Walking into a grooming salon or browsing their services online can be overwhelming. What's the difference between a "bath and brush" and a "full groom"? Does your cat need a deshedding treatment? Here's your complete guide to understanding cat grooming services.
Basic Services
Nail Trim ($15-$25)
What's included:
- Trimming of all claws to a safe length
- Checking for nail issues
- Quick paw pad inspection
How long it takes: 5-15 minutes
Who needs it: All cats, every 2-4 weeks
What to expect: The groomer will gently restrain your cat and use cat-specific nail clippers. Some cats tolerate this well; others need gentle handling or a second person.
Pro tip: Start nail trims when your cat is young to build tolerance. Bring treats!
Ear Cleaning ($10-$20)
What's included:
- External ear cleaning
- Debris and wax removal
- Ear inspection
What's NOT included: Treatment for infections (see a vet)
How long it takes: 5-10 minutes
Who needs it: All cats benefit, but especially:
- Hairless cats (produce more wax)
- Cats prone to ear issues
- Cats who scratch their ears
Sanitary Trim ($15-$25)
What's included:
- Trimming fur around rear end
- Cleaning of the area if needed
- Belly trim if requested
How long it takes: 10-15 minutes
Who needs it:
- Long-haired cats
- Senior cats who can't self-clean
- Cats with digestive issues
- Overweight cats
Why it matters: Prevents feces from sticking to fur, reduces odor, and keeps your cat comfortable.
Bath and Grooming Packages
Bath & Brush ($50-$80)
What's included:
- Full bath with cat-safe shampoo
- Blow dry (low heat or cage dry)
- Brush out
- Usually includes nail trim
- Sometimes includes ear cleaning
How long it takes: 45 minutes - 1.5 hours
Best for:
- Short-haired cats
- Regular maintenance
- Cats with minimal matting
Full Groom ($75-$120)
What's included:
- Everything in Bath & Brush, plus:
- Thorough brushing and detangling
- Sanitary trim
- Paw pad trim
- Light trimming as needed
- Face cleaning
- Anal gland check (expression if needed, at some salons)
How long it takes: 1-2 hours
Best for:
- All coat types
- Regular maintenance grooming
- Cats needing comprehensive care
Express Groom ($40-$60)
What's included:
- Quick bath
- Towel or minimal blow dry
- Quick brush
- Nail trim
How long it takes: 20-30 minutes
Best for:
- Cats who stress easily
- Quick touch-ups
- Short-haired cats
Note: Not suitable for cats with mats or coat problems.
Specialty Services
Lion Cut ($90-$150)
What's included:
- Full body shave to 1/4" - 1/2"
- Mane left around head
- "Boots" left on lower legs
- Tail pom or plume
- Bath if needed
How long it takes: 1-2 hours
Who needs it:
- Long-haired cats with severe matting
- Cats in hot climates
- Senior cats who can't self-groom
- Owner preference
What to know:
- Not all cats tolerate clippers
- Some cats may need veterinary sedation
- Fur takes 3-6 months to fully grow back
- May not be suitable in cold climates
Comb Cut / Teddy Bear Cut ($80-$130)
What's included:
- Scissoring or clipper work to even length
- Usually leaves fur 1/2" - 1" long
- More natural look than lion cut
- Full groom included
How long it takes: 1.5-2.5 hours
Best for:
- Long-haired cats wanting a shorter style
- Cats who mat frequently
- Easier maintenance
Dematting (Starting at $20-$40 per 15 minutes)
What's included:
- Working out tangles and mats
- Preserving as much coat as possible
- Tools: mat splitters, dematting combs, slicker brushes
What to know:
- Severely matted cats may need shaving instead
- Dematting can be uncomfortable for cats
- Some groomers charge by the mat or by time
- Prevention through regular brushing is ideal
When shaving is better:
- Mats are tight to skin
- Mats cover large areas
- Cat is stressed by dematting
- Skin underneath is irritated
Deshedding Treatment ($25-$45 extra)
What's included:
- Specialized deshedding shampoo
- Conditioner treatment
- High-velocity blow dry
- Extensive brushing
- Removal of loose undercoat
How long it takes: Adds 30-60 minutes to regular groom
Who needs it:
- Double-coated cats
- Heavy shedders
- Seasonal shedding (spring/fall)
- Households with allergy concerns
Results: Can reduce shedding by 60-90% for several weeks.
