Use this before every appointment so you know what you're dealing with before the cat arrives and judges everyone in the building.
This checklist works as a printable intake form, a digital consultation form, a front-desk questionnaire, or a training tool for staff learning what to ask. Print it, customize it, and keep a stack at your station.
Short on time between appointments? The quick 7-question version covers the essentials in under a minute.
"Please answer as honestly as possible — we promise not to judge your cat for being dramatic. We have met cats before."
Client Basics
- ☐ Owner name: _______________
- ☐ Cat's name: _______________
- ☐ Best phone number: _______________
- ☐ Email: _______________
- ☐ Preferred contact method: _______________
- ☐ Veterinarian name and clinic: _______________
- ☐ Emergency contact: _______________
Cat Basics
- ☐ Breed: _______________
- ☐ Age: _______________
- ☐ Sex: _______________
- ☐ Spayed/neutered? Yes / No
- ☐ Coat type: Short / Medium / Long / Curly / Hairless / Not sure
- ☐ Indoor / Outdoor / Both
- ☐ Weight or body condition (if relevant): _______________
Grooming History
- ☐ Has your cat been groomed professionally before? Yes / No
- ☐ If yes, how often? _______________
- ☐ Any bad grooming experiences? _______________
- ☐ Has your cat ever been sedated for grooming? Yes / No
- ☐ Does your cat tolerate brushing at home? Yes / No / Sometimes
- ☐ Does your cat tolerate nail trims? Yes / No / Sometimes
- ☐ Does your cat tolerate bathing? Yes / No / Never tried
Behavior and Handling
- ☐ General temperament: Friendly / Shy / Anxious / Spicy / A little bit of everything
- ☐ How does your cat react to handling? _______________
- ☐ Any known triggers (noise, restraint, specific areas)? _______________
- ☐ Sensitive about: Paws / Belly / Tail / Ears / Face / Other: _______________
- ☐ Any history of biting or scratching during grooming? Yes / No
- ☐ Does your cat calm down after a few minutes, or does it escalate? _______________
Health Check
- ☐ Any medical conditions? _______________
- ☐ Any current medications? _______________
- ☐ History of arthritis, pain, injury, or mobility issues? _______________
- ☐ Any skin issues, allergies, or sensitive areas? _______________
- ☐ Any lumps, bumps, sores, or areas to avoid? _______________
- ☐ Up to date on vaccines and parasite prevention? Yes / No / Not sure
Coat Condition
- ☐ Any matting? Yes / No
- ☐ If yes, where? _______________
- ☐ Any grease, dandruff, odor, or excessive shedding? _______________
- ☐ Any areas that seem especially tangled or sensitive? _______________
- ☐ Has the coat changed recently? Yes / No
- ☐ If yes, describe: _______________
Requested Services
- ☐ Full groom
- ☐ Brush-out
- ☐ Bath
- ☐ Sanitary trim
- ☐ Nail trim
- ☐ Ear cleaning
- ☐ De-shedding treatment
- ☐ Mat removal
- ☐ Lion cut or body trim
- ☐ Other: _______________
Groomer Notes
- ☐ Can this cat be groomed safely in one visit? Yes / No / Split session recommended
- ☐ Does this cat need extra time? Yes / No
- ☐ Is gabapentin or calming support recommended? Yes / No / Already on board
- ☐ Is a bath appropriate, or start with brushing only? _______________
- ☐ Any red flags that mean the service should stop or be modified? _______________
Consultation summary:
- Stress level (estimated): Low / Medium / High
- Coat condition: Good / Needs work / Severe
- Safety concerns: _______________
- Recommended service plan: _______________
- Estimated time: _______________
- Notes for next visit: _______________
How to Use This Checklist
For new clients: Send the client sections (Client Basics through Requested Services) as a digital form or paper questionnaire before the appointment. Fill in the Groomer Notes section yourself after assessing the cat.
For returning clients: Keep the completed form in the client file and update the Groomer Notes after each visit. Tracking body language patterns and behavior over time makes each appointment easier to plan.
For training: Walk new staff through the checklist so they know what to ask and what to watch for. Pair it with the bite prevention protocols and appointment flow guide for a complete onboarding resource.
This pairs well with your consent and waiver form — the consultation checklist gathers information, the waiver covers liability. Use both for every new client.
Cat Grooming Directory Team
Cat grooming expert and contributor to Cat Grooming Directory. Passionate about helping cat owners find the best grooming solutions for their feline friends.