Why is cat grooming SO expensive?
Why is cat grooming so expensive?
They're smaller than dogs and don't get fancy cuts, so why does it cost so much to get a cat bathed or clipped?
The two bigest reasons: 1. cats are harder to groom than dogs.
2. grooming a cat is dangerous.
Cats may be smaller than a lot of dogs but that doesn't mean that they are easier to work with. As any cat owner will say, "cats are a whole different story than dogs". Rarely will a cat let you do much in the way of grooming without a protest. Remember that old adage of cats hating water? Well, there's some truth to that. Also cats don't like being brushed, having their nails clipped or having mats shaved out of their coat. You can't reason with them, you can't tell them they will feel better when it's all over with. Most cat groomers have a saying, "When a dog settles down and becomes quiet for grooming, he is submitting to it. But when a cat calms down, it's just regrouping for round two".
Cats are also harder to groom because of the nature of their skin. Cat's have very thin skin, and can be damaged easily. Therefore, a groomer should never rush when grooming a cat. You have to allow not only for the cat's determination that he won't be groomed but, to also be able to safely work around it. Even brushing a cat too hard can lead to scrapes or tears on the skin.
The next reason that price of getting your cat groomed can be high is the danger. Not only to the cat but to the groomer. Yes, groomers are at risk of dog bites as well as cat bites. However a cat has teeth that are long and pointy whereas a dog's teeth are more rounded. Both can hurt, definitely, but a cat's tooth can sink far into a groomer's skin. When this happens there is a greater risk of infection, especially if the bite is deep enough to hit tendons or joints.
Groomers must use their hands to work, groomers are basically useless without them and the risk of a serious injury possibly caused by a cat is a huge factor in price setting for any grooming business that deals with cats. In fact, many salons won't accept cats as clients.
When looking for a cat groomer, you should always make sure that the groomer has been trained in grooming cats.
The cat groomer must also use different restraints for cats then dogs. They absolutely cannot be tethered to the table the way a dog normally is. Have you ever been to a grooming salon at one of the chain stores and looked in the windows? you will see that dogs are tethered to the table by a grooming leash around their neck. You cannot use this on a cat. A cat can go from passive to furious in the blink of an eye, and if he is in a grooming leash made for a dog, could easily snap his neck trying to jump free.
So when you are shopping for a groomer for your cat, try not to get frustrated by the lack of groomers or the prices.
If you are on a budget, ask if there are any current coupons or discounts that can be given. The most expensive doesn't always mean the best just as the cheapest doesn't mean the worst. If the cost of grooming your cat still seems too steep after considering possible injuries to your cat or your groomer, I invite you to try bathing and shaving your cat at home. You may find that some things are just worth paying for.
But don't cats clean themselves?
Cats clean themselves, right? So why get them groomed?
Let me start off by saying for years I also thought cats were self sufficient groomers. They absolutely can be. We've all seen cats stretched in impossible positions trying to get that last lock of fur just right.
There are a lot of benefits to bathing your cat regularly. The thing that most people complain about is allergise to hair loss. Dander is created by the dried saliva that cats leave behind when they lick themselves - it's not just the fur loss it's whats on the skin and fur. So someone who has allergies may find that a cat that is properly bathed doesn't bother them as much because it's not necessarily the fur that is the problem - it's the dry skin or dander.
Shedding is another common problem. Again, regular bathing and brushing is going to help with that, the same as it would with a dog. And here's the bonus - if there is less fur for your cat to lick, there's less fur for your cat to ingest, that means less hairballs to clean up.
Does your cat tend to look and feel greasy?
Think about all the places even an indoor cat can fit into or hide. Indoors or out, cats tend to get into everything. Dust bunnies under your couch become dust particles on your cat's fur.
Long hair cats aren't quite that easily groomed. If you keep your long haired cat in a full coat be prepared to do a lot of combing. Even the most flexible cat isn't going to be able to reach all that hair.
Cats aren't exactly worried about matted fur either, alot of cat owners have a hard time brushing their long haired cats and if that's something that is not working for you, I highly recommend having your cat professionally groomed.
Shaving is a great option for long haired cats that don't groom themselves that well anymore, such as older cats. Keeping it shaved is going to be a lot more comfortable for your cat than a bunch of mats with who-knows-what is stuck in it, many clients notice that once their cat is clipped down, they act like a kitten again.
15 Reasons why it costs more to get your cat groomed
You don't go a lifetime without washing your hair except for licking it with your tongue
Your hairdresser doesn’t remove fleas or ticks caught in your matted hair
Your hairdresser doesn't squeeze your anal glands
Your hairdresser doesn't give you a manicure and pedicure
Your hairdresser only cuts the top of your head, not your whole body
Your hairdresser doesn't brush your teeth
Your hairdresser doesn't have to de-matt your hair
Your hairdresser would never wash your butt
Your hair dresser doesn't give you a "sanitary trim"
Your skin on your head is thicker so your hairdresser can work faster
You don't bite or scratch your hairdresser
You sit still for your hairdresser instead of curl up
You don't poop or pee on your hairdresser and their floor
You don't try to fight with the clippers, scissors, brush, nail clippers or dryer
You don't hiss and spit when you see other clients
Written with fun and love by Tina Luth
