Some animals need extra care while others can be cared for by their owners, but every animal deserves basic grooming. If owners are willing to spend the time bathing, brushing and trimming the nails of their cats and have the equipment to do so, the grooming time can create a special bond between them. If, however, a cat’s owner does not have the time, energy, or skills necessary to do these grooming tasks, he will have to look for a professional groomer to keep his pet healthy and happy.

When the decision is made to use a professional groomer, how should an owner proceed in making the right choice. A great place to start is by getting recommendations from friends or relatives who own cats. Another idea is to ask a local animal shelter who grooms their pets or to ask a personal veterinarian to give a suggestion. As a final resort, one might check the Yellow Pages for “dog groomers.”

With this list in hand as a reference, it is time to cross out those which are not quite suitable for the cat’s situation. Mark off anyone on the list who is not conveniently located in terms of travel. Then, begin making calls. Ask about the services available.
What is the charge for a basic wash and trim? Does this include nail clipping? Is any type of flea bath available? What is the added charge? Don’t forget to ask about safety procedures during the grooming session.

Another deciding factor may be the length of time the business has been established. Also, one should ask how much experience the groomers each have. Once a groomer has been selected from the list, a first visit should be approached cautiously. Tell them upfront about the individual traits of the cat and what behavior to expect. Groomers want to please, but they are unable to do so if they haven’t been properly informed.