What Is a Total Reset?

A Total Reset Is More Than a Grooming Appointment

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/

Why Cats Need a Total Reset

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.

Common Cats Who Benefit From a Total Reset

Senior Cats

Many senior cats lose the flexibility necessary to maintain their coats.

Learn more:

https://catsinthecity.com/senior-cat-grooming-portland/

Severely Matted Cats

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/

Cats Experiencing Coat Compression

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/

Medically Sensitive Cats

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/

What Is Included in a Total Reset?

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.

More Than Coat Care

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/

The TANDEM Cat® Difference

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/

What Happens After a Total Reset?

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/

Is a Total Reset Always a Lion Cut?

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/

When Should You Consider a Total Reset?

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.

Schedule an Evaluation

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:

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