Where Does The Groom Take Place? What Do You Need?

In order to perform the groom I need access to an electrical outlet, flat surface, and a sink large enough to accommodate the size of the cat. I do not bathe cats in bathtubs as it is inadequate for thorough washing and safety. It’s recommended that owners have a mesh grate over their sink to help capture any unwanted hair, especially if their cat has not been groomed before and there’s a lot of coat to shed out. I clear out the sinks once they have been bathed to collect any hair as well.

My preferred method is to utilize a kitchen counter or laundry room for the initial assessment. I will shave as needed/requested, then bathe them in an appropriate sink. Once bathing is complete I then return them to a small bathroom for drying and the rest of services. This helps eliminate hair flying everywhere as well as keeps the cat comfortable and contained. Please be sure to have a small vacuum on hand that can be used for clean up.

Modifications can be made per client request. For example, I have many individuals who prefer me to groom their cat on the kitchen island so they can observe and chat with me while I work. If cats and sink ratios are compatible, I can also wash them in the bathroom as well. It is very much on a per-client basis and their preferences. Please keep in mind even if requested, the safety and comfort of your cat will take precedence over preference. If you have any questions please feel free to text me a photo of your sinks and space.

Cats are more successful in a limited environment where they’re not focused on various means of escape. A decent amount of them are also not even allowed on the counters, so a good deal of time I do sit on the floor with them. Some of my cats are exceptionally anxious and I will absolutely go to where the cat is more comfortable in the house. Please know if you are feeling anxious as well, you’re more than welcome to be present with me as long as that energy doesn’t disrupt the cat.

What Can I Do To Prepare For The Appointment?

1. Be Honest. The best thing you can do to prep for our appointment is be completely honest. Falsifying medical history, health complications, behavioral issues, or temperament concerns only puts the cat and I at risk. Most things can be modified or overcome, but before I can assess and service I do need full transparency. Please see this reference chart below in describing your cat’s reaction to handling.

2. Cats must be contained at the time of service. This means either in a bathroom, carrier, bedroom, or in-hand. I do not chase cats upon arrival. If the cat is not caught by the owner within 15 minutes of the groom, a late fee will be charged. If a cat is not caught within 25 minutes it will be considered a No Show and full cost of services will still be owed. This is less about time management and more about the anxiety and stress that builds when a cat is feeling “hunted”, making the grooming even more stressful than it would be otherwise.

3. Two Adult Sized Bath Towels are required for the grooming. This is for both holds as well as wrapping after the bath. This prevents cross-contamination between houses.

Do You Require Vaccinations?

As a holistic groomer who is changing the narrative on feline health, handling, and hygiene, I am more lenient with clients as I get to know them and support them in proper care for their cat. Due to the fact that I come within the home and the risk of cross-contamination is virtually eliminated, I am able to be more flexible with vaccination records. I do however, require full transparency from owners.

Not being up to date with vaccinations will not immediately disqualify cats from being serviced, but it may affect the level of services they are able to receive. For example, a cat who has not been assessed by the vet and is beginning to show signs of stress may be treated more cautiously then a cat who has just gotten a full annual health clearance by a veterinarian. A cat who has not received a rabies vaccination and bites me, may incur additional financial fees to cover the cost of human rabies preventative treatment as well as undergo mandatory quarantine by the county. It also means if they are more aggressive and threatening to bite, I will not put myself at additional risk. This may mean that their services are cut short or potentially incomplete at full cost to the owner. Please note as well, that there has been an increase in rabies present in Arizona since 2024, putting indoor/outdoor cats at higher risk. Rabies is absolutely prevalent here which is why it requires such a forward and honest conversation.

Please note it is in your best interest as well as your cat to receive annual check ups to ensure the optimal health and safety of your pet. Upon assessment, I will know immediately if it is a groom I feel comfortable performing or not. If I am unable to initiate the groom due to safety or health, I will notify you immediately and only an assessment and travel fee will be charged.

Can I Be There During The Groom?

Yes! In my experience, cat-parents being present can actually help alleviate anxiety or stress. I do request that if cats are particularly anxious or in matted condition that an owner be present or at least available as I may need their quick assistance or attention.

Owners should remain a respectable distance away, where they are in eye-sight of the cat if they wish but not within hands reach. Cats naturally look for “escape routes” and an owner too close and handsy can escalate the cat’s behavior when they would be otherwise compliantly “loafed” up on the counter.

Some cats can be very vocal and theatrical, and it is my job as your cat groomer to help provide education as to what their behavior indicates. At no point in time will I allow your cat to get into a high state of fear or stress, and all questions are welcomed during the process so that you also feel comfortable and confident. That being said, cats are little emotional sponges and if your anxiety is too high that your cat begins feeding off of your energy, privacy will be requested.

What Does Estimated Time Of Arrival Mean?

This is perhaps my most asked question. Each appointment is set with an estimated time of arrival. Due to the nature of home based services and working with live animals, this is not an exact time and there is a two hour window of arrival before/after the appointment. For example, if your appointment window is 10:00am to 2:00pm, on my schedule the anticipated arrival time is 12:00pm.

You are expected to be home and readily available within the appointment time frame, which is two hours before and two hours after an estimated ETA. Failure to be at your home upon the arrival window may result in late or No Show fees. I understand that this may be inconvenient for individuals who work out of the home or have appointments which is why I’m fully transparent and honest about the time commitment required for mobile grooming services. Unfortunately it is the realities of what it means to travel to clients and work with live and frequently unpredictable animals. Should you have conflicts with time and availability, a salon with set drop off times may be better for your needs.

