The first grooming appointment can be stressful for both cats and owners. With proper preparation, you can help ensure a positive experience that sets the foundation for a lifetime of successful grooming. Here's how to prepare your feline friend.
Before the Appointment
2-4 Weeks Before: Start Getting Ready
Practice handling at home
- Touch your cat's paws daily
- Gently handle their ears
- Lift their tail
- Run a brush over their body
- Reward calm behavior with treats
Crate training
- Leave the carrier out with the door open
- Put treats and blankets inside
- Make it a safe, positive space
- Practice short car rides if possible
Brush regularly
- Gets your cat used to the sensation
- Removes loose fur before the appointment
- Helps you find any mats to mention to the groomer
1 Week Before: Make Preparations
Gather information the groomer will need:
- Your cat's age
- Any health issues or medications
- Vaccination records (some groomers require this)
- Previous grooming history
- Behavioral concerns
Choose the right appointment time:
- Morning is often best (cats and groomers are fresh)
- Avoid days with other stressful events (vet visits, travel)
- Don't schedule on days you'll be rushed
The Night Before
What NOT to do:
- Don't bathe your cat (leave that to the pros)
- Don't brush aggressively (you might cause brush burn)
- Don't try to cut out mats yourself (risk of injury)
What TO do:
- Do a gentle brush if your cat enjoys it
- Keep routines normal
- Prepare the carrier with a familiar blanket
- Set out any documents you need to bring
Day of the Appointment
Morning Preparation
Feeding:
- Feed a light breakfast 2-3 hours before the appointment
- Avoid feeding right before (motion sickness risk)
- Water should always be available
Carrier prep:
- Line with a familiar-smelling blanket
- Consider a Feliway spray (15 minutes before putting cat in)
- Cover with a light towel for the car ride
- Secure carrier in the car (seatbelt through handle or on floor)
Your demeanor matters:
- Stay calm and relaxed
- Cats pick up on your stress
- Don't make a big production of leaving
What to Bring
Essential:
- Your cat in a secure carrier
- Vaccination records (if required)
- Your phone number
- Payment method
Optional but helpful:
- Favorite treats
- Photo of desired style (if getting a cut)
- List of concerns or questions
- Your cat's favorite toy (ask if groomer allows)
At Check-In
Information to provide:
- Your cat's temperament (friendly, shy, nervous, feisty)
- Any sensitive areas (doesn't like paws touched, ear issues, etc.)
- Medical conditions (arthritis, heart condition, etc.)
- Previous grooming experiences (good or bad)
- What services you want
Questions to ask:
- How long will it take?
- Should I stay or leave?
- How will you let me know when they're ready?
- What happens if my cat becomes too stressed?
What to Expect During the Appointment
For Cats New to Grooming
Most groomers take extra time with first-timers:
- Slower approach
- Lots of breaks
- Getting the cat comfortable with the environment
- May not complete everything if cat becomes stressed
The Process
What your cat will experience:
- Time in a cage or on a table to acclimate
- Gentle handling and petting
- Brushing
- Bath (warm water, not hot)
- Drying (blow dryer or cage dry)
- Finishing (nails, ears, final brush)
How long it takes:
- Express groom: 30-45 minutes
- Standard groom: 1-2 hours
- First-time visits may take longer
To Stay or Go?
Most groomers prefer you leave because:
- Cats often behave better without owners
- Your presence can increase their anxiety
- The groomer can focus on the cat
You might stay if:
- The salon offers viewing areas
- Your cat has severe separation anxiety
- The groomer specifically requests it
- It's a brief service like nail trim only
Signs of a Good First Experience
During pick-up, your cat should be:
- Alert but calm
- No visible injuries
- Coat looking neat and clean
- Not excessively panting or drooling
The groomer should:
- Tell you how it went
- Point out anything they noticed
- Give honest feedback about your cat's behavior
- Recommend a timeline for the next visit
- Note if any services couldn't be completed
If Things Don't Go Perfectly
Common First-Time Issues
My cat was too stressed to finish This happens! Some cats need multiple short visits to acclimate. A good groomer will suggest a plan.
The groomer couldn't do everything Perfectly normal for nervous cats. Focus on essential services first, add more as cat becomes comfortable.
My cat is extra tired after Grooming is mentally and physically taxing. Let them rest. This is normal.
My cat is hiding after Some cats need time to recover. Give them space, quiet, and access to their favorite spots.
Red Flags
Contact the groomer or consider a different one if:
- Your cat has unexplained injuries
- Cat seems traumatized (hiding for days, not eating)
- Groomer was dismissive of your concerns
- You weren't told about issues during the appointment
- The coat looks uneven or poorly done
After the Appointment
The First 24 Hours
Normal behaviors:
- Excessive grooming (checking themselves out)
- Extra sleeping
- Temporary hiding
- Changed smell (may confuse other pets)
Things to do:
- Offer water and a light meal
- Provide a quiet, comfortable space
- Give treats and gentle praise
- Reintroduce to other pets slowly
Maintaining the Groom
Ask your groomer:
- When to schedule the next appointment
- What to do at home between visits
- How to maintain the coat/style
- Any products they recommend
At-home maintenance:
- Resume regular brushing after 24-48 hours
- Practice handling paws and ears
- Keep building positive associations
- Note any issues for the next visit
Special Situations
Kittens (Under 6 Months)
Tips:
- Start early for lifelong comfort with grooming
- Keep sessions short (15-20 minutes max)
- Focus on positive experiences over perfection
- Many groomers offer "intro" sessions just for socialization
Rescued or Shelter Cats
Considerations:
- Unknown history with grooming
- May have trauma responses
- Go extra slow
- Consider fear-free certified groomers
Senior Cats New to Grooming
Challenges:
- May be arthritic (certain positions uncomfortable)
- May have reduced tolerance
- Might have health conditions
- Need gentler handling
Solutions:
- Inform groomer of any health issues
- Request shorter sessions
- More frequent, less intensive appointments
Nervous or Fearful Cats
Extra steps:
- Visit the salon beforehand (just to see it)
- Ask about cat-only facilities
- Consider mobile grooming (less travel stress)
- Look for fear-free or cat-friendly certified groomers
- Discuss calming aids with your vet
Building a Long-Term Relationship
The first appointment is just the beginning. A regular grooming schedule offers:
- Consistent coat care
- Early detection of health issues
- Reduced grooming stress over time
- A groomer who knows your cat's personality
Recommended schedules after first appointment:
- Short-haired cats: Every 8-12 weeks
- Medium-haired cats: Every 6-8 weeks
- Long-haired cats: Every 4-6 weeks
Final Tips for Success
- Start young if possible - Kittens adapt more easily
- Stay calm - Your cat reads your emotions
- Be patient - It may take several visits to build comfort
- Communicate - Tell the groomer everything relevant
- Be realistic - First appointments may not be perfect
- Maintain at home - Regular brushing between visits
- Choose wisely - Find a groomer who specializes in cats
Ready to Book?
Finding the right groomer makes all the difference. Look for:
- Cat-only or cat-friendly facilities
- Experienced, patient groomers
- Good reviews from cat owners
- Clear communication
Browse our directory to find professional cat groomers in your area who will give your feline friend the gentle, expert 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.
