How long do cat grooming appointments take?
For grooming appointments, pick-up is typically around 3 hours after drop-off—though timing can vary depending on the day’s schedule and your cat’s specific grooming needs. À La Carte appointments are much quicker and usually take between 5 and 15 minutes.
My cat has mats. What service should I schedule?
If your cat is matted exclusively on their undercarriage, belly, or back legs beneath the tail, a Bath and Groom with Belly Shave should do the trick. If the mats are on your cat’s back, sides, the outside of the back legs, or around the neck, a Lion Cut would be the appropriate service to schedule. For extensive matting throughout the coat, please book the Pelt Removal/Heavily-Matted Lion Cut.
If you'd prefer to avoid a Lion Cut and the mats appear manageable, I’ll assess your cat’s coat at the start of the appointment. If I can safely remove the mats without causing discomfort, we can adjust the service from there.
Can you groom anxious cats?
Yes, I work with anxious and sensitive cats regularly. If your cat is flinchy, fearful, or easily overstimulated, you might ask your veterinarian about prescribing gabapentin for the appointment. It’s not required, but giving it about two hours before the appointment can help make the experience less stressful for some cats. Please note: Gabapentin must be prescribed by your veterinarian specifically for your cat. Never give medications prescribed for another pet or person.
If you’re unsure how your cat will tolerate grooming, we can always start with an à la carte nail trim or sanitary shave appointment to assess their temperament and response to being handled. Sometimes a quick in-and-out visit is a better first impression for cats new to grooming anyway. Go ahead and send me a text or email, or fill out a contact form to set that up.
Can you groom feisty cats?
A little spice is typically no problem. However, I do not groom violent or explosive cats—primarily for their own well-being and safety. Sudden outbursts are often a sign of stress and fear, and cats can injure themselves when they’re worked up. Secondly, and less importantly, I do not accept these appointments for my own safety. If you’re unsure how your cat will tolerate grooming, we can always start with an à la carte nail trim or sanitary shave appointment to assess their temperament and response to being handled. Sometimes a quick in-and-out visit is a better first impression for cats new to grooming anyway. Go ahead and send me a text or email, or fill out a contact form to set that up.
If your cat tends to get a little worked up when being handled, they may benefit from a dose of gabapentin prescribed by your veterinarian. When given a couple of hours before the appointment, it can help make the experience calmer and less overstimulating for your cat. Please note: Gabapentin must be prescribed by your veterinarian specifically for your cat. Never give medications prescribed for another pet or person.
My cat has fleas. Do you offer flea baths?
No, I do not offer flea baths or flea removal services. If your cat has fleas, the best course of action is to contact your veterinarian for treatment. They carry the most effective and safest options available. If your cat goes outdoors or has recently been exposed to fleas, please ensure they are treated, preferably at least one week before the appointment and no closer than 48 hours prior. This gives the treatment time to work and helps prevent disruptions to the grooming schedule due to deep cleaning and flea prevention protocols.
How do I schedule to bring multiple cats in together?
Since the booking system doesn’t allow you to select multiple of the same service, the best way to schedule multiple cats is to choose a different service for each one and use the appointment notes box to specify the exact services you’re requesting. If you're having trouble scheduling or don’t see availability for multiple cats together, feel free to text me at (360) 581-7997 or email jaredthecatgroomer@gmail.com and I’ll help you get booked.
My cat never goes outside. Do they need to be vaccinated?
Yes. I require all cats to be current on their FVRCP (also known as HCP) vaccine, and Washington State law requires that all cats be vaccinated for rabies—even indoor-only cats. These vaccines help protect your cat and others and ensure a safe grooming environment for everyone involved.
I’d like to schedule an À La Carte appointment, but don’t see how to do it on your website.
À La Carte appointments aren’t available through online booking. To schedule one, just send me a text at (360) 581-7997 or email me at jaredthecatgroomer@gmail.com.
What are Soft Paws?
Soft Paws are soft, non-toxic vinyl caps that are adhered over your cat’s claws to help prevent damage from scratching. They were invented by a veterinarian as a humane alternative to declawing. When applied properly, they allow cats to extend and retract their claws naturally and continue normal behaviors like stretching and scratching—just without the sharpness. Each application typically lasts 4–6 weeks, and the caps naturally fall off as your cat’s nails grow. They come in a variety of sizes and fun colors—including glitter and glow-in-the-dark! For more detailed information, Purrdy Paws has a great FAQ page.