Kitty’s Purrfect Spa
grooming by Deborah
in YOUR home Cat Grooming
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits to having my cat professionally groomed?
The main benefit is having a happier, healthier cat that does not suffer from any of the painful and potentially life-threatening problems debris and oils in the coat lead to. The most obvious result is matting, however the problems quickly escalate from there.
In addition, you will benefit as regular grooming cuts down on shedding, eliminates hairballs, reduces human allergy problems, and helps promote a cleaner home environment as well as a cleaner cat. The best part is, you don’t have to do any of the grooming yourself! Leave that up to us!
Why do your services seem expensive?
Great question! There are several reasons for our price point. First, we are an “in your home”, otherwise known as a house call business. Any time you have a service come into your home, you pay a premium. Consider the difference between a locksmith, car wash, mechanic or any other professional that travels to you versus one you drive to a shop to conduct business with.
We are a house call service because we honestly believe that is the best way to serve the felines in Santa Clarita. However, working in your home puts restrictions on our business that a salon environment does not have. We can only service one feline at a time, we have to bring all our equipment (60 pounds) into your home, set up, clean up and take it to the next home. These extra steps take time and are physically demanding on our groomers. So you are also paying for the individualization of setting up and cleaning the grooming environment.
Another reason our prices are higher than other establishments is that you are hiring a Certified Feline Master Groomer who has completed over 3,000 grooms, writes on the topic of cat grooming in publications that are distributed globally and teach feline-exclusive grooming internationally. So you are also paying for Deborah’s education, expertise, knowledge, and skill. This is especially important to your family if you have an elderly feline or a Kitty with medical issues.
What Causes Matting?
The regular oils, grease and debris that develop in a feline’s coat over time, eventually stops allowing the dead fur from leaving the coat. This dead fur begins to get trapped in the fur that is still in the active growth cycle. The skins natural oils become a binding agent and actually binds the dead hair into the growing hair. As more and more hair enters the shedding cycle, the mat quickly increases in size. It starts slowly then quickly grows out of control. At one point the regular oils, grease and debris stop allowing the dead hair from leaving the coat. This dead fur begins to get trapped in the fur that is still in the growth cycle. The more time that moves on the bigger and more mats form.
How Do You Dry Cats?
Kitty’s Purrfect Spa starts the dryer on a low speed and slowly turns the dryer up to a speed that helps to dry Kitty’s coat. This is the same way we introduce water to all Kitties! Keep in mind, our grooming environment is the final factor on how dry your Kitty will feel after Kitty’s Purrfect Spa grooms your kitty. Humidity is monitored during our grooming process and increases an average of 22% while we are working. Obviously a Kitty dried in a bathroom at 20% humidity versus 60% humidity will feel much dryer.
Do Cats Like Getting a Bath?
Many Cats actually enjoy getting a bath. Some Kitties take longer than others to get used to the idea, however, once they have an open mind, most cats really enjoy their warm water massage! After over 3,000 grooms, Deborah has only encountered 3 cats that truly feared the water and were unable to be bathed. All three cats were believed to had come from an abusive “first home”.
Will It Hurt My Cat To Be Groomed?
It can hurt your cat to NOT be groomed. Cats that are not groomed are prone to serious matting problems, skin conditions, painful ingrown nails, and a variety of other problems that, if left unattended, can cause irreversible damage or even death. A cat that is groomed regularly (approximately every 6 weeks) will not suffer from such problems. Because the groomer is handling the cat on a regular basis and looking over every inch of its body during the visit, health issues that may arise can be found early on, and the likelihood of effective intervention is increased. That said, Deborah has found symptoms that have lead to the Kitty’s vet to diagnose cancer, heart issues, thyroid issues, ear infections, dental decay earlier than would have otherwise been diagnosed. Giving the owners more options and prevented unnecessary pain for the Kitty.
How Long Will It Take To Groom My Cat?
The basic guideline is to never handle a cat for more than 30 to 45 minutes. Kitty’s Purrfect Spa also has to set up, clean and pack up at each home we visit.
Existing clients on a maintenance schedule will have Kitty’s Purrfect Spa in and out of their house in about 60 minutes.
New client Meet and Greet appointments take half an hour.
First grooming appointment clients should leave three hours for Kitty’s Purrfect Spa to groom Kitty. Our goal is to get our job at Kitty’s pace while developing mutual trust and respect. Condition of the coat, temperament of the Kitty, and our work environment all work into the length of time our grooming session will last. Once the Kitty knows us, understands the process, and is in good coat condition the process will get down to about 60 minutes per visit.
How Often Should My Cat Be Groomed?
Kitty’s Purrfect Spa believes that every cat would benefit from being groomed every 6-8 weeks. Some Cats need to be groomed more often.
Your home will run more smoothly when your cat is groomed every 6-8 weeks. Kitty’s Purrfect Spa often hears clients claim less allergies, less headaches, less hair on clothes and furniture, less (if any) furballs, and less dingleberries.
Do you require Vaccinations?
Kitty’s Purrfect Spa believes vaccinating your Kitty is a personal choice between you and your Veterinarian. No, we do not require vaccinations. We are personally vaccinated against Rabies.
Why do you require an annual Veterinarian visit if you do not require vaccinations?
Kitty’s Purrfect Spa believes prevention is the best medicine! By seeing your veterinarian at least once a year, you will be alerted to any possible medical conditions your Kitty may have. Some pre-existing conditions can be fatal when combined with grooming. Other pre-existing conditions require special considerations while grooming. In order to keep your Kitty safe, healthy and have the longest life possible, we will not groom any Kitty that has not seen their Vet in the last year.
What proof do you need of Veterinary care?
Kitty’s Purrfect Spa will accept a receipt, prescription package, shot records or any other documentation with your Veterinarian’s contact information at the top.
Will You Sedate My Cat?
Kitty’s Purrfect Spa will not sedate your Kitty. If you have given your Kitty a sedation medication, your appointment will be rescheduled for the safety of the groomer and Cat.
My Cat Is Not Allowed At Other Salons!
While Kitty’s Purrfect Spa no longer accepts aggressive new clients, we will groom any Kitty all adults in the home can hold.
Additionally, we are highly trained in Feline Grooming, have completed over 3,000 grooms and have mastered techniques and procedures other groomers may not have. We have groomed every “personality type” of cat and have many tricks in our tool bag!
Do You Groom Dogs?
Kitty’s Purrfect Spa is feline exclusive. We do not have any training or knowledge in the area of dog grooming.