Frequently Asked Questions

 
How to set up an in-home grooming appointment for my cat?
First,  we need you to fill out the form on the “Request an appointment” page and send vet records to alliegrooming@gmail.com.

We will contact you through the email in the following two business days, discuss suitable grooming options and approximate pricing and choose a convenient day. Easy!

How does in-home grooming work?

I basically bring spa to your home – shampoos, combs, dryer etc.
I will need the following from you:

  • two-three large thick fresh towels, 
  • a brightly lit bathroom (half bath works too),
  • empty and clean kitchen sink,
  • a vacuum cleaner, cleaning spray and paper towels.
How to prepare for your visit on the day of the appointment?
We will text you when we are 15 a few minutes away, and ask you to close all the bedroom doors in the house. Please leave your cat in an area (bathroom or small room works best) preferably with no hiding places (beds, sofas). Trying to get your cat out from under the bed not only wastes time, but most importantly stresses it out, and that we prefer to avoid.
How long will my cat's grooming take?

From 1 to 2 hours.

Why do you need to know about my cat's background and health?

Pre-groom assessment is very important and helps me decide on an appropriate type of grooming that suits your cat’s needs best.

What forms of payment do you take?
Cash, Zelle, personal checks and credit cards.
Are you insured?

Yes, I am fully insured through Hartford.

How often do you recommend my cat to get groomed?

Every 4 to 12 weeks, depending on such factors as the service provided, length and condition of the cat’s coat etc.

Do you accept aggressive cats?

Aggressive cats absolutely need to be groomed and kept in a tip top shape to lessen the stress and time spent grooming. Sometimes when a cat is very aggressive I can recommend you to ask your vet about giving it a sedative, which would be in the best interest of the cat. Grooming options for aggressive cats are limited.

Do you accept senior cats (over 7 years old)?

Yes,  I do.  But grooming them goes along with a high risk of stressing them out, which I always remind to the owners prior to scheduling the appointment. They are often underweight, their skin is thin, health is fragile, joints are stiff. 

My main concern when grooming older cats is to keep them safe,  comfortable and stress-free. Thus limiting the amount of grooming options.

Do cats actually need to get professionally groomed on a regular basis?

Yes cats, just like us, humans, and like dogs, have skin and hair that need to be maintained! Washed, blow dried, combed out. Imagine how you would feel if you didn’t wash your hair for a few years. That would feel gross, right!?

Cats don't like water, don't they?

Yes they rarely do, but they need to be bathed regularly in order to maintain overall health. A good bath degreases skin and coat, washes away dander (microscopic saliva and skin cells) and dandruff, removes dead hair, helps with tear staining and stubborn dingleberries. 

Why not use waterless shampoo instead of bathing a cat?

Unfortunately waterless shampoo is only good for masking the smell of unwashed coat, pretty much like perfume. Dirt, urine, feces, grease, dander and dandruff won’t go anywhere without a proper bath.

My cat sheds a lot, how can you help with that?
A lion cut, where a body is shaved close to the skin will rid of shedding hair for a few months.  

Another option is a bath, blow drying and a deshedding treatment on a regular schedule of 4 to 12 weeks.

How long will it take for the coat to grow back after shaving?

Anywhere from 3 to 6 months.

 

My cat gets poop stuck to his butt and litter clings to his paw pads and gets everywhere in my apartment…

A sanitary shave and a toe tuft trim will help with that.