“Do cats need professional grooming?”
If you’re a pet groomer, you’ve probably been asked this question more than once, perhaps by sceptical clients, hesitant pet owners or even fellow professionals. The short answer? Yes, but the real story is much deeper.
Every cat is different. Some cats purr when they’re gently brushed, while others hiss at the sight of water. However, regardless of their temperament, their grooming needs are real and often underestimated. Feline grooming presents unique challenges that only trained professionals can properly handle.
Read on to find out what makes feline grooming different, how to deliver it effectively and why investing in the right tools is so important for your salon.
Why is professional grooming important for cats?
Cats are natural groomers: they spend up to 50% of their waking hours licking, cleaning and maintaining their coat. Even so, as any experienced groomer knows, natural grooming doesn’t necessarily equate to thorough grooming, especially when it comes to the unique demands of today’s domestic cats.
Professional grooming fills the gaps that self-care and home brushing cannot.
Here’s why professional grooming is essential:
- Prevents matting and skin irritation: long-haired and thick-coated breeds are prone to painful knots and tangles, which pull on the skin, trap dirt and lead to infections;
- Reduces excessive shedding and hairball formation: professional deshedding treatments minimise loose hair and help prevent digestive issues caused by swallowed fur;
- Ensures hygiene in hard-to-reach areas: groomers clean the eyes, ears and sanitary zones, which is especially important for overweight or elderly cats who cannot reach these spots;
- Provides safe nail trimming: overgrown claws can cause pain, posture problems or injuries;
- Allows for the early detection of skin issues or parasites: routine grooming enables professionals to spot lumps, rashes or parasites that might be overlooked at home;
- Improves comfort and mobility: removing mats and overgrown nails makes movement easier, especially for older cats.
Breeds that benefit most from professional grooming
Some cat breeds have grooming needs that exceed the average. As a groomer, it is helpful to know which breeds require special attention, as this enables you to tailor your services and demonstrate their value to clients:
- Persian, Himalayan, Ragdoll. These breeds are known for their luxurious long coats and are highly prone to matting. They benefit from frequent brushing and dematting, as well as occasional bathing with products designed for sensitive skin;
- British Shorthair. Although they appear low-maintenance, they have a plush, dense coat that traps loose hair and dander. Regular deshedding sessions maintain coat health and reduce shedding at home;
- Sphynx. As they have no fur to trap oils, their skin requires special care. Regular cleansing is necessary to prevent oil build-up, clogged pores and potential infections. Despite being hairless, they are prime candidates for professional hygiene routines.
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Best practices for grooming cats in professional salons
Cats are sensitive animals and even more so in unfamiliar environments such as grooming salons. Unlike dogs, most cats are solitary and territorial, and less tolerant of noise or handling. For this reason, is essential to set up a grooming experience specifically designed for cats to ensure their safety, comfort and cooperation.
Here’s the best practices to help groomers to create a feline-friendly workflow that reduces stress and improves service quality.
Setting up a cat-friendly space
The first step is to create the right environment. Follow these steps to set up a salon space that will make even the most cautious cats feel comfortable:
- Separate grooming tables or time slots: avoid overlapping sessions with dogs wherever possible. Cats are highly sensitive to the scent and noise of other animals;
- Provide quiet rooms with non-slip surfaces: choose spaces away from high-traffic areas. Noise reduction and stable, textured tables will help cats to feel more secure;
- Use pheromone diffusers or calming sprays: synthetic feline pheromones can create a familiar, soothing atmosphere, which lowers anxiety during grooming.
Handling techniques that build trust
When it comes to feline grooming, how you handle the cat is just as important as what you do. Respecting a cat’s boundaries can mean the difference between a smooth session and a stressful one for both pet and groomer:
- Start slowly and minimise restraint: use gentle holds and avoid overhandling. Allow the cat to acclimatise to the space before beginning the session;
- Read body language: early signs of discomfort include flattened ears, tail flicking and rigid posture. Take breaks when needed to avoid escalation;
- Keep tools within easy reach: reducing movement during grooming will keep the cat more relaxed. Set up your station so that everything is within arm’s reach.
By mastering calm and efficient handling techniques, you can ensure the safety of both yourself and your client, as well as providing a better grooming experience.
Choose tools built for the job: Minelli PETS for cat groomers
Cat grooming requires a specific set of tools that are lightweight, precise and easy to sanitise, and that are designed with feline anatomy in mind. That’s where Minelli PETS really adds value for professional groomers.
The Prime Line features ergonomic wooden handles that are crafted for control and comfort. These tools are ideal for long sessions on delicate coats and reduce wrist strain, offering a premium feel that communicates quality to clients.
The Maestro Line is engineered for heavy daily use in busy salons. Made from antibacterial plastic with thermal shock resistance and full washability, it’s the go-to choice for high-volume grooming environments where hygiene and speed are non-negotiable.
Both lines are manufactured in the USA, are fully white-label ready and are designed for grooming professionals who require reliable tools session after session.
Are you ready to take your cat grooming services to the next level with tools designed for professional performance and feline comfort? Get in touch with Minelli PETS.
