Does PetSmart Groom Cats? Services, Process, and What to Expect

Does PetSmart Groom Cats?

Cats, just like dogs, benefit from regular grooming to maintain their health and hygiene. While many pet parents are familiar with dog grooming services, a common question arises: does PetSmart groom cats? The answer is yes. PetSmart offers a comprehensive range of grooming services for cats in addition to their extensive dog grooming options, helping feline friends look and feel their best.

What Cat Grooming Services Does PetSmart Offer?

PetSmart’s grooming salons are equipped to handle cats of various breeds and coats. Their services are designed to suit the unique needs of felines, including both short-haired and long-haired cats. Here’s what you can expect:

• Bath and Brush: Gentle cat-safe shampoo bath, followed by thorough brushing to remove loose fur and prevent mats.
• Full Grooming Packages: Includes bath, brushing, haircut or trim (if needed), nail trim, ear cleaning, and sanitary trim.
• De-Shedding Treatments: Special deShedding shampoo and solutions to reduce shedding and help maintain a cleaner, healthier coat.
• Walk-in Services: Quick options like nail trims, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing are available without a full appointment.

PetSmart Cat Grooming Service Details

Bath & Full Haircut: This signature grooming package is tailored to your cat’s coat type and needs. It includes:

• Bath with deShedding or standard shampoo
• Brushing and combing sessions
• Clipping and trimming (if needed for long-haired breeds)
• Sanitary trim for hygiene
• Nail trimming to prevent overgrowth
• Ear cleaning to remove debris and reduce infection risk
• Optional teeth brushing

Most services can be customized to your cat’s temperament and coat condition. You can consult with the groomer to request specific treatments or omit others as needed.

Booking an Appointment for Cat Grooming

Scheduling a grooming appointment for your cat with PetSmart is straightforward. You can:

• Book Online: Visit PetSmart’s website and use the grooming portal to select a store, choose cat grooming, and pick an available date and time.
• Call the Store: Contact your local PetSmart directly to inquire about cat grooming and set up an appointment.
• In-Person: Walk into a PetSmart location and speak with the grooming salon to see if there are available slots or to book for a future visit.

While walk-in services for cats (like nail trims or ear cleaning) may be offered, full grooming appointments are generally recommended to ensure your cat receives personalized care and minimal stress.

What to Expect at a PetSmart Cat Grooming Appointment

When you arrive at PetSmart for your cat’s grooming session, the experience is designed to be as stress-free as possible for both you and your feline.

• Check-In Process: You’ll meet with the pet stylist, discuss your cat’s specific needs, and complete a quick health check to ensure your cat is fit for grooming.
• Professional Handling: PetSmart’s stylists are academy-trained and have over 800 hours of hands-on experience, including handling cats.
• Service Customization: The grooming routine will be tailored to your instructions and your cat’s temperament.
• Post-Grooming Pick-Up: After the grooming session, you’ll receive a report about your cat’s visit detailing the services provided, any concerns noted, and recommendations for ongoing care.

PetSmart staff are trained to monitor your cat for signs of stress or discomfort throughout the process, ensuring a safe and positive experience.

Who Are the PetSmart Groomers?

Cat grooming requires specialized knowledge due to feline temperament and anatomy. PetSmart ensures that their stylists:

• Undergo formal training through their grooming academy, which includes cat-specific handling techniques.
• Log over 800 hours of supervised, hands-on experience before working independently with pets.
• Learn how to recognize feline behavior cues and respond appropriately to reduce anxiety or overstimulation.

Grooming salons are supervised, and staff are encouraged to prioritize the well-being and safety of every pet in their care.

Why Grooming Is Important for Cats

Unlike some pets, cats are known for their self-grooming habits. However, they still benefit from professional grooming, especially if they:

• Have long hair that tangles or mats easily
• Are elderly, overweight, or have health conditions making it hard to groom themselves
• Shed excessively or have skin allergies
• Need regular nail trims for safety and comfort
• Are prone to ear infections or dental issues

Routine grooming can help prevent hairballs, mats, and some skin problems, while also providing an opportunity to spot early signs of health concerns.

