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Questions and Answers
Answers to common inquiries
My Cat has never been groomed before and they have some matting, what can you do?
This really depends on each and every cat, and unfortunately it also requires an in person view of your cat to really make the most accurate assessment. Some cats will require shaving some or all (such as a Lion Cut) in order to get the mats out. Sometimes they can be spot shaved or some of the more minor mats worked out. Sometimes people may not want them shaved, but even if we were to put the cat through ripping the mats out with a comb they would likely end up in with bald spots that could have been shaved out quickly without any pain or extra patience on their part. If you are not able to comb them out at home we likely won't be able to either!
Do you have experience with my (insert breed here) cat?
Over the years I have groomed many cats here in Edmonds and as such I have seen almost every breed and color patterns! Their grooming needs may change some based on breed (or temperament) but what we do generally remains pretty much the same.
How often should I have my cat groomed?
In order to have your cat groomed here I need to see them atleast quarterly. A cat that only comes in once or twice a year does not remember the grooming process and generally requires more work, which leads to extra stress for the cat. Cats that are brought in regularly will tolerate grooming better as we are doing maintenance, not major repairs. If you wait until your cats coat starts to feel "thick" or something along those lines you are waiting too long! Also, if your cat doesn't like to be combed at home, that doesn't mean they will enjoy it here either which is why its important that we keep them maintained so that they can get better used to it.
My cat has never been groomed before, what should I do?
Many of the first time cats at Salon Meow have never been groomed before, and even the ones that have been groomed elsewhere will need some adjustment to a new place. Many cats actually do quite well, and often times unlike most peoples preconceived notion they actually do quite well in the bath as they generally aren't submerged. If your cat has a history of not doing well at other groomers or your vet, it is recommended that you talk to your vet about getting gabapentin before your appointment as per fear free pets.
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What do you require to see my cat?
Here at Salon Meow all cats are required to come in their own pet carrier, free of any fleas, parasites, contagious diseases, and injuries. If you aren't sure if your cat is ready to be groomed just shoot send a message beforehand and we can talk about it. When you arrive for your appointment we can have a quick consultation and then you will be sent on your way so that all of our attention can be focused on your cat. Most grooms take between roughly 2 hours, however sometimes it can vary depending upon the day. Once your cat is ready you will be contacted to come pick up your cat, and we ask that you please arrive as promptly as possible so that your cat can go home.
Can I just bring my cat in for a summer haircut?
No, unfortunately Salon Meow does not provide annual-only haircuts. Cats that only come once a year are more stressed, need more work and often make it more difficult and more stressful than it otherwise would be for them. Additionally, with our clients on a consistent year round schedule we do not have the capacity on our schedule for a large influx of cats only during a select few months of the year.
What services don't we do?
There are a few things sometimes we get requests for that are services we do not perform.
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Anal gland expression: We do not perform anal gland expression during grooming because the vast majority of cats do not require regular anal gland expression and it serves minimal benefit. Additionally, as we are not veterinary professionals we are limited to external anal gland expression which runs the risk of rupturing the anal gland sacs which could lead to your cat needing a costly vet visit. If your cat needs their anal glands expressed they should be done by your veterinarian as it is significantly safer to be done internally.
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Tooth cleaning or brushing: The American Veterinary Association recommends against occasional tooth brushing. The main reason for this is a quick brushing will not serve to do any notable cleaning, and additionally if any plaque falls off into their mouth in the course of, or after brushing your cat could risk severe health consequences from ingesting the bacteria contained within. However, if you want to brush your cats teeth regularly at home that is a great option!
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