Brushing and washing are only two aspects of cat grooming. Depending on your cat's breed, fur length, and behavior, grooming might be complicated. It can include everything from haircuts to special cat bathing services. Every service has a price tag. Cat grooming costs can vary a lot. These depend on what services you need and where you go. There is a range of options for every pet parent. Let’s break down how much cat grooming actually costs. We’ll look into different grooming services and their costs. We also talk about deciding between a professional groomer or DIY grooming.
Types of Cat Grooming Services
Cats love to groom themselves. They easily spend between 30 and 50 percent of the day grooming themselves, according to a Cornell Feline Health Center article. Even with all this cleaning and grooming, they may require a little assistance at times. This is especially true if they have long hair or get into muddy situations. In such cases, they need more than a quick clean-up. Here’s a rundown of what most grooming packages offer.
Basic bathing and brushing is the standard package for keeping fur clean and tangle-free. Cats with thick, long, or easily matted coats sometimes need a trim. You may go for shaving cat hair when it is matted beyond repair. Common services include nail cutting, ear cleaning, and flea treatments. A wash, blow-dry, brushing, and nail cutting are all examples of full grooming.
Cost Breakdown of Cat Grooming Services
Average Cost for Basic Services
A basic bath and brush package can run between $30 to $70. This might be all you need to keep them looking their best if your cat’s fur isn’t very long.
Full Grooming Package Costs
As the name indicates, this generally includes everything. Included are a cat haircut, nail care, ear cleaning, and cat bathing services. You should budget between $70 and $150 for this service.
Specialized or Additional Service Costs
Extra services, like flea treatments or de-shedding, are usually an added cost. Each one can range from $15 to $40. It depends on the level of care required and your location.
Mobile Grooming Service Pricing
For convenience, you can hire a mobile grooming service. They bring a professional groomer right to your doorstep. Mobile grooming generally costs more. It will be about $10 to $30 more than what you would spend on an in-salon visit. So you will be spending $50 to $150 for the services you choose.
Factors That Affect Cat Grooming Costs
Breed and Coat Type (Short-Haired vs. Long-Haired Cats)
Cats with long hair need extensive grooming. This includes felines like Persians or Maine Coons. It naturally means a higher cat grooming cost. Meanwhile, short-haired cats may need less grooming. This is because their coats don’t tangle or mat as easily.
Cat’s Behavior and Temperament
Groomers often charge more for cats that are especially squirmy or aggressive. It is likely you’ll pay a little extra if your cat hates being groomed. In this scenario, they will require a more experienced groomer.
Location and Groomer Expertise
Location plays a big part in grooming costs. For instance, costs are likely to be greater in large cities than in small towns. In a similar vein, a reputable groomer or one who specializes in cat grooming will probably charge more than a basic pet groomer.
Frequency of Grooming
A session may cost a bit more if you only take your cat in a few times a year. This is due to the level of work needed. However, regular grooming every month or two can often qualify you for discounts.
DIY Cat Grooming vs. Professional Grooming
You can save a lot by grooming your cat yourself, if you’re comfortable with it. This choice is most effective when your cat is quite relaxed and doesn't have an issue with being touched. But for a cat with a thick, easily-matted coat or one that tends to fight grooming, you might find professional services worth the cost. Just be careful if you’re thinking about giving your pet a cat haircut yourself—using wrong tools can make a simple trim go wrong fast. An article by Cat Friendly has a very useful list of all the essential tools you need to groom the cat at home.
Choosing the Right Groomer
Choosing a good groomer is important, especially if your cat has specific needs. Look for someone who specializes in cats or has experience with handling them. Checking out reviews and asking other pet parents for recommendations can help. You’ll want someone who’s gentle, patient, and knows their way around cat fur, especially for those times when you need a cat pimple looked at during a grooming appointment.
Although it doesn't have to be costly, cat grooming is unquestionably essential to maintaining your cat's health and happiness, particularly for breeds that require a little extra care. You can select the choice that will best suit your budget. Also factor in your cat's comfort. Being aware of all costs and services is advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to groom a cat with long-hair?
For a long-haired cat, you’re likely looking at around $50 to $100 for basic grooming and closer to $150 for a full grooming session.
Around how much does it cost to groom an elderly, matted, long-haired cat?
An elderly, matted, long-haired cat may cost between $100 to $200 for a full groom due to the extra care and patience needed.