Common Cat Grooming Services Explained

• Bath: Cleanses the fur and skin, helps remove loose hairs, dirt, and dander.
• Brush-Out: Essential for long-haired cats to prevent matting and for all cats to reduce shedding.
• Nail Trim: Prevents nails from becoming overgrown and catching on fabrics or causing injury.
• De-Shedding Treatment: Helps control excess shedding using specialized tools and shampoos.
• Haircut or Trim: Necessary for certain breeds or for cats with heavily matted fur.
• Ear Cleaning: Reduces the risk of infections and helps with overall hygiene.
• Sanitary Trim: Trims the fur around the rear and genital area for easier cleaning and lower odor.

How Much Does Cat Grooming at PetSmart Cost?

The price for cat grooming at PetSmart can vary depending on your location, your cat’s size and coat type, and the specific services requested. As a general guideline:

• Basic Bath and Brush: Starts at a modest price point for short-haired cats, increasing for long-haired breeds or heavily matted cats.
• Full Grooming Package: Costs more, reflecting the time, skill, and handling involved in trimming, de-shedding, and delivering specialized treatments.
• Walk-In Services: Such as nail trims or ear cleaning, are priced individually and can be performed without a full grooming appointment.

For current and accurate pricing, PetSmart recommends checking your local store online or calling ahead to inquire about cat grooming service costs in your area.

How to Prepare Your Cat for Their Grooming Appointment

Grooming can be a new experience for many cats, and preparation can help make it smoother:

• Acclimatize your cat to their carrier, as well as to being touched on paws, ears, and face.
• Limit food intake before the appointment to reduce car sickness.
• Bring any special instructions or information about your cat’s health or preferences.
• Let the groomer know about any behavioral concerns or past grooming experiences.

PetSmart Cat Grooming Locations and Hours

PetSmart offers grooming services at most store locations across the United States, with flexible hours to accommodate busy schedules. For example:

• Many stores open as early as 7 or 8 AM, and close in the evening, with some staying open until 9 PM.
• Weekend appointments are available, but may book quickly, especially for full grooming packages.
• It’s advisable to book in advance during peak seasons (spring and summer) when demand is high.

Other Pet Services Offered by PetSmart

While this article focuses on cat grooming, PetSmart provides a broad suite of pet care solutions, including:

• Dog grooming for all breeds and coat types
• Dog training classes using positive reinforcement
• PetsHotel for overnight boarding (dogs and cats)
• Doggie Day Camp for socialization and exercise
• In-store pharmacy for pet prescriptions
• Adoptions and veterinary care at many locations

This makes PetSmart a convenient one-stop-shop for all your pet’s needs.

Table: Comparison of Cat Grooming Services

*Prices are approximate and vary by location and cat size/coat. Always check with your local PetSmart for specific pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does PetSmart require cats to be vaccinated before grooming?

Yes, PetSmart typically requires documentation of up-to-date rabies vaccinations for cats before any grooming services. Check with your local store for their specific vaccination policy.

Are there cat breeds that PetSmart does not groom?

Most common domestic cat breeds are accepted. If your cat has special needs or is an uncommon breed, it’s best to call ahead and discuss specifics with the salon manager.

How does PetSmart handle aggressive or anxious cats?

PetSmart groomers are trained to handle a range of temperaments. If your cat is especially anxious or aggressive, the groomer may suggest breaks, special handling, or in rare cases, may recommend veterinary grooming instead.

Can I stay with my cat during the grooming session?

For safety and insurance reasons, pet parents are typically not allowed in the grooming area during the session, but you can wait nearby in the store.

Does PetSmart groom kittens?

Yes, kittens can be groomed, but there may be age restrictions (for example, 12 weeks old and fully vaccinated). Check with your local store for age guidelines.

How often should my cat be professionally groomed?

This depends on your cat’s coat type and needs. Long-haired breeds may benefit from grooming every 4–8 weeks, while short-haired cats can go longer intervals between visits.

Conclusion: Is PetSmart Cat Grooming Right for You?

PetSmart offers convenient, professional grooming services for cats, providing both routine and specialized treatments to keep your feline companion healthy and looking their best. With academy-trained groomers, customizable services, and wide availability across the country, PetSmart is a solid choice for cat owners seeking reliable, stress-conscious grooming care.

As always, consult your veterinarian or groomer if your cat has unique health or behavioral needs, and consider your cat’s temperament when deciding on professional grooming. For more information or to book a grooming appointment, check PetSmart’s website or visit your local store today.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

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