Time fluctuations are higher on days when I have new clients on the schedule. While 75-80% of my bookings are regulars and therefore somewhat predictable time wise, issues can arrive that suddenly disrupt the schedule for the entire day. For example, last minute cancellations, owners not home and forgotten about the appointment, cats refusing to be found, or the cat being so fractious and upset that medication is needed and the groom must be rescheduled. Like I tell people all the time, my timing is based off of Arizona drivers and cat moods, haha.

However—no worries! I am a thorough communicator and am usually able to finalize the schedule a few days to the night before as long as there are no last minute cancellations or no shows. I will be sure to let you know as the day progresses as well if there is any change to my estimated time of arrival.

I only take a certain amount of clients a day so that I have the opportunity to take my time and allow each cat their own time. Each client receives my undivided time and in the moment attention. For this reason, I usually run earlier rather than later.

Once the previous groom is finished, I will notify you of an exact arrival time.

As of June 26th, 2024, due to high inquiries and long waitlists individuals who cancel after scheduling will not receive rescheduling priority. In addition, multiple reschedules may result in having to pre-pay for an appointment or removal from the client list entirely.

How Long Are Appointments

Appointment times vary depending on services. Nail trims and Pedicures usually take anywhere between 5 and 15 minutes. Full standard grooms for regularly maintenance cats usually take 30-60 minutes. Lion cuts without matting usually take about 30-60 minutes depending on the cat’s conformation and condition. Matting and pelting usually requires about an hour and a half depending on the condition of the cat.

Can I Pick When My Appointment Is

You may have noticed when requesting an appointment online that it only shows you the day, not the time. Unfortunately, because I service such a wide area I am unable to offer specific times unless it is the very first stop of the day. Appointments are scheduled based off of route optimization. I book from the farthest point away, which is usually Fountain Hills, Queen Creek, Phoenix, or Maricopa and then work my way back. Typically the last appointment I book is around 2:30pm, but again, this timeframe is variable depending on how the entire day goes.

How Do You Keep Cats Safe?

I am a holistic groomer. This means I prioritize your cat’s mental health as much as I prioritize their physical health. It doesn’t mean I’m waving crystals in their face but I’m paying attention to how all of their bodily systems are interacting with each other.

If your cat begins to show signs of stress, I will pause, observe, and then continue with the appropriate modifications if able.

On rare occasions, the groom may need to be postponed or broken up into two appointments. This is particularly common if cats are geriatric, pelted, severely obese, or aggressive. In these extreme cases usually one appointment is made to take care of main points of concerns such as mat removal and then a follow up appointment is made for bathing.

Cat’s have what I like to call a “turkey timer”, which means when they’re done, they’re done.

Signs of stress can include:

• Frequent urination
• Frequent defamation
• Irregular Breathing
• Irregular Movements
• Panting

Clients are more than welcome to be present to witness all of these signs and if I have any concerns I will immediately ask you to come so you may witness them as well.

It is important to emphasize that full cost of services are owed even if your cat is unable to finish the groom. I do not offer “make up” appointments.

Your cat’s health and safety is my first and foremost priority. In some situations modifications may be necessary such as towel drying rather than blow drying, or breaking up grooming goals into separate appointments. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to me!

My goal of each groom is to complete the services before their turkey timer goes off. When cats know that you respect their autonomy and are listening to their bodies, they will be much more likely to let you work on them next time.

How Do You Know If My Cat Is Stressed?

Believe me, you’ll know. Signs of stress include:

• Frequent urination
• Frequent defamation
• Irregular Breathing
• Irregular Movements
• Panting

Behavioral cues that they are done will also be extremely evident. “Popcorning” and sudden/acute aggression will be immediate signs their “turkey timer” has gone off.

Will My Cat Like Being Groomed?

Believe it or not, most of the cats I groom love water..or at least tolerate it. What the majority of them seem to hate is either the brushing or the blow drying. Some cats have never been groomed before then just like brushing a tangled toddler’s hair, there can be some protest. However, with regular maintenance and grooming they do learn to enjoy it.

Even if they’re not the biggest fans during the groom, I’ve yet to come across a cat who is not immensely comfortable and happy afterwards. My clients frequently report a sudden positive change in their temperament and overall mood afterwards.

If you have anxiety about your cat’s temperament and anxiety, please reach out to your veterinarian about acquiring some Gabapentin, which can help take the edge off. If you do not have a history of anxiety or needing this medicine, I do prefer to assess cats without the medication, at least the first time.

I do not groom cats on Acepromazine, Trazadone, Valium, or any other medication aside from Gabapentin.

What Happens If My Cat Can’t Handle The Full Groom?

Your cat will let us know if we need to throw in the towel and call it quits. But most of the time cats need a moment to feel their feelings before continuing. At all times I am assessing and modifying things as needed so their experience is specifically tailored to their temperament and needs.

What Is The Order Of Events During The Groom?

Upon arrival I assess the cat for temperament and condition. My first task is to cut the nails and then begin treating problem areas such as excess dead hair or matting. After an initial brush through, I then immediately wash the cat. After their bath, facial, and calming massage, I then dry the cat. I then clean their ears and eyes.

Some modifications may be made based on the cat’s temperament and condition.