.
3. Introduce an Appropriate Muzzle: These can reduce biting risks while also helping to calm the cat. Choose a comfortable, breathable option designed for feline grooming, like an Air Muzzle or Elizabethan Collar.
4. Choose Techniques Based on Previous Reactions: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to cat grooming. However, you can “predict” their behavior based on how they’ve already reacted.
5. Minimize Handling Time: Work quickly but carefully. The longer an aggressive cat is restrained, the more likely they are to escalate.
6. Make Better Choices: Not every service will be appropriate for every cat. Many aggressive cats will not be candidates for shaving or full haircuts so the necessary services, like a bath and blow-dry, should be prioritized.
7. Have Confidence: There isn’t a great way to “fake” this. Cats that are responding aggressively to new things, being touched, etc. don’t want to be cuddled or slow blinked at—they want you to be DONE.

It bears repeating that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Cats require us to adjust our techniques, service options, and even scheduling and salon setup in order to have a successful appointment and build a positive, long-term grooming relationship.

The first appointment is when you learn a lot about the cat so you can try different things or adjust your techniques, services, etc. at each consecutive groom. Keeping detailed notes will help you keep track of what is working or if there is a sudden change to a cat’s behavior that needs veterinary attention.

Here are some common situations when stopping is the best (and safest) decision:

1. The Cat Poses a Serious Injury Risk: If a cat is lunging, biting, or causing harm to you or itself, continuing is not worth it. Severe injuries can lead to long-term trauma for both the cat and the groomer.
2. Excessive Stress or Panic: If a cat is panting, repeatedly peeing or showing signs of distress, stop immediately.
3. Sedation or Veterinary Grooming is Required: The reality is that some cats simply cannot be safely groomed without sedation. If the cat’s temperament makes grooming impossible, recommend veterinary-assisted grooming.
4. You’re Unable to Complete the Groom: If you’re not able to finish trimming nails, removing mats or continuing the groom without escalating aggression, it’s okay to stop and reschedule (or refer to a vet).
5. Owner Pushes for an Unsafe Groom: If an owner insists on continuing despite clear safety concerns, stand firm in your professional judgment. Explain that a stressed or aggressive cat needs an alternative approach.

• Be Honest but Tactful: Instead of saying, “Your cat is impossible to groom,” try, “Your cat is showing signs of extreme stress and aggression, and I am not willing to put them at risk.”
• Offer Solutions: Recommend alternative approaches, such as regular shorter sessions, a vet-prescribed oral sedative or full sedation at a veterinary clinic for future grooming.
• Educate on At-Home Care: Teaching owners how to work with their cat at home between sessions can help prevent matting and reduce the cat’s negative association with grooming.
• Set Boundaries: Make it clear that the cat’s safety and wellbeing are your top priorities. If a cat is too aggressive for a full groom, let the owner know what you can safely accomplish.

• If uncomfortable, don’t groom alone.
• Wear bite-resistant gloves and arm guards if preferred.
• Keep first aid supplies on hand for scratches or bites.
• Maintain liability waivers to protect your business in case of an incident.
• Trust your instincts; if a situation feels unsafe, it probably is.

Professional cat grooming requires skill, patience and resilience, but it’s also about knowing when to walk away. No groom is worth risking your safety or a cat’s wellbeing. If a feline client is beyond handling, stepping back and recommending alternative solutions is not a failure, it’s the sign of a responsible, knowledgeable professional.

Feline stomatitis is a serious, painful inflammation of the mouth that can impact a cat’s ability to eat, groom and feel comfortable. Symptoms include drooling, pawing at the mouth, reduced appetite and withdrawal, though many cats hide their pain. Breeds such as Siamese, Abyssinian, Burmese, Persian and Maine Coon are more prone to stomatitis, though any cat can develop it. Early detection and a dental-care plan are essential, as the condition can worsen quickly if left untreated.

By prioritizing dental health and staying alert to subtle changes, we can help ensure our feline companions enjoy not only healthy teeth and gums, but a happier, healthier life overall.

Some subtle signs we may see as groomers that could indicate dental issues include: