Policies & FAQs
Hi, I’m Jeannie. I’ve been a full-time, professional feline groomer for over 15 years, working exclusively with cats. My approach is calm, gentle, and grounded in years of hands-on experience, ongoing education, and a deep respect for the emotional and physical well-being of the animals in my care.
My Background:
- Education: 5 years of undergraduate study at the University of Alberta (Bachelor of Arts program)
- Previous Career: 10 years in inventory management, logistics, and accounting
- Formal Training: 2-year apprenticeship and mentorship in cat grooming, plus online coursework, videos, and tutorials through the National Cat Groomers Institute (NCGI) and other providers
- Ongoing Development: 13+ years of continuous education through grooming communities, individual mentorships, YouTube tutorials, webinars, and professional modules
Through this experience, I’ve developed my own method for working with cats — combining the most effective techniques I’ve learned into a calm, humane, and feline-focused approach.
My Grooming Philosophy:
Every cat is different, and I tailor each session to their needs. My grooming style is gentle, affectionate, and stress-aware. While many cats do very well with grooming, some may be too fearful, sensitive, or reactive for it to be done safely. If a session becomes too stressful or unsafe — for the cat or myself — I stop immediately, and we discuss other options.
Above all, your cat’s comfort, safety, and emotional well-being are my highest priority.
Full Groom with Bath Includes:
- Nail trimming (front and back)
- Pre-bath brushing or a rough clip to reduce bulk or remove tangles
- Massaging hydro bath using specialty cat-safe shampoos
- Drying using a high-velocity or cage dryer, depending on your cat’s tolerance
- Finish grooming: final brush out or haircut finish work
- Ear cleaning (if necessary)
My pricing structure reflects the time, care, and skill involved in working with each individual cat. Every session is tailored, and pricing may vary based on the condition of your cat’s coat, temperament, and grooming needs.
General Pricing Information
- Prices are subject to change without notice. I review and update pricing twice a year, typically in Dec/Jan and Jun/Jul.
- Please check the current pricing for your service prior to your appointment. If your booking was made weeks or months in advance, the rate may have changed since then.
- You are always welcome to confirm pricing with me ahead of time.
Appointment Tiers
I offer four tiers of service based on timing and scheduling needs:
1. Regular Appointments – Standard Rate
- VIP discounts apply if your cat is on a regular schedule (see table below)
2. Overtime Appointments – 1.5× Standard Rate
- For appointments scheduled outside of Regular appointment hours
- VIP Discounts do not apply
3. Express Appointments – 1.75× Standard Rate
- For appointments scheduled outside of outside of Regular & Overtime appointment hours
- Discounts do not apply
4. Same Day Appointments – 2× Standard Rate
- Only available at my discretion, depending on the day's existing schedule
- Discounts do not apply
VIP Discount Program
Clients who maintain a consistent grooming schedule are eligible for discounts off the base grooming rate:
| Time Since Last Visit | Discount |
| Less than 4 weeks | 25% off |
| Less than 6 weeks | 20% off |
| Less than 8 weeks | 15% off |
| Less than 12 weeks | 10% off |
| Less than 16 weeks | 5% off |
Important Notes:
- Discounts are strictly based on actual days between appointments — not calendar months. For example, 16 weeks is not always equal to 4 months.
- Even a one-day delay past the interval will drop your discount to the next level.
- If you'd like to lock in your discount, I’m happy to pre-book your appointments for the year.
- Rescheduling may impact your discount rate depending on the time elapsed since your last grooming session — regardless of the reason.
Matting Fees
Matting is charged based on the time it takes to remove tangles, clumps, or densely packed hair using tools or clippers.
There are two general types of matting:
- Brushable Matting – caused by coat type, frequency of brushing in between grooms, lifestyle (indoor/outdoor), or long intervals between grooms.
- Shaveable Matting – includes spiderweb, clumpy, turtle shell, dreadlock, or tufty mats that must be shaved.
A coat is considered matted if a wide-tooth comb cannot glide smoothly from root to tip without catching.
Mat removal fees:
- $1.33 per minute ($80/hour), added to your base grooming rate for regular schedule appointments. Overtime, Express, Lightning mat removal fees are 1.5x, 1.75x, 2x regular rate respectively.
- Accurate estimates given in advance are impossible — actual pricing depends on what I see in person and the cat’s tolerance.
Severe matting may increase the overall appointment time or require multiple sessions.
Booking an appointment online is quick and easy, but accuracy matters — especially with times, confirmations, and calendar syncing. Please read the following carefully to ensure your appointment is correctly booked and managed:
1. Recording Your Appointment
- When booking, write down the exact Day, Month, Year and Start Time (AM/PM) of your appointment.
- After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email — you can use this to add the appointment to your Google Calendar or Apple Calendar.
- Always double-check that the date and time in your calendar matches the one in your confirmation email.
2. Making Changes to Your Appointment
- If you reschedule or change your appointment after the initial booking, you’ll need to manually update your calendar — the system may not automatically remove or adjust the original entry.
- If you haven’t received a confirmation or reminder, it may be because:
- Your email was entered incorrectly during registration
- You’ve since changed your email address
- You’ve unsubscribed from system reminders
- Please check your spam or junk folder if you don’t see the confirmation. If it’s not there, contact me and I’ll be happy to verify your email in the system.
3. Booking for Multiple Cats
- If you're booking multiple back-to-back appointments for the same day (preferred for multi-cat households), make sure you note the time of the first appointment.
- You will receive a separate confirmation email for each cat, each with its own appointment time — so keeping track of the first one helps ensure a smooth drop-off.
4. Confirmation & Reminders
- You should receive a confirmation email immediately after booking.
- A reminder email will follow approximately 3 days before the appointment.
- When time allows, I also send text reminders as an added courtesy.
- Check your spam folder
- Contact me directly to confirm your email details
5. Using the Online Booking System
The booking tool uses filters to help you find available appointments based on:
- Service type
- Provider availability (Weekdays vs. Evenings/Weekends)
- Preferred day/time of the week
Once you apply your filters, the system will show a list of matching options. Clicking the service name brings up a description, estimated pricing, and an example photo of the finished groom.
- Walk-ins are not accepted
- Waitlist & Cancellation Openings
If your cat is fearful, reactive, or challenging to groom, please call me directly to book. These appointments require special planning to ensure a safe and calm experience for both your cat and myself.
Ideal Timing for Sensitive or Difficult Cats
Difficult cats are best groomed during quiet hours, usually on evenings or weekends. This gives me the flexibility to:
- Work at a slower, more accommodating pace
- Allow you to stay nearby to reassure your cat (though not to assist)
- Minimize environmental stressors and distractions
Pre-Planning Is Crucial
Cats with special behavioral needs cannot be “squeezed in” or rushed through a groom. For these pets, careful pre-booking is essential. Omitting services (like the bath) just to fit into a narrow time slot is not suitable for challenging cats.
If you’re not on a regular schedule and you have a behavioral, deadline or time constraint, the only available options may fall under Overtime or Express pricing tiers due to the need for extra time and flexibility.
Why the Bath Matters
Bathing can actually be very helpful for difficult cats. While it may seem counterintuitive, being wet often reduces defensiveness and can shift their behavior from “fight” to more passive or cooperative.
- If a bath is booked and not needed, we can always skip it.
- If a bath is not booked and turns out to be needed, we may not have time to add it, which could result in an incomplete groom and/or a fee for the incomplete appointment.
For cats I’ve worked with before, we can stick to whatever approach has worked best for them — with or without a bath.
Know Your Cat
You know your cat best. For everyone's safety, please use your best judgment about how your cat is likely to behave based on the criteria below.
**Some cats who display friendly, laid back or cooperative behavior/mannerisms at home may not tolerate grooming in a new environment; especially one where the scent/sound of other cats may be unavoidable, there's a new person touching and handling them in unfamiliar ways, and/or any of the other factors that go along with grooming like clippers buzzing, clipping nails, paw pad trimming, sanitary trims on bellies or bums, brushing (especially in ticklish areas like the belly, bum, tail and armpits), bathing either by hand scrubbing or using a bathing system, sound and feel of dryers, and rolling over or standing up in ways they are not accustomed to.**
If your cat shows any of the following behaviors, I strongly recommend speaking with your vet about Gabapentin, an anti-anxiety medication:
- Flinching, reactivity, or sudden movements when touched
- Hissing, growling, or hiding
- Difficulty with travel, vet visits, new people, other cats or being handled
- Aggression or extreme fear during past grooms
Gabapentin is generally safe, effective, and widely used for grooming and vet visits. While it’s not a guarantee, it can make a huge difference in how your cat experiences the grooming process.
Partial or Unfinished Grooms
In some cases, despite best efforts, a full groom may not be possible. Your cat’s safety and comfort always come first.
- You may be charged for the time spent, even if the groom isn’t completed
- Incomplete or uneven cuts, or sending a cat home damp, are not due to lack of skill, but to your cat’s tolerance on that day
- Every effort is made to work gently, compassionately, and safely, but your cat’s behavior determines what’s possible
Difficult, Matted Cats
When a cat is both matted and difficult to handle, our grooming options become more limited — and the risks increase significantly.
If a cat cannot tolerate regular grooming when their coat is in good condition, it's even less likely they’ll tolerate the more intense handling needed to remove severe mats. As matting worsens, cats often become more sensitive and reactive, and the process becomes more stressful, painful, and dangerous for both the cat and the groomer.
Why Sedation May Be Necessary
In many cases, sedation is the safest and most humane way to remove severe matting from a reactive or fearful cat. The type and level of sedation needed depends on the cat’s behavior and tolerance level:
- Mild sedation (like oral Gabapentin) can help calm anxious or fearful cats
- Full sedation (where the cat is unconscious) can only be done by a vet, where vitals can be safely monitored throughout the procedure
Things to Consider
A. De-matting Without Sedation
- Often painful, stressful, and risky, even for tolerant cats
- Takes more time and more handling, increasing the chance of injury
- May seem cheaper upfront, but can become more expensive with behavior issues
B. De-matting With Sedation
- Much more comfortable for your cat
- Quicker and safer for everyone involved
- Often the kindest option for aggressive, fearful, or sensitive cats
- Costs more upfront (especially at a vet), but typically results in a more efficient, guaranteed outcome
Using sedation doesn’t mean giving up — it means making a compassionate choice to avoid fear, pain, and trauma.
Safety First: Why This Matters
Matted coats must often be removed using clippers — a vibrating, sharp blade used close to the skin. Matting tends to form in sensitive areas like the belly, groin, chest, and armpits. Cat skin is very thin, and even the slightest movement from a struggling cat can result in a serious cut.
Cat bites are also a significant health hazard for groomers, often requiring antibiotics, stitches, or even hospitalization. No experienced professional wants to put themselves — or your cat — at risk by attempting an unsafe groom.
When Veterinary Sedation Is the Only Safe Option
If your cat becomes aggressive or panicked around clippers, strangers, smells, or new environments, vet-level sedation is the only truly safe and humane option.
Most vet clinics offer sedation shaves or medically necessary grooming services starting around $200. Prices vary, and some clinics may offer payment plans or flexible options.
In many cases, the total cost is similar whether you go to a vet or a groomer:
- At the vet, you pay more per hour, but the procedure is fast and successful
- With a groomer, the hourly rate may be lower, but the time involved is longer, and there's a higher chance the groom won’t be completed
All cats should be up-to-date on their vaccinations for their own protection, the safety of others, and the overall health of the salon environment.
Why Vaccines Matter:
- Kittens are protected by their mother’s milk for about 12 weeks, but after that, they need their kitten shots (3 sets).
- As adults, cats should be vaccinated every 1–3 years, depending on their age and prior vaccine history. Your vet can confirm if your cat is current. All cats should be vaccinated, regardless of indoor/outdoor lifestyle.
