How to Find a Professional Cat Groomer
To find a professional cat groomer, ask for a referral from your vet, who will likely be aware of reputable cat groomers in your area. You could also try asking other cat owners for a recommendation. Alternatively, talk to your local pet store to get suggestions. If you want a groomer with credentials, consider asking a professional groomers' association to put you in touch with one of its members. Additionally, consider hiring a mobile cat groomer, who will come to your home to groom your cat.
Get a referral from your vet. One of the most efficient ways to find a good cat groomer is to ask your vet for a recommendation. Your vet likely knows your cat well and is aware of its temperament as well as its grooming needs. They may be able to recommend a groomer that will be a good fit for your cat. For example, you may ask your vet, “You know my cat well. Can you refer me to a good groomer for my cat?” or “Do you know of a reputable cat groomer in the area?” Speak to other cat owners for a recommendation. You can also approach friends and family who own cats and use a groomer for a recommendation. If you notice a friend's cat is looking well groomed and clean, ask them where they got their cat groomed. If you know a family member often gets their cat groomed on a regular basis, ask them for more information on their groomer. For example, you may say to a friend, “Your cat looks great and so well groomed. Where do you get them groomed? Can you recommend a good groomer?” Find a groomer through your local pet store. Another option is to see if representatives at your local pet store can recommend a good cat groomer in the area. Usually good cat groomers will have a reputation and are known in the community. Sometimes pet stores are actually located close in the same building or right next door from a pet groomer. For example, you may ask a representative at the pet store, “I'm looking for a good cat groomer in the area, do you have any recommendations?” Search online for professional cat groomers in your area. Do an online search for a list of recommended cat groomers in your area. Make sure you read reviews for the groomer online, if there are any. Note if the groomer has a lot of positive reviews and repeat customers. Look at any images of the grooming facility on the groomer's website, if they are available. Most cat groomers will list their prices online. Review the costs of grooming to find the right one for your budget. Some cat groomers will have testimonials from clients about their grooming experience. Read the testimonials to get a sense of how reputable and professional the groomer is. Look for a groomer through a professional association. There are professional cat groomer associations that you can look up online to help you find a reputable groomer in your area. The Professional Cat Groomers Association of America is one good resource and has a database of cat groomers that you can search for by state in the U.S: http://www.professionalcatgroomers.com/ You can also find cat groomers at http://www.nationaldoggroomers.com/locator/. Many groomers who are members of a professional association are licensed to practice and are up-to-date on their grooming training and techniques. Consider a mobile cat groomer. A mobile cat groomer is a person who comes to your home to groom your cat, rather than you bringing your cat to the groomer. This is a good option if your cat is squeamish about going to the groomer and you do not have time to bring your cat to the grooming salon. Mobile cat groomers can cost more than a regular groomer but it may be worth it if it saves your cat the stress of leaving their home and is more convenient for you. Look online for mobile cat grooming services. Read reviews of the grooming service and check the prices before you book the service. Some mobile cat grooming services serve cats only. If you are more comfortable with a feline-only service, make sure you check this detail when searching for a mobile cat groomer. Determine the groomer’s credentials. Some groomers are registered or certified by a grooming school or a professional association, but pet groomers are not regulated by an official agency. One way you can confirm the groomer's credentials is to call them and ask them about their level of experience with grooming cats. Find out if they have many clients who are regulars and discuss their grooming techniques so you have a sense of what your cat is in for. Ask if they have a license to practice cat grooming. You should also ask the groomer about their staff and determine their credentials. You want to be sure that the groomer has staff who will treat your cat gently and carefully as they are being groomed. For example, you may ask the cat groomer, “How long have you been grooming cats?” “Do you have a lot of regular clients that you groom on a regular basis?” “What kinds of grooming techniques do you use on cats?” “Is your staff knowledgeable and responsible when grooming the cats?” Ask questions about the grooming facility. You should also find out some information about the grooming facility. You can do this over the phone with the groomer by asking questions or by visiting the facility in person to check it out. The groomer may also have images of the grooming facility on their website. If possible, try to arrange a tour of the grooming facility before you bring your cat in to be groomed. A reputable groomer will not object to a tour of the facility. Make sure the grooming facility is well-lit, looks clean, and has a clean smell. Note if the cages are an appropriate size, where the cats can stand and turn around comfortably. You should also make sure dogs and cats are kept in separate areas if the facility services cats and dogs. Discuss your cat’s needs with the groomer. When you speak to the groomer, let them know what type of grooming your cat needs. Your cat may need to be bathed and trimmed. It may also need its nails cut and its ears cleaned. Let the groomer know what types of grooming services you are looking for so the groomer can respond to your cat's needs. You should also let the groomer know about any health issues your cat has, such as any skin problems or conditions. You may give the groomer a specific shampoo to use on your cat, recommended by your vet, or tell them to only use certain products on your cat to avoid an allergic reaction or a skin issue. Most reputable groomers will require vaccination papers from your vet before you can book an appointment with them. This will ensure your cat does not have any infectious diseases or conditions and make the grooming facility safe for the other pets. Determine the price of the grooming session. The costs of the grooming session will depend on the breed and size of your cat as well as the type of grooming you are looking for. A simple shampoo and brushing or trim can cost between $40-$60. If your cat has severe matting or needs more intense grooming, you may end up paying more. Keep in mind mobile grooming services are often more expensive than grooming services where you bring your cat in for the session. Book an appointment with the groomer. Bring your cat in for the appointment yourself so you can meet the groomer and their staff. Look around and make sure you feel comfortable leaving your cat alone in the facility for the grooming session. Acting relaxed and friendly at the groomer's will help to ease your cat's nerves and ensure the grooming session goes smoothly. Before you bring your cat to the groomer, make sure your cat is up-to-date with its veterinary treatments, including vaccinations and sterilizations. You may also do a quick brushing session with your cat right before you bring it to the groomer so your cat is calm and relaxed when in the hands of the groomer. 
Get a referral from your vet. Speak to other cat owners for a recommendation. Find a groomer through your local pet store. Search online for professional cat groomers in your area. Look for a groomer through a professional association. Consider a mobile cat groomer. Determine the groomer’s credentials. Ask questions about the grooming facility. Discuss your cat’s needs with the groomer. Determine the price of the grooming session. Book an appointment with the groomer. 