Do cats need grooming? It depends on the coat
Some cats can skip the groomer and some can't. Here is how to tell which yours is, what a groom involves, and what to do at home.
Some do. A healthy short-haired cat that keeps herself clean needs little beyond nail trims. A long-haired cat, a senior, a heavy cat, or any cat with stiff joints usually needs help, because she can't reach her whole coat or can't keep up with it.
Which cats can skip the groomer?
Young, active, short-haired cats. They wash themselves several times a day, and a weekly brushing handles most of the shedding. Check the nails every few weeks.
Which cats need a groomer?
- Long-haired cats such as Persians, Maine Coons, ragdolls, and Himalayans grow coat faster than they can comb it.
- Seniors and arthritic cats find twisting to reach the back and hind end painful, so those spots go unwashed first.
- Heavy cats can't reach their hindquarters.
- Any cat with a mat you can't pull apart with your fingers, since a mat tightens against the skin and pulls.
How can you tell your cat is falling behind?
Look for mats behind the ears, in the armpits, along the belly, and on the "pants" behind the back legs. A greasy, clumped, or flaky coat means she has stopped washing that area. So does a cat who suddenly grooms less, which is worth mentioning to your vet, since pain is a common reason. If the mats have joined into one sheet against the skin, don't try to brush it out. Read when a matted cat needs a shave down.
Can you get a cat groomed in Lone Tree?
Yes. Most dog groomers won't take cats, and we do. Cats go into quiet, low-traffic slots by appointment. A bath and tidy for a short-haired cat starts at $65, a long-haired full groom at $90, and a lion cut or heavy de-matting at $115. Matting and stress level affect the final price, and we tell you before we start. See cat grooming for what's included, or book a visit.
What does cat grooming include?
A gentle bath and a low-noise dry, de-matting, a sanitary or comfort trim or a full lion cut, and a nail trim, with soft nail caps on request. For a longer look at how a visit runs, read what to expect at a cat groom.
Can you groom a cat at home?
A short coat needs a weekly brush. A long coat needs a few minutes with a steel comb several times a week, working down to the skin at the armpits and the back end. Leave scissors alone. A cat's skin is thin and loose, and it is easy to cut. If she gets upset, stop and try again the next day.
We see cats from Highlands Ranch, Parker, Centennial, Castle Rock, south Aurora, and the rest of the south metro at our Lone Tree salon.
Common questions
Do cats need grooming?
Some do. A healthy short-haired cat mostly grooms herself and needs little beyond nail trims. Long-haired cats, seniors, heavy cats, and cats with stiff joints usually need help.
Can you get your cat groomed?
Yes. We groom cats at our Lone Tree salon by appointment, in quiet, low-traffic slots. A bath and tidy for a short-haired cat starts at $65.
Do cats go to groomers?
Yes, though many dog groomers don't take them. Cats who go are mostly long-haired, matted, senior, or overweight cats who can't keep up with their own coat.
What is cat grooming?
A bath and low-noise dry, de-matting, a sanitary or comfort trim or a lion cut when the coat needs one, and a nail trim.
How do you groom a cat at home?
Brush a short coat weekly. Comb a long coat with a steel comb a few minutes at a time, several times a week, down to the skin at the armpits and back end. Skip the scissors on mats, since a cat's skin is thin and easy to cut.
