FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
No two cats are the same. Each cat is priced on their individual needs…or “À la cart“. There is an “average” base price for services but many factors go in to the quote to groom your cat. A conversation MUST be had. Factors like… Age, coat condition, health, size, “Catitude”(😆) Are all factored into the price. Ultimately though… I will charge less than having to take your cat to be groomed by the vet. With a regular grooming schedule… The cost typically will always be less. On rare occasions...I arrive to find kitty is unable to be groomed (usually due to aggression). I ask only for a $20 travel/gas/and time fee.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
A conversation MUST be had to determine the needs of your kitty. All factors are taken into consideration. Typically my first grooming is a "soup to nuts" all-around grooming. The idea is to wipe the slate clean and get the cat in perfect condition. Typically this is the most expensive grooming a customer might experience with me. Going forward… If they keep up on their kitties grooming on a regular or semi regular basis… the price typically will be less… Obviously because there will be less work. On occasion… For whatever reason… Kitty may be sensitive to the process of being groomed and sometimes I find it best to stop at a certain point… I will only charge for what work I have done… And come back another time. I always have the kitties best interests at heart❤️ There has been occasions where I have started a grooming and decided part way through that it would be best to stop for kitty’s safety and that kitty should be seen by the vet as I had strong concerns for their health and didn't feel it would be appropriate for me to continue. Here is an excerpt from a great article I read and it describes what I do as well!! “Q How do you keep cats calm during the grooming process? A This is not an easy question to answer! If there was one magic technique or hold, then everyone would be successful at cat grooming. There is so much to take into consideration when working with each cat. I ask a lot of questions about their background, environment at home, age, health status, breed and even the color of their coat. I take all of this information—a bit like being a detective—and use it to help me predict how the cat will react to each stage of the groom. Then during the appointment, I have to interpret their behavior and adapt along the way. Knowing what technique, tool or product to use depends on a lot of factors; that is why education and training are so important in this field. Cats can become stressed very easily and aren’t easily talked down once that happens. So, it is my job to adjust each groom to prevent any escalating behaviors. This also affects the recommendations I make for grooming schedules; not every service fits every cat.” Lynn Paolillo NCGI
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 26 years actual on-the-job experience. Currently I am studying to receive my certificate as a CFMG (Certified Feline Master Groomer) from the National Cat Groomers Association. I have shown my own cats in competition in CFA and CFF. Not only the Pedegree Persians… But also 2 domestic shorthair that I adopted from the shelter. Requirements were for them to look their very best and be in top condition to win. I received many accolades and won many ribbons. Proper grooming is key🔑 I never have nor do I ever do dogs. My experience over the past 20 years is exclusively with cats. I have groomed many different breeds, coat conditions and yes ..."Catittudes"...LOL