How To Find A Holistic Cat Groomer

Find a holistic cat groomer who values your kitty’s comfort and well-being. Get tips on what to look for, questions to ask, and how to ensure a stress-free grooming experience.

Cats groom themselves well, but professional grooming can still help in some situations. This is particularly true for cats with long coats or older cats that struggle to reach certain areas.

You might envision cat grooming as a howling kitty covered in shampoo and hesitate to visit a groomer. However, this is rarely the case. A holistic cat groomer can provide a low-stress option for your feline by creating a positive experience for her. Read on for tips on how to find a holistic cat groomer.

4 steps to the right holistic groomer for your cat 

      1. Check their website for green flags

Look for a bio or blog on the groomer’s website that emphasizes comfort and safety over “perfect” results, even if the word “holistic” isn’t mentioned. Here are some further details to look for:

• A statement that explains they halt grooming if a cat becomes frightened or defensive. Many holistic groomers will let you return for another session after the cat calms down and then use a different strategy to build trust and show the salon is safe. 
• A statement that the groomer avoids over-restraining cats, such as scruffing, pinning, or using restrictive devices by default.
• The phrase “humanity over vanity” or something similar. A holistic groomer will value your cat’s tolerance and autonomy over a photo-ready finish.
• Transparency and clarity when mentioning what products they use. 
• A list of cat comforts in the salon, like blankets, toys, and happy hoodies. Even low-pressure dryers can make all the difference to your cat’s mood.

     2. Watch a grooming process

If your potential cat groomer is active on social media, they may post videos and images from their salon. Watching them groom a cat can give you great insight into exactly how they work.

• Observe if the groomer takes time to get to know a new cat or demonstrates rapport with returning clients.

• Watch for the cat to relax and become happier as the grooming session progresses. In the case of nervous or defensive cats, the groomer adjusts and explains their approach. 

• Notice if the groomer uses minimal restraint. Holistic groomers do not immediately turn to force, such as scruffing a cat or using a “trouble bubble” (the plastic hamster ball helmet many groomers use). 

• See if the groomer adjusts the grooming location to wherever the cat feels most comfortable, even if that means moving to the floor.

     3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Most groomers are happy to explain their process and clear up misconceptions about cat grooming. For example, ask:

• “What happens if my cat is scared or defensive?” This is common at first-time grooms. A good groomer will describe their strategy and have a plan that avoids pinning the cat down. 
• “Do you use restraint tools?” This gives a groomer the opportunity to explain what tools they have and when they would use them, if ever. 
• “Can you give my cat the look I want?” A responsible groomer will be honest when assessing your cat. For example, a cat that needs to be constantly on the move may be a better candidate for a hygiene trim and comb-out rather than a time-consuming and perfectly neat lion cut.
• “What do you recommend for my cat?” Your groomer will be able to suggest a maintenance plan that will suit both you and your feline.

    4. Be prepared for the groomer to ask you questions too

When the groomer asks you questions, it demonstrates they tailor their approach to suit your individual cat. A good starting point is for your groomer to know if your kitty has ever been professionally groomed before.

Many holistic groomers will also want to know your cat’s medical history, favorite treats, best petting spots, and any “don’t touch me” areas to be aware of. 

You may already groom your cat at home, and that’s a great option too. But knowing how to find a holistic cat groomer is another step to keeping her fur healthy and looking great, no matter her age or coat type. 

What does a holistic cat groomer do?

A holistic groomer treats each cat as an individual. They adapt their grooming techniques to make each cat as comfortable as possible, without the use of heavy restraints. 

Some cats are content to sit still for an Instagram-worthy groom, while others prefer a quick spruce-up. Holistic groomers focus on the cat’s comfort and well-being over perfection and work to build trust over time.

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