Question 1

Why get a cat groomed? Cats clean themselves don’t they?

Accepted Answer

It’s true that most people think cats can take care of themselves, and generally they do. But even the most fastidious felines can often use a helping hand!

Question 2

Will getting my cat groomed help with my allergies?

Accepted Answer

Many people suffer from allergies and complain about cats shedding fur. Its not the fur that causes the problem (although it does get everywhere!). Dander is created by dried saliva that cats leave behind when they lick themselves. This is usually what’s behind most allergies, so regular grooming to remove dander and dry skin certainly, helps this this. Regular grooming also ensures that there is less shedded fur for the cat to lick and potentially ingest - meaning less furballs to clean up!

Question 3

How does brushing help?

Accepted Answer

Regular brushing removes dead hair, dirt, and debris from your cat’s coat, helping to prevent mats before they become unmanageable and reduce hairballs, which build up in your cat’s digestive system—and ultimately end up on your carpet. 
In addition, you’ll cut down on shedding and the amount of time you spend getting cat hair off your furniture and clothes. brushing a cat’s coat thoroughly helps to dispense the natural oils evenly through the coat. This helps with dry skin and dandruff issues as well as promoting strong, silky fur.
As a bonus, brushing is also a positive way to interact and bond with your cat.

Question 4

Can you bathe a cat? And if so, should you?

Accepted Answer

While not typically necessary, wet bathing may be recommended to treat a skin condition, remove unwanted substances from the fur, or improve hygiene for cats who cannot physically groom themselves. 
It must be taken into consideration though, before deciding on a wet bath, whether your cat will tolerate water and the sound and feel of the blow dryer. It could be stressful for them if they aren't used to it.

Question 5

Do cats need their nails cutting?

Accepted Answer

If your feline friend is particularly prickly or getting caught on your furniture, chances are her nails could use a trim. Regular physical activity and scratching behaviours wear down your cat’s nails naturally, but it can be a good idea to keep them trimmed for their own comfort—and yours.

Question 6

Does my cat need shaving?

Accepted Answer

If a cat’s coat is badly matted clipping or shaving the whole coat is really the only option. Some people like to get a ‘lion cut’ for their cat but I personally don’t recommend this unless they’ve had it done before and the owner fully understands the possible implications of this procedure. Cats actually need their fur to regulate their body temperature so shaving them to 'keep them cool' isn't necessarily the answer.

Question 7

Notes on matting

Accepted Answer

Cats have an upper coat and an undercoat. This varies enormously between different breeds and even in non-pedigree cats. which if not brushed out when it moults, gets trapped in the outer coat and causes tangles. If tangles are left to themselves, they become matts. These are thick clumps of fur which if left for a long time get very close to the cat’s skin and can not be brushed out.

Mats are extremely uncomfortable for a cat and can be dangerous if a cat tries to pull them off. This can lead to tearing of the skin which in turn can lead to infections.
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Mats that join up over the cat’s body are called pelts. This happens if matting has not been attended to and is a painful condition for the cat, in some cases restricting their movement.
People mainly turn to a vet to deal with this, which will be extremely expensive and the cat will possibly need to be sedated which brings its own threat to the cat’s health
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Professional cat groomers can usually deal with cases of matting or pelting but its far better to avoid this possibility and maintain a regular grooming schedule which will ensure that mats and tangles happen far less frequently.

Question 8

My cat is very timid, will they be ok?

Accepted Answer

I take time to get to know every cat that I work with and do my best to make them feel secure and comfortable. I take the groom at your cat's own pace and generally find that they settle in the grooming pod environment.

Question 9

How long do appointments last?

Accepted Answer

A dry bath groom generally takes an hour and a half to two hours depending on the condition of the coat and the cat's temperamant. A wet bath takes longer especially for  long haired cats as drying time needs to be factored in.  Claw clips and hygiene trims generally take around 10 minutes.

Question 10

Can I stay with my cat while he/she is being groomed?

Accepted Answer

My insurance doesn't cover having the owner present and I generally find that cats behave better when the owner isn't there. I may need to make an exception with a very elderly cat or if the owner specifically requests it for a good reason.

Question 11

Do you do home visits?

Accepted Answer

I can do home visits in some circumstances. To do a groom at your home I require a well lit room with minimal hiding places which can be closed off (to stop escapees!). I also need a waist height surface to work on.
For mobile grooms I charge a mileage fee of 50p per mile from and to my home in TS18. I prefer new customers to come to me if possible as I have the a safe, enclosed environment for grooming and very often find that cats behave better away from their home territory.

Question 12

How do I pay for a service?

Accepted Answer

For full grooms I request that a deposit of £30 is sent via bank transfer to secure any appointments. The details will be provided at the time of booking. The balance can then be paid on the day of the groom either by cash or bank transfer. I do not have a card machine at present.

Question 13

What are your opening hours?

Accepted Answer

I have appointments available Monday afternoons, Tuesdays-Thursdays between 9.45am and 2.15pm and every other Friday afternoon. I also offer weekend appointments every other Sunday. Please ask for availability.

Question 14

Do you have insurance?

Accepted Answer

I have full business insurance with Protectivity Insurance.

CutieCatz Grooming

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