Blog Details

Not all pet grooming businesses specialize in dogs. There are pet grooming businesses for different types of companion animals, including cats. Cat grooming businesses, in fact, have become increasingly common. Research by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) shows that cats are the second-most popular household pet in the United States. It’s estimated that over one-quarter of all U.S. households own a cat. If you’re passionate about cats, you may want to start a cat grooming business.

Overview of Cat Grooming Businesses

Cat grooming businesses are exactly what they sound like: businesses that specialize in grooming services for cats. Some of them provide grooming services for other types of companion animals, including dogs, but they focus their operations on cats. If an owner wants his or her cat professionally groomed, the owner may use the services of a cat grooming business.

Common Services Offered by Cat Grooming Businesses

What type of services do cat grooming businesses typically offer? Their services are similar to those offered by other pet grooming businesses. The only difference is that they specialize in grooming services for cats. Most cat grooming businesses, for example, offer bathing services. They bathe cats while applying shampoo and conditioner, resulting in a cleaner coat.

In addition to bathing, most cat grooming businesses offer brushing services. Even if a cat’s coat doesn’t require bathing, it may require brushing. Some cats have longer fur than others. Long-fur breeds, of course, are more susceptible to tangled and knotted fur. Fortunately, a professional brushing service can remove these tangles and knots. Cat grooming businesses have the tools and skills needed to remove tangles and knots from the coats of the furry felines that they service.

Nail trimming is a common service offered by cat grooming businesses. Like dogs, cats need to have their nails trimmed on a regular basis. When left unchecked, a cat’s nails may grow out to the point where it interferes with their ability to walk. Cat grooming businesses can provide professional nail-trimming services to prevent this from happening.

Some cat grooming businesses offer dental cleaning as a service as well. They will brush the teeth and gums of cats while subsequently promoting good oral hygiene. Cat grooming businesses aren’t veterinarians, so they can’t perform dental surgeries or other invasive procedures. Nonetheless, they can still brush the teeth and gums of cats.

Secure a Business License

You’ll typically need to secure a business license when starting a cat grooming business. Licensing for all pet grooming businesses varies depending on the state and, in some cases, the city. While some states and cities don’t require cat grooming businesses — or other pet grooming businesses — to obtain a license, most of them do.

Depending on the state and city in which you intend to operate, you may need to obtain a license issued by the Department of Agriculture. Alternatively, you may need to obtain a standard business license. You can contact your local development center for more information on what type of license is required. Securing a business license is typically the first step to starting a cat grooming business.

Purchase Equipment and Supplies

Of course, you’ll need to purchase equipment and supplies for your cat grooming business. While there are different types of grooming services — bathing, brushing, nail trimming, etc. — nearly all of them require the use of equipment and supplies. Without the necessary equipment and supplies, you’ll struggle to get your cat grooming business up and running.

Heres’s a general list of the most common types of equipment and supplies used by cat grooming businesses:

• Cat-friendly shampoo and conditioner
• Grooming tables
• Handheld dryers
• Towels
• Kennels
• Fur brushes and combs
• Gloves
• Nail clippers
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Bandanas
• Hand sanitizer

Stationary vs Mobile

When starting a cat grooming business, you’ll need to decide where exactly you want to operate. You can start either a stationary or mobile cat grooming business. Stationary cat grooming businesses are those that operate out of a fixed location, such as a commercial building or even your own home. Mobile cat grooming businesses, on the other hand, are those that operate out of a van or similar vehicle.

Stationary and mobile cat grooming businesses provide the same services. The only difference is that mobile cat grooming businesses drive to their clients’ homes, whereas stationary cat grooming businesses require their clients to drive to them. Some cat owners prefer mobile grooming businesses. Taking a cat to a stationary grooming business can be stressful. Cats are finicky animals that often experience stress and anxiety in unfamiliar places. As a result, mobile cat grooming businesses are oftentimes preferred by owners.

Consider Certification

You may want to consider certification when starting a cat grooming business. Certification typically isn’t required. Most cat grooming businesses, in fact, have no certifications. By getting certified, though, you’ll have an easier time attracting clients.

There are certification programs available for pet grooming. They typically consist of a training course that focuses on grooming. After completing the training course, you’ll obtain a certificate stating that you are certified.