How Much Does Cat Grooming Cost?

Last Updated on December 27, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

It is known that cats and kittens like to clean themselves, but sometimes the pet owner has to intervene and help them. In addition to ensuring kitten hygiene, grooming is a great way to get acquainted with healthy skin, fur, eyes, ears, and teeth. This will allow you to recognize any signs of problems.

How Much Does Cat Grooming Cost?

The average cost of cat grooming services is anywhere between $40 and $120. The costs of regular grooming for kittens, younger than five months old would be anywhere between $40 and $50, while the costs for older cats will start at $60. Cat grooming price lists are influenced by some factors such as the services you request, the groomer you choose, the cost of living in your area, and the length of the cat’s hair.

The costs of cat services tend to be higher than for dog grooming because most cats don’t like to sit in one place in an uncomfortable position. If a dog can stand as you tell him while the groomer does its job, a cat will curl up in a ball so it will be difficult for the groomer to access certain areas. Also, aggressive cats may be a problem as they tend to scratch or bite, making the situation even more difficult. Due to these factors, it may be pretty hard to find a cat groomer in your area to keep your cat still.

You might also like our articles on the cost of Persian cats, Havana Brown cats, or Nebelung cats.

In case the groomer hesitates to offer a quote or doesn’t list her or his prices it is because they most probably will charge by the amount of time, they spend grooming your cat.

For instance, PetSmart, which is one of the largest 2023 pet retailers in the world, charges anywhere between $55 and $100 for its cat grooming packages. Another large cat retailer, Petco, has similar prices for cat grooming services.

The professional cat groomer Happy Cat Grooming from Illinois charges around $110 for super plush long-haired cats and almost $85 for short-haired cats. In case you want a lion cat haircut at this provider, you should be prepared to pay anywhere between $100 and more than $120, depending on the hair length and cut.

In the table below you will find the average costs of different types of cat grooming services.

Cat grooming details

The majority of cat grooming jobs would take anywhere between one and two hours, depending on the coat condition, the services that are done, and how your cat behaves. For example, it would take much longer to groom a cat with behavioral problems and fleas.

Although kittens are often able to groom themselves, regular brushing can remove dead hair and excess fur, which could otherwise lead to the formation of fur clumps. The brushing process can start from the head, continuing slowly first to the front paws and chest, then to the back paws, and finally to the tail. The brush or comb must first follow the direction in which the fur strands grow and then go in the opposite direction, to remove dead hair and dirt.

Particular attention is paid to the areas behind the ears, under the chin, and on the feet. These are the places where the fur is most often tangled and, once tangled, it will be very difficult to handle.

An important part of the cat grooming routine, especially if they have long or medium fur, includes bathing. After cleaning, the cat is wrapped in a warm, clean towel. If you want to use a hair dryer, it is important to make sure that the air is not too hot or cold and that the noise will not scare the kitten. Never dry the cat’s head with a dryer. Instead, gently massage this area with a dry towel.

Cat grooming prices for additional services

In the unfortunate situation when your cat has fleas, you will have to consider the cost of the flea bath and treatment.

Sometimes your cat may relax during the grooming procedure with aromatherapy. This pet spa comes at a cost of $25 to $30.

Also, there are groomers who recommend a sedative prescribed by your vet before beginning the grooming session.

Premium services are optional and can include a de-matting, a skunk bath, and teeth cleaning. Expect to pay $7 to $15 if you want to upgrade to a brightening shampoo.

Depending on the size of the cat, you will have to pay anywhere between $25 and $40 for a belly shave.

If you want to add nail caps you will have to pay another $15 to $25.

Expect to pay $25 to $40 for the pelt removal, while the fecal cleanup around the fur would cost another $15 to $25.

In case your cat has not been groomed in a while, some groomers may charge a little bit more as they have more work to do.

Also, there are groomers that charge extra for custom cuts like the lion cuts or for the cuts with a unique design.

What does a cat groomer do?

A cat groomer’s primary role is to provide grooming services to maintain a cat’s hygiene, appearance, and overall well-being. Here’s what a cat groomer provides:

Cat groomers may bathe cats to remove dirt, debris, and odors from their fur. This is especially important for long-haired breeds or cats that have gotten dirty or smelly.

Groomers use appropriate brushes and combs to detangle and remove loose fur from a cat’s coat. This helps prevent matting which can be uncomfortable for the cat. For certain breeds or cats with severely tangled or matted fur, groomers may provide haircuts or shaving services to improve the cat’s comfort and appearance.

Nail trim and ear cleaning are also services provided by a groomer. Clipping the nails helps prevent them from becoming too long, which can lead to issues like ingrown nails or damage to furniture. Cleaning a cat’s ears can help prevent ear infections and remove dirt or wax buildup.

Groomers may clean the area around a cat’s eyes to remove tear stains or discharge.

Sanitary trim is trimming the fur around the cat’s rear end can help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of feces getting stuck in the fur.

Groomers may also check for signs of fleas, ticks, or other parasites during the grooming process.

Groomers can assess the cat’s skin and coat for any abnormalities, such as rashes due to overheating, lumps, or signs of allergies.

Starting to groom your kitten at an early age is a great opportunity to develop a close bond with your pet. In addition, the kitten will get used to touching the person, which will make grooming less stressful for her and more peaceful for you in the future.

It is recommended to bring your cat to a grooming salon every six weeks at minimum. During this time the nails should be trimmed and the ears should be cleaned.

Regular pet grooming can help keep a cat’s coat in good condition, reduce shedding, and prevent skin and coat issues. It’s important to choose a qualified and experienced cat groomer who can meet your cat’s specific grooming needs and preferences.

What to ask a cat groomer

1. What type of products do you use?
2. For how long have you been in the business?
3. Do you have any certifications or training?
4. Can you show me any before and after pictures?

Cat groomers typically work in pet grooming salons, mobile pet grooming vans, or as independent professionals. They have training and experience in cat handling, professional grooming techniques, and understanding feline behavior to ensure a safe grooming experience for the cat.

How can I save money?

You can groom your cat yourself at home if you have enough time and patience. All you have to do is purchase the necessary shampoos, brushes, and tools to perform this job like a professional groomer.

For sure, it will be cheaper to buy these supplies instead of paying a groomer. For instance, you can purchase one of the highest-rated cat grooming kits from Amazon for only around $30. The minimum you can do is to brush your cat’s coat at least once per week to keep the fur looking clean and soft.

You may be able to save 10% to 20% if you buy multiple grooming sessions at once.