- Vaccines help protect not just your cat, but also other pets in the salon — especially older or immunocompromised cats who may not be able to be vaccinated themselves.
- They also protect me as your groomer. Cat scratches and bites can be a serious health risk if your cat is carrying something preventable.
- Vaccines must be administered at least 48 hours before your grooming appointment to ensure protection.
If you're looking for a vet, I highly recommend Granada Vet in Sherwood Park (780-464-1287). Dr. Jared Lawrence and his wife Dr. Angela Kudla and their team run an excellent, cat-friendly clinic.
Vaccine records (showing type and renewal date) can be emailed to: info@thecatsmeow.ca
Recommended Vaccines:
A. Rabies
- Though rare in Alberta, rabies still exists. Read more here – Rabies in Alberta
- Rabies is fatal if untreated. If your cat bites someone and isn’t vaccinated, the person must undergo a series of 4–5 shots over 14 days.
B. FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
- This is a core vaccine that protects against deadly and highly contagious respiratory viruses.
- Panleukopenia (feline distemper) is especially serious and often fatal.
C. FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)
- Spread through close contact with infected cats.
- This vaccine is non-core and may not be necessary for every cat — talk to your vet to determine your cat’s risk level and whether it’s recommended.
If vaccination isn’t possible due to health or age, I also accept:
- A tri-annual titer test, or an annual vet exemption letter
Liability & Risk Agreement:
By booking and completing your appointment, you acknowledge that:
- You’ve read and understood the vaccination information above
- You assume all risk of your cat contracting any illness, virus, or parasite as a result of their visit
- You release The Cat’s Meow and its staff from any liability for illness, injury, or complications during transport, grooming, or time spent at the salon — including any related healthcare costs or damages
Fleas, Lice & Ticks:
If your cat goes outdoors — even just into a backyard, on a leash, or into a catio — or lives with another pet that does, it’s important that one (or both) are on a monthly parasite preventative. You can get these from your vet, and you should always talk to them before giving any new medication to your cat.
Important Policy
If your cat has fleas, lice, ticks, or other communicable skin conditions (like ringworm) at the time of their groom:
- They will be sent home immediately for everyone's safety.
- You will be charged the full price for the incomplete groom.
- There will be an additional $50 sanitation fee to cover the cost of cleaning and disinfecting the salon.
To reschedule and complete the groom:
- You’ll need to wait 30 days from the original appointment to ensure the treatment has worked and no parasites remain.
- A second grooming fee may apply (full or partial), depending on the coat condition and how much it has grown out since the first visit.
This helps keep my space safe and clean for every cat that visits, including your own!
Sedatives & Medications for Grooming
If I have recommended that your cat be given a sedative before their next grooming session, this is not optional — it is required in order to proceed.
This protocol exists for your cat’s comfort and safety, as well as mine.
Approved Medications
I only accept the following prescription medications for grooming-related anxiety or behavioral issues:
- Gabapentin
- Trazodone
These two medications are proven to be effective in grooming settings when administered properly and at the correct dosage. You can obtain them from your veterinarian.
What Is Not Accepted
I do not accept the following medications or any other over-the-counter or holistic products as substitutes:
- Clonazepam, Lorazepam, Acepromazine, Amitriptyline
- Anxitane, Zylkene, Rescue Remedy, or calming sprays/treats
These medications are not appropriate or effective for grooming purposes, and using them in place of what’s been recommended may create dangerous or unpredictable behavior.
Required Proof on Groom Day
On the day of your cat’s appointment, you must provide a clear photo of the prescribed medication bottle or packaging that shows:
- Cat’s name
- Medication name
- Dosage instructions
- Prescription date
This ensures transparency and confirms the medication given is what was recommended.
Timing & Dosing
- Medications must be administered 90–120 minutes before the appointment.
- Some cats metabolize the medication quickly. In these cases, your vet may suggest:
- A layered dose (e.g., a small dose the night before + regular dose the morning of)
- Adjusted dosing strategies based on your cat’s size, metabolism, and stress level
- If you struggle to administer pills at home, ask your vet if they can administer the medication for you 1.5–2 hours before the appointment.
Helpful tools: cat pillers, treats designed to hide capsules, or temporary compounding into flavored liquid by your vet.
If Medication Is Missed or Improper
If you arrive and the medication has not been given as required:
- I may not be able to groom your cat
- You will still be charged 100% of the grooming fee for the missed or partially completed appointment
This policy protects both your pet and myself. A poorly sedated or unmedicated cat can become overwhelmed, fearful, and unsafe to handle.
Catnip Policy
Catnip is not a sedative. It’s a psychoactive stimulant that can cause unpredictable behavior — including hyperactivity, increased sensitivity, aggression, or erratic movements. While it may seem harmless or even calming at home, in a grooming environment it can make handling unsafe for both your cat and myself.
Groom Refusal Policy
If I determine that a cat has been given catnip prior to the appointment:
- I will refuse service
- You will be charged 100% of the grooming fee, as it will be treated as a no-show
This policy is in place for safety and will be strictly enforced.
Life happens — I totally get it! But missed appointments and last-minute changes are tough to fill, and they directly impact my small business. To keep things fair and sustainable, the following policies apply:
Cancellation & Rescheduling Fees:
- Less than 12 hours notice (or a no-show):100% of all booked services will be chargedA non-refundable deposit will be required to book future appointments
- Less than 24 hours notice:75% of all booked services will be chargedIf the appointment is for multiple cats, the fee is 100%
- Less than 48 hours notice:50% of all booked services will be chargedFor multiple cats, the fee is 75%
You’ll receive an invoice through Square, and it will need to be paid before any future bookings can be made.
Multiple Misses
If you have more than one no-show or late cancellation, your account may be:
- Required to pay a 100% non-refundable deposit upfront for future bookings, or
- Blocked from booking altogether and future services may be refused.
These policies help ensure availability for all clients, and allow me to keep offering personalized, high-quality grooming services. Thanks for understanding and respecting the time set aside just for your kitty!
Arriving for Your Appointment
Finding the shop can be a little tricky the first time — here’s what you need to know:
- The building faces the opposite direction from the way most people approach and is set perpendicular to the street.
- There are no exterior signs identifying the building itself.
- When your navigation says you're close, look for the sign for the Bottle Depot — my shop is located inside that building.
- Pull into the parking lot — my shop is the first bay in the building.
- My sign is located at the bottom of the front door.
Transporting Your Cat Safely:
To ensure your cat arrives safely and calmly for their grooming appointment, please follow these important transport guidelines:
Carrier Requirements
- Each cat must arrive in their own individual, secure carrier.
- Carriers must be:
- Clean
- Well-ventilated
- In good repair (no broken zippers, cracked plastic, or weak handles)
- Properly sized — not too small, but not oversized or open wire cages that can cause additional stress
I do not have holding cages available for cats awaiting pickup or their turn, so cats must remain safely in their carriers during that time.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Before transport:
- Inspect the carrier for debris, dirt, or signs of rodent contamination (like droppings)
- Line the carrier with an absorbent material such as:
- A towel or blanket
- Newspaper
- A disposable pee padThis helps keep your cat dry and comfortable in case of accidents during travel.
Do Not:
- Do not transport two or more cats in the same carrier — even if they normally get along. It adds stress and can cause conflict.
- If you're using a soft-sided carrier, place it on the floor of your car, not on a seat. This prevents urine or other accidents from soaking into your upholstery.
For Nervous Travelers
If your cat experiences stress or motion sickness while traveling (e.g. drooling, vomiting, urinating, or defecating during transport), talk to your vet about mild sedatives or calming options.
I also highly recommend G&E Pharmacy in Edmonton, which specializes in pet medications and has a knowledgeable staff that can help guide you on the best transport products for your cat’s needs.
Extra Cleaning Fees
If a cat arrives soiled or heavily stressed, additional fees may apply for the cleanup of carriers, grooming surfaces, or the cat themselves:
- $5–$25, depending on the level of cleaning required
Cats transported in oversized, open, or wire-style carriers tend to arrive more anxious. If that’s all you have, placing a towel or blanket over the carrier can help them feel safer and more secure.
These small steps go a long way toward ensuring your cat starts their grooming session calm, clean, and as comfortable as possible.
Appointment Arrivals
To keep things running smoothly and reduce stress for all the cats in my care, please follow these arrival guidelines:
What Not to Bring Inside the Carrier:
Before arrival, please remove all of the following from your cat’s carrier:
- Collars, harnesses, and leashes
- Toys, treats, and food/water dishes
I do not accept responsibility for tracking, storing, or returning personal items left inside carriers. Keeping the carrier free of extras helps keep your cat safe and avoids misplaced items.
Please Arrive On Time, Not Early:
- If you arrive early, please wait in your car with your cat until your scheduled appointment time.
- If you bring your cat inside before their scheduled time, a $25 handling/disruption fee will be added to your bill.This includes early drop-offs, even if it’s “just a few minutes.”
Multiple Cats on the Same Day?
If you're bringing in more than one cat for consecutive appointments, you're welcome to bring them all at once — just be sure each cat is in their own individual carrier.
Following these arrival steps helps create a calm, focused environment and ensures every cat gets the gentle attention they deserve.
Appointment Duration
Grooming appointments typically take between 90 to 120 minutes per cat, regardless of what the online booking system may show. That timeframe is an estimate only — not a guaranteed completion time.
Every Cat Is Different
Some cats may require significantly more time due to factors such as:
- Matting or poor coat condition
- Anxiety, fear, or reactivity
- Age-related issues (senility, arthritis, fragility)
- Inexperience with grooming
- Sensitivity to handling, clippers, or dryers
- Wiggly, temperamental, or unpredictable behavior
These things can’t always be predicted in advance — and they cannot be rushed on the day of the appointment.
Plan Accordingly
- Please avoid scheduling other commitments immediately after your cat’s appointment.
- Leave at least 1–2 extra hours of flexibility beyond the expected finish time.
- Grooming is a process that takes time, patience, and respect for the cat’s comfort and limits. I will never rush through a groom at the expense of your cat’s well-being.
Groom Quality & Limitations
The quality of the final groom depends heavily on your cat’s behavior during their appointment. It is not a reflection of my skill if:
- The groom is incomplete
- The haircut is rough or uneven
- The cat must go home partially finished
Some services or styles may not be possible for cats with health, behavior, or tolerance challenges — and in certain cases, I may have to stop early for the safety and comfort of your cat.
Nail Trimming Policy
This is a crucial part of the grooming process, both for my safety and for your cat’s comfort during handling.
What This Means for You:
- You do not need to trim your cat’s nails before the appointment — I take care of that.
- However, if you prefer to trim them yourself beforehand because your cat tolerates it better at home, that’s perfectly fine.
- In that case, I’ll still do a quick check to ensure they’re short enough and will re-trim if needed.
This small but important step helps keep everyone — human and feline — safe during the grooming process.
The Grooming Process
I work solo — I do not use assistants or force-based methods. Every step of your cat’s grooming is handled by me personally, with respect for your cat’s individual needs, body language, and tolerance.
My goal is always to provide a safe, humane, and low-stress experience that honors your cat’s comfort and well-being.
A Calm, Cat-Centered Approach
- Watching your cat’s body language and reactions closely
- Adjusting my pace, positioning, and techniques accordingly
- Setting up my space in a way that prevents panic and outsmarts their escape drive
- Giving them the time they need to get through each step at their own comfort level
When We Need to Stop
If at any point I feel your cat is no longer able to be groomed safely or humanely, I will stop immediately. From there, we can explore other options:
- Booking a quieter time (evenings or weekends)
- Scheduling a session where your cat’s favorite person can stay to reassure them
- Using a mild sedative prescribed by your vet (like Gabapentin)
If those steps still don’t make grooming possible, I may refer you to a veterinarian for grooming under sedation. This is often the most humane and effective solution for extremely fearful or aggressive cats, especially those needing full dematting or coat removal.
