A Total Reset is the signature restorative grooming service developed by Cats in the City and TANDEM Cat®.
It is designed for cats whose coats, claws, comfort, mobility, or hygiene have declined beyond what routine maintenance can reasonably address.
Rather than focusing on appearance alone, a Total Reset addresses accumulated physical burden and helps return a cat to a more comfortable, functional baseline.
Learn more about the TANDEM Cat® approach:
https://catsinthecity.com/tandem-cat-grooming/
https://catsinthecity.com/tandem-cat-care-overview/
Many cats gradually accumulate problems over months or years.
These may include:
Severe matting
Excessive undercoat retention
Embedded claws
Greasy coats
Dandruff
Fecal contamination
Reduced mobility
Difficulty self-grooming
Coat compression
Hygiene decline
Often these issues develop so gradually that guardians do not recognize the extent of the burden until significant intervention becomes necessary.
Many senior cats lose the flexibility necessary to maintain their coats.
Learn more:
https://catsinthecity.com/senior-cat-grooming-portland/
Cats with significant matting often require comprehensive coat restoration.
Learn more:
https://catsinthecity.com/severe-matted-cat-portland/
https://catsinthecity.com/severe-matting-cat-grooming-portland/
https://catsinthecity.com/cat-dematting-portland/
Some cats develop significant undercoat retention before visible matting occurs.
Learn more:
https://catsinthecity.com/pre-felt-somatic-entrapment-syndrome/
https://catsinthecity.com/the-felting-model/
https://catsinthecity.com/coat-decompression-modalities/
Cats with arthritis, kidney disease, heart conditions, obesity, or mobility limitations often benefit from structured grooming support.
Learn more:
https://catsinthecity.com/medical-sensitive-cat-grooming-portland/
https://catsinthecity.com/grooming-cats-with-knee-hip-or-back-pain/
https://catsinthecity.com/caring-for-cats-with-heart-murmurs-during-grooming-at-cats-in-the-city/
Every cat is different, but a Total Reset may include:
Comprehensive coat assessment
Mat removal when necessary
Coat decompression
Professional bathing
Drying
Nail trimming
Embedded claw identification and removal
Sanitary care
Skin and coat evaluation
Somatic observation
The exact services performed depend on the cat's needs.
Many people assume a Total Reset is simply a haircut.
In reality, the goal is often restoration of:
Comfort
Hygiene
Mobility
Coat function
Skin health
Quality of life
For some cats, removing physical burdens allows them to move, groom, and rest more comfortably.
Learn more:
https://catsinthecity.com/somatic-cat-care/
https://catsinthecity.com/behavior-is-body-language/
https://catsinthecity.com/somatic-stress-in-cats/
Total Resets are performed using the TANDEM Cat® model.
This approach emphasizes:
Trauma-informed care
Team-based support
Natural body positioning
Non-sedated grooming whenever possible
Somatic observation
Regulation-focused handling
Learn more:
https://catsinthecity.com/tandem-touch-grooming/
https://catsinthecity.com/tandem-cat-groomed-awake/
https://catsinthecity.com/cat-grooming-without-sedation-in-portland/
https://catsinthecity.com/maintaining-natural-body-positions-for-cats-at-cats-in-the-city/
Guardians commonly report improvements in:
Comfort
Mobility
Grooming behavior
Activity level
Affection
General engagement
While every cat is different, many appear more comfortable once significant coat, claw, and hygiene burdens have been removed.
Some examples can be seen in our case study library:
https://catsinthecity.com/cat-grooming-case-studies/
https://catsinthecity.com/case-study-full-body-pelt-removal/
No.
A Total Reset is a clinical objective, not a specific haircut.
Some cats require:
Full pelt removal
Lion cuts
Teddy bear cuts
Coat decompression
Deshedding
Hygiene-focused grooming
The intervention is based on the cat's condition rather than a predetermined style.
Learn more:
https://catsinthecity.com/lion-cut-portland/
https://catsinthecity.com/teddy-bear-cut-portland/
https://catsinthecity.com/cat-deshedding-portland/
A Total Reset may be appropriate if your cat has:
Significant matting
Excessive shedding
Embedded claws
Difficulty self-grooming
Greasy or compressed coat
Hygiene issues
Age-related grooming decline
Early intervention is often easier and more comfortable than waiting for problems to become severe.
If you are unsure whether your cat needs a Total Reset, a TANDEM Cat® Evaluation can help determine the best path forward.
Learn more:
https://catsinthecity.com/tandem-cat-evaluation/
Book an appointment: