Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Become a credit card member today!Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!APPLY NOWLearn More About Petco Pay Benefits
Table of Contents
Cats are famous for their cleanliness, often spending large portions of their day grooming themselves. While it might be easy to assume your feline is equipped to handle all their grooming needs, cats can’t do everything necessary to stay healthy and well-groomed on their own. As a pet parent, it’s important to maintain your cat’s skin, coat, ear, oral and nail health routine.
However, diligent cat grooming can be difficult to keep up with when you have a busy schedule. Fortunately, knowledgeable Petco stylists at select locations can help you with many of the cat grooming services that are vital to the health and wellbeing of your feline friend.
When to start grooming your cat
Start developing a grooming routine with your feline when they are around eight weeks old—or right off the bat if you adopt an older cat. Setting regular grooming appointments with a kitten is much easier than with an adult, but even mature cats can learn to enjoy some pampering with enough time and patience.
Develop your cat grooming routine slowly and offer treats, pets and praise before and after appointments so your cat connects grooming with a positive experience. You can also gently touch your cat’s ears and paws at home to help them get used to stylists working on those parts of their body. If the stylist feels they are safe to groom, they will work with you on a package that’s perfect for your cat.
Benefits of feline grooming
Brushing is an excellent time to check the health of your feline’s skin, and taking them to a cat grooming salon can help ensure nothing gets missed. At Petco, our stylists perform a 6-point Pet Care Check in which they look at your cat’s skin & coat for wounds, bumps and fleas. They also check to see if your cat’s coat is dull, dry or thin. They will then check your cat’s ears, nails and pads, making sure their ears are clean and their nails and pads are not cracked, dull or brittle. Based on their observations, our stylists may refer you to your vet if there are any possible health concerns. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend cat vitamins and supplements to support a healthy coat.
Help fight fleas
If you’ve discovered fleas on your cat, you’ll want them gone as quickly as possible—waiting not only makes your pet’s infestation grow but also runs the risk that your entire home will become overrun with these pests. However, even itchy cats may resist a flea bath, and missing even a few insects can leave your pet vulnerable to reinfestation.
Bringing your pet to a cat groomer will help ensure this doesn’t happen. A complete flea cleanse typically includes a bath and combing to make sure each flea is removed. Your cat may still fuss over being bathed, but they’ll thank you when their itching and scratching subsides. You should also talk with your stylist about flea & tick prevention options, especially if your cat spends any time outdoors.
Give your cat a new do
It usually isn’t necessary to trim a short-haired cat. However, some pet parents prefer to bring their long-haired to a cat groomer for a shorter cut that is easier to maintain. One example is the popular lion cut, which typically trims the coat from the shoulders to the tail. This hairstyle often leaves the fur along the head, chest and tip of the tail intact. Most pet parents do this to help reduce matting, as some long-haired cats do not like being brushed or combed.
The right services for your cat
Since our feline friends are naturally gifted groomers, you probably won’t need cat grooming services as often as you would for a dog. However, there are some tough tasks that your pet can’t go without and that many cat parents need help with from time to time. Bring your kitty in to have any of these services performed by knowledgeable stylists, or mix and match to save you time grooming at home.
Oral Care
Just like you, your cat needs their teeth brushed regularly to prevent the buildup of plaque—which can eventually result in tartar and gingivitis. These dental issues can lead to painful gums or even tooth loss if left untreated. Some cats can be fussy about having their mouths cleaned, and some breeds have small teeth that can be hard to clean. Work with your vet on teeth-cleaning if dental treats are not helping.
If it’s not time for your cat’s annual cleaning but their breath leaves something to be desired, you can visit a cat groomer for a breath refresh that can make your quality time together more pleasant.
Nail Trimming
Feline nails grow quickly, and keeping them in good condition is vital to their health. Long nails can lead to shredded furniture in your home and even health issues if they begin to grow too long. They can begin to crack and become painful for your cat. However, because feline claws contain a sensitive quick—and most pets dislike nail trims under any circumstances—nail trimming can make some pet parents nervous.
Many pet parents rely on pet stylists for this essential task to ensure that their kitties receive a proper trim with as little worry as possible.
Treat your cat
While many pet cat grooming services are important to their health and wellbeing, others can be used to simply pamper your pet with a feline spa day. Even if they’re not itching and scratching, why not treat them to a moisturizing skin treatment in the winter when the cold air can dry out their skin? Even a simple ear cleaning can help them feel their best when stalking bugs around your home or exploring your yard. Top it off with a scented spritz to make them more cuddly, and you’ll have a cat who feels as good as they look.
Why should you invest in cat grooming?
Maintaining a consistent grooming routine for your feline can require a lot of time and patience. Some cats take to grooming easily, while others may continue to struggle or feel anxious. If you don’t have the time for regular grooming, or if grooming is a struggle with your pet, you may want to consider hiring a certified cat groomer.
Some of the best cat grooming services can make the process as relaxing and efficient as possible for your pet. This can save you time and ensure your feline doesn’t connect you with unhappy experiences. Cat grooming prices will vary depending on what services you request. Many cat grooming salons offer customized packages as well as à la carte services. You may even be able to save on the cost of grooming a cat by purchasing a package or making regular weekly or monthly appointments.
Do you still have questions about grooming for cats? Our friendly groomers are happy to answer your questions and tell you about our different grooming services and packages.
FAQs About Petco Cat Grooming
Yes, Petco offers grooming services for cats at many of their locations. Their cat grooming services include baths, haircuts, brushing, nail trims, ear cleaning, and other services to help keep your cat clean and well-groomed. You can check with your local Petco store or find a location online.
The cost of cat grooming varies by location. You can check your neighborhood pet care center for pricing.