Frequency of Grooming
- Most adult cats do well with grooming every 8–16 weeks
- Kittens benefit from being introduced to grooming early and regularly — monthly sessions during their formative months can help set them up for a lifetime of success
- Some cats may be groomed as often as once a month, especially if they have a high-maintenance coat, shedding issues, or medical needs
What I Don’t Do
While I have extensive experience working with “salty” or “spicy” cats, I will not engage in grooming that involves:
- Fighting the cat or overpowering them physically
- Using heavy muzzles, Kevlar sleeves, or extreme restraint
- Calling in a second handler to forcibly complete a groom
These methods are not only dangerous — they are inhumane and reinforce fear, often worsening behavior long-term.
If that level of restraint is what’s required, it’s a sign your cat needs a different type of care — one that includes sedation and veterinary supervision.
Matting fees apply when your cat’s coat requires extra time and work beyond what’s typical for their breed or coat type. Matting presents in two main forms, and both can significantly increase grooming time.
Types of Matting
A. Severe Matting (Clipper Removal Required):
- Includes hard knotted mats, turtle shell mats, tufty dreadlocks, or spiderweb-like tangles
- These cannot be combed out safely and must be shaved using clippers, which involves delicate and time-intensive work, especially in sensitive areas
B. Packed Undercoat (Excessive Shedding or Debris):
- The coat is technically combable, but is extremely dense, thick, and overdue for grooming
- This is often caused by infrequent grooming, seasonal shedding, lifestyle (e.g., outdoor access), or a lack of regular brushing at home
Matting Fee Structure
Matting removal is charged based on the actual time required:
- $1.40 per minute of de-matting work
- This fee is in addition to your base grooming rate
- Fee is multiplied by the appointment type rate:
- x1 for Regular appointments
- x1.5 for Overtime appointments
- x1.75 for Express appointments
- x2 for Same Day appointments
Matting time cannot be accurately estimated in advance without seeing and handling your cat’s coat in person.
Matting not only takes more time — it’s also uncomfortable for your cat. The sooner it’s addressed, the easier and more humane it is to manage.
Myth: "Cats clean themselves."
Truth: Cats lick themselves — they do not clean.
Saliva is not soap, and while cats do their best to stay tidy, licking alone doesn’t remove dirt, oil, debris, or odors. Regular bathing plays an important role in coat and skin health — and in the quality of the finished groom.
What “Bathing” Actually Means
When I give a cat a “bath,” it’s more like a shower — never immersion. The water is shallow (no more than 1–2 inches), and the water pressure is always adjusted to your cat’s comfort level.
- The bath is often no more stressful than the rest of the grooming process
- In fact, it can be surprisingly helpful in calming nervous cats (more on that below).
Why Cats Need Baths — Just Like Dogs
With the right tools, setup, and timing, bathing can be safe, gentle, and highly beneficial.
The Benefits of Bathing
- Cleaner, Smoother HaircutsOily or dirty fur doesn’t clip well — it drags in the blades and results in uneven cuts. Clean fur feeds smoothly into the clippers for a softer, neater finish.
- More Effective De-shedding & BrushingBrushing a clean, freshly bathed cat is much faster and more effective. Dirty fur resists brushing and takes double the time, which increases both stress and cost.
- Better Health ChecksBathing and drying reveal what’s under the coat — skin issues, lumps, bumps, irritation, or discoloration — that might otherwise go unnoticed.
- Behavioral ManagementFor reactive or fearful cats, bathing can act as a behavioral reset. A wet coat often makes cats less inclined to resist or flee, and their focus shifts from fear to tolerating the process. It’s especially helpful when using clippers, trimming nails, or accessing sensitive areas.
- Tolerable for Most CatsIn my experience, most cats handle the bath well. It's often the drying process that causes discomfort — which is why I use two types of dryers:
- A high-velocity dryer for cats who tolerate it
- A low-velocity cage dryer for more sensitive cats.The only downside to the gentler method is that your cat’s belly or bum may still be a little damp when they go home — but they’ll be calm and comfortable.