Flea Treatment Bath ($30-$50 extra)
What's included:
- Flea-killing shampoo treatment
- Extended lather time
- Thorough rinsing
- Flea combing
What to know:
- Kills fleas on the cat at time of bath
- Does NOT provide ongoing protection
- You must treat your home and other pets
- Consider vet-prescribed preventatives
Medicated Bath (Price varies)
What's included:
- Prescription or therapeutic shampoo
- Extended contact time
- Gentle handling
- May include conditioner
Who needs it:
- Cats with skin conditions
- Allergies
- Ringworm (by vet direction)
- Seborrhea
Note: Usually requires vet prescription and instructions.
Add-On Services
Teeth Brushing ($10-$15)
Light brushing with pet toothpaste. Not a substitute for dental care but helps between vet visits.
Pad Moisturizing ($5-$10)
Paw balm application for dry or cracked paw pads.
Cologne/Finishing Spray ($5-$10)
Cat-safe scent applied after grooming. Optional and not recommended for sensitive cats.
Face Trim ($10-$20)
Trimming around eyes, cleaning tear stains, chin trim for long-haired or flat-faced breeds.
Understanding the Grooming Process
What Happens During a Typical Full Groom
-
Check-in (5-10 min)
- Groomer assesses coat condition
- Discusses any concerns
- Notes temperament
-
Pre-brush (10-20 min)
- Removes loose fur
- Identifies mats
- Prepares coat for bathing
-
Bath (15-20 min)
- Warm water, not hot
- Cat-safe shampoo
- Thorough rinsing
-
Drying (20-40 min)
- Towel dry first
- Low-heat blow dry or cage dry
- Some cats air dry with fans
-
Brush & Finish (15-30 min)
- Thorough brushing
- Trimming as needed
- Nail trim, ear clean
- Final touches
-
Pick-up
- Groomer reviews what was done
- Notes any concerns found
- Recommends next appointment
Time Estimates by Coat Type
| Coat Type | Basic Bath | Full Groom | With Specialty Service | |-----------|-----------|------------|------------------------| | Short Hair | 30-45 min | 45-75 min | 1-1.5 hours | | Medium Hair | 45-60 min | 1-1.5 hours | 1.5-2 hours | | Long Hair | 1-1.5 hours | 1.5-2 hours | 2-3 hours |
Questions to Ask Before Booking
-
What's included in each package?
- Avoid surprises about what costs extra
-
How do you handle difficult cats?
- Look for fear-free or cat-friendly handling
-
Is this a cat-only facility?
- Less stressful for cats
-
How long will my cat be there?
- Some salons keep cats all day; others use appointment times
-
What products do you use?
- Should be cat-specific and gentle
-
What if you find mats?
- Know the extra costs upfront
Choosing the Right Services for Your Cat
Short-haired, indoor cat:
- Nail trims every 2-4 weeks
- Full groom every 8-12 weeks
- Deshedding treatment 2x yearly
Long-haired cat:
- Full groom every 4-6 weeks
- Deshedding as needed
- Consider lion cut if matting is frequent
Senior cat:
- Full groom every 4-6 weeks
- Sanitary trims between appointments
- Gentle handling essential
Anxious cat:
- Cat-only salon
- Express services
- Fear-free certified groomer
- Consider mobile grooming
Final Thoughts
Understanding grooming services helps you choose what's best for your cat and budget. Start with basic services if your cat is new to grooming, and work up to more comprehensive care as they become comfortable.
A good groomer will always explain what they recommend and why. Don't hesitate to ask questions or request modifications to standard packages.
Ready to book? Find a professional cat groomer in your area and give your feline friend the care they deserve.
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.
