How to Prepare for a Grooming Appointment

Preparing Your Cat for Success

A little preparation can help make your cat's grooming experience smoother, safer, and less stressful.

The good news is that most cats require very little preparation before their appointment.

Our team will guide the grooming process, but there are several things guardians can do beforehand to help set their cat up for success.

Do Not Attempt Major Grooming Before the Appointment

If your cat has mats, coat compression, excessive shedding, or embedded claws, avoid trying to fix the problem yourself before the appointment.

Home attempts at:

• Dematting

• Cutting mats with scissors

• Pulling on tangles

• Removing embedded claws

• Aggressive brushing

can sometimes make the situation worse or increase discomfort.

Instead, allow the grooming team to assess the condition safely.

Learn more:

https://catsinthecity.com/severe-matted-cat-portland/

https://catsinthecity.com/cat-dematting-portland/

https://catsinthecity.com/ingrown-claw-removal/

Keep Your Cat's Carrier Accessible

Many cats become stressed when a carrier suddenly appears after months of being hidden away.

If possible:

• Leave the carrier out several days before the appointment

• Allow your cat to explore it voluntarily

• Place familiar bedding inside

• Offer treats near or inside the carrier

This can help reduce transportation-related stress.

Bring Medical Information

Please inform us if your cat has:

• Arthritis

• Heart disease

• Kidney disease

• Diabetes

• Hyperthyroidism

• Asthma

• Mobility limitations

• Vision loss

• Hearing loss

• Recent surgeries

• Behavioral concerns

This information helps us tailor the grooming plan to your cat's specific needs.

Learn more about grooming medically sensitive cats:

https://catsinthecity.com/medical-sensitive-cat-grooming-portland/

https://catsinthecity.com/caring-for-cats-with-heart-murmurs-during-grooming-at-cats-in-the-city/

https://catsinthecity.com/grooming-cats-with-knee-hip-or-back-pain/

Tell Us About Previous Grooming Experiences

Every cat has a history.

Please let us know if your cat has:

• Been groomed previously

• Required sedation in the past

• Had a negative grooming experience

• Been turned away by another groomer

• Demonstrated fear or anxiety during handling

This information helps us prepare the most appropriate approach.

Learn more about our handling philosophy:

https://catsinthecity.com/tandem-touch-grooming/

https://catsinthecity.com/tandem-cat-groomed-awake/

https://catsinthecity.com/what-is-solo-cat-grooming/

Do Not Skip Meals Unless Directed

Most cats should follow their normal feeding routine prior to grooming.

Unless directed otherwise by your veterinarian or our team:

• Feed your cat normally

• Maintain routine medications

• Maintain normal water access

For diabetic cats, please discuss medication timing and feeding schedules with our team before the appointment.

Be Honest About Behavior

Many guardians worry about describing their cat's behavior accurately.

Please be candid.

Helpful information includes:

• Fearfulness

• Hiding

• Handling sensitivity

• Nail trim difficulty

• History of biting or scratching

• Mobility concerns

There is no penalty for honesty.

The more we know, the better we can prepare.

Understand That Grooming Plans May Change

Many cats present differently than expected.

A cat scheduled for routine maintenance may actually require:

• Coat decompression

• Mat removal

• Embedded claw treatment

• A Total Reset

Likewise, a cat scheduled for a major procedure may need less intervention than anticipated.

Every grooming plan begins with assessment.

Learn more:

https://catsinthecity.com/tandem-cat-evaluation/

https://catsinthecity.com/total-reset/

https://catsinthecity.com/pre-felt-somatic-entrapment-syndrome/

Arrive on Time

Arriving on time helps us:

• Maintain appointment flow

• Reduce waiting periods

• Minimize environmental stress

• Ensure adequate time for assessment

If you are running late, please contact us as soon as possible.

What Happens at Drop-Off?

Upon arrival, the team will:

• Review your concerns

• Assess your cat

• Discuss goals and expectations

• Develop a grooming plan

• Answer questions

Some cats require only routine maintenance.

Others may require more comprehensive care depending on coat condition, nails, mobility, or hygiene needs.

Learn more:

https://catsinthecity.com/what-walks-in-clinical-census-cats/

The Goal Is Comfort, Not Perfection

Our objective is not to create a perfect appearance at any cost.

Our objective is to improve:

• Comfort

• Mobility

• Hygiene

• Coat health

• Quality of life

The safest and most appropriate outcome is always prioritized over cosmetic goals.

Learn more about the TANDEM Cat® approach:

https://catsinthecity.com/tandem-cat-grooming/

https://catsinthecity.com/tandem-cat-care-overview/

https://catsinthecity.com/cat-grooming-without-sedation-in-portland/

Ready to Schedule?

If you're unsure what type of appointment your cat needs, we recommend starting with a TANDEM Cat® Evaluation.

Learn more:

https://catsinthecity.com/tandem-cat-evaluation/

Schedule an appointment:

https://catsinthecity.com/grooming-booking/