Bathing May Be Required — Even if You Didn’t Book It
- Safely remove mats
- Manage reactivity or fear
- Deliver a high-quality, complete groom
Refusing the bath option may result in the groom being incomplete or stopped entirely, if I can’t safely or effectively continue.
Bathing isn’t just cosmetic — it’s an important part of keeping your cat clean, comfortable, and confident. I’m always happy to talk more about how we can make it a positive part of your cat’s grooming routine.
Pickups
When your cat’s groom is finished, I’ll call or text you to let you know they’re ready for pickup. Until you receive that message, please assume the appointment is still in progress — even if I gave you an estimated time at drop-off.
Why Early Arrivals Are a Problem
Coming back before you’ve been contacted can:
- Disrupt the grooming process
- Increase your cat’s stress (many cats become fixated on leaving once they hear or see their owner)
- Make it harder and take longer to finish the groom
- Result in you waiting in your car — as there is no waiting area at the salon
If you’re concerned or want an update, feel free to text or call me. Texting is preferred, as grooming is hands-on and I may have dryers running. I typically check messages between stages (e.g., after the bath or rough-in), which can be every 30 minutes or so.
Late Pickups
When I notify you that your cat is done, I’ll also let you know if they need to be picked up right away (e.g., they’re the last appointment of the day or are particularly vocal).
If so, please arrive within:
- 15 minutes of notification, or
- 30 minutes if I’ve given you a head’s up ahead of time
Late pickup fee: $2 per minute beyond these limits
Need extra time or a heads-up earlier? Just let me know — I’m happy to give you a little notice if your schedule is tight.
Your cooperation ensures a smooth experience for your cat — and for the next appointment waiting to begin. I appreciate your understanding and respect for these boundaries.
Mobile groomers typically work out of a fully equipped van or trailer, set up in your driveway, with all tools and a built-in workspace. House calls, by contrast, are done inside your home — which comes with significant limitations and considerations.
Important Differences & Limitations
A. Site Limitations
Most homes aren’t set up for grooming. I don’t bring a van or table — I work with the space you have, which may lack:
- A waist-height tub with secure anchors
- A safe, non-slip countertop or grooming surface
- Adequate lighting
- Caging options to allow safe, low-stress drying
This can make even a basic groom more stressful and time-consuming for your cat.
B. Service Limitations
- Is harder and slower to brush
- Yields poor grooming results
- Can double the time (and cost) of your appointment
C. Cost Considerations
House call grooming is significantly more expensive due to time and travel:
- You are billed at $80/hour for all time on-site, (including drying time if it was offered, which it is not)
- Travel time to and from your home is also billable at $80/hour
- If your cat cannot be groomed after arrival, you are still charged for time and travel
These are costs that might not apply in a salon setting.
D. Is It Less Stressful? Not Always
While many owners assume grooming at home is less stressful, that’s not always the case.
- The grooming process itself (not the car ride) is what stresses cats the most.
- In-salon grooming is faster, smoother, and less invasive — my setup is designed specifically for feline grooming
- In-home setups can prolong handling and increase anxiety
If your goal is to reduce stress, I strongly recommend discussing Gabapentin with your vet — it’s a safe and commonly used anti-anxiety medication for cats.
E. Aggressive Cats & Home Grooming
Many people consider house calls for cats with aggression or handling issues — but this often backfires.
- Grooming in the home can feel more invasive, since it disrupts your cat’s safe space
- Cats are often harder to groom in their own territory
- House call grooming requires more handling, not less, due to the lack of setup support
For aggressive cats, a calm salon environment (and/or mild sedation from your vet) is often the better and safer choice.
Interested in a House Call?
Here are some trusted local pet services that I personally recommend. These businesses offer exceptional care and support for both cats and dogs, and I’m happy to share them with you.
Veterinary Care
Retail & Pet Pharmacy – Edmonton
Pet Retail – Sherwood Park
Dog Grooming & Daycare
Cat Sitting & House Call Nail Trims
