Cat Grooming FAQ

Booking is super easy! You have several options:

• Online Form: Click any "Book Now" button for instant confirmation
• WhatsApp: Message us on 0491 109 240 (fastest response!)
• SMS: Text us on 0491 109 240
• Phone: Call 0491 109 240 during our hours
• Email: natalia@velvetpaws-catgrooming.com.au

We respond within 1-2 hours! No need to wait days for a callback.

No, you don't need to stay! In fact, cats often behave better without their parents watching.

Here's why we prefer you drop off:

• Cats are calmer without owner anxiety
• We can work more efficiently
• Your cat bonds better with us
• You can run errands or relax!

As a qualified veterinarian with 12+ years experience, your cat is in the safest hands possible. We'll send you photo updates during the groom so you can see your cat is happy!

Pickup time: We'll text you 15-20 minutes before your cat is ready.

Due to high demand, we recommend:

• Weekdays: 3-5 days in advance
• Weekends: 7-10 days in advance
• Holiday periods: 2-3 weeks in advance
• Matted cats: ASAP - these take longer

However, we always keep some slots for urgent cases. Text us - you might get lucky with a cancellation!

We're open 7 Days a week, 09:00 AM - 9:00 PM

These extended hours are perfect for:

• Early drop-offs before work
• Evening pickups after work
• Weekend appointments
• Flexible scheduling for shift workers

No need to take time off work - we work around YOUR schedule!

Absolutely! This is our specialty. As a veterinarian with 12+ years experience, I've groomed thousands of "difficult" cats. Here's why we're different:

• Veterinary expertise: I understand cat behavior and stress signals
• No sedation ever: We use gentle restraint techniques only
• Patience is key: We work at your cat's pace, not ours
• Calming environment: Quiet, no dogs, pheromone sprays
• Special handling: Towel wraps, gentle holds, frequent breaks

Success rate: 90% of "aggressive" cats calm down once they realize we're different. We've NEVER had a cat we couldn't groom!

Note: Aggressive cats do incur a $40 surcharge for extra time and safety equipment needed.

Here's our step-by-step process:

1. Drop-off & Assessment (5-10 min):
   • Quick health check by me (the vet!)
   • Discuss your preferences
   • Let your cat explore the space
2. Pre-grooming (10-15 min):
   • Nail trimming first (easier when dry)
   • Ear cleaning & check
   • Mat assessment
3. Main grooming (30-60 min):
   • Clipping/trimming based on chosen style
   • Gentle breaks as needed
   • Sanitary area always included
4. Spa time (20-30 min):
   • Warm bath with cat-safe shampoo
   • Gentle massage
   • Conditioning treatment
5. Drying & finishing (15-20 min):
   • Gentle blow-dry (quiet dryers)
   • Final styling touches
   • Cologne spray & bandana

Total time: 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on service and cat's needs.

NEVER! We are 100% committed to anaesthesia-free grooming.

While I have veterinary training, I choose to groom completely sedation-free because:

• Sedation carries unnecessary health risks
• Recovery is stressful for cats
• It's simply not needed with proper techniques
• Cats remember negative experiences with sedation

My promise: In 12+ years and thousands of cats, I've never needed sedation. Patience, skill, and the right approach work every time!

Severe matting requires special care. Here's our approach:

• Assessment first: I check skin condition under mats
• Gentle removal: Work slowly to avoid nicks
• Multiple breaks: Prevents stress and overheating
• Pain monitoring: Stop if cat shows discomfort
• Skin treatment: Soothing products after mat removal

Pricing for matted cats:

• Light matting: $120
• Heavy matting (50%+ of body): $170
• Full pelt removal: $250

Important: Matting can hide skin problems. As a vet, I'll alert you to any issues found.

Which is right for your cat? Teddy Bear if the coat is healthy, Lion Cut if there's matting or for low-maintenance care.

Every grooming service includes these extras at NO additional cost:

• ✅ Nail clipping and filing
• ✅ Ear cleaning and health check
• ✅ Sanitary area trim (bottom & belly)
• ✅ Paw pad fur trimming
• ✅ Premium cat shampoo bath
• ✅ Conditioning treatment
• ✅ Professional blow-dry
• ✅ Veterinary health check
• ✅ Complimentary cologne spray
• ✅ Cute bandana or bow tie

Value: These "extras" would cost $50+ elsewhere but are included in our price!

Yes! We offer several discount options:

• Multiple cats: 10% off second cat, 15% off third+
• Regular clients: Every 5th groom is 20% off
• Senior cats (10+): 10% discount always
• Referrals: $10 off for you and your friend

Package deals: Pre-book 4 grooms and save 15% overall!

The $40 aggressive cat surcharge covers:

• Extra time: Can take twice as long
• Safety equipment: Special gloves, shields
• Two-person job: Assistant sometimes needed
• Injury risk: Bites and scratches happen
• Stress management: More breaks, calming aids

Good news: Most "aggressive" cats calm down after 1-2 visits and the fee may not apply next time!

My veterinary background provides huge advantages for grooming:

• Health detection: I spot lumps, skin issues, dental problems early and refer you to a vet
• Medical knowledge: I understand conditions like diabetes, heart disease
• Safe handling: Know how to handle cats with medical conditions safely
• Medication aware: I know how conditions affect grooming
• Gentle techniques: Years of handling scared animals in clinics
• Pain recognition: I know when a cat is uncomfortable

Important: I provide grooming services only - not veterinary treatment. However, if I notice any health concerns, I'll let you know so you can see your vet.

Real example: Last month I found a small lump on a cat during grooming. I immediately informed the owner who took their cat to the vet. Early detection saved the cat's life!

Yes! My veterinary training means I can safely groom cats with various conditions:

• Diabetes: Schedule around insulin/meal times
• Heart conditions: Extra gentle, minimize stress
• Kidney disease: Monitor hydration, shorter sessions
• Arthritis: Comfortable positioning, joint support
• Senior cats: Adjust everything to their pace

Important: Always tell me about health conditions when booking. I'll adapt the entire process for your cat's safety.

We maintain veterinary-clinic level hygiene:

• Tool sterilization: UV sterilizer + disinfectant between cats
• Fresh everything: New towels, capes for each cat
• Surface cleaning: Hospital-grade disinfectant on all surfaces
• Separate tools: Different sets for cats with skin conditions
• Hand hygiene: Wash + sanitize between every cat
• Laundry: Hot wash with veterinary disinfectant

Peace of mind: Your cat won't catch anything here - guaranteed!

Don't worry - we see this regularly! Here's what happens:

1. Immediate notification: We'll call/text you right away
2. Continue grooming: We don't turn cats away
3. Special shampoo: Flea treatment bath (small extra charge)
4. Deep clean after: Extra sanitization of all equipment
5. Grooming advice: Based on my veterinary knowledge, I'll recommend the best flea products
6. Vet referral: I'll advise you to see your vet for prescription treatments if needed
7. No judgment: Fleas happen to the best cat parents!

Cost: Only $20 extra for flea shampoo treatment.

We understand plans change! Our policy is fair:

• 48+ hours notice: Full refund
• 24-48 hours: 50% cancellation fee
• Less than 24 hours: Full payment required
• No-shows: Full payment + future booking deposit

Exceptions: Genuine emergencies (sick cat, family emergency) - just call us! We're understanding and will waive fees for real emergencies.

Rescheduling: Free if done 24+ hours ahead.

We accept multiple payment options:

• 💳 Cash on pickup
• 💳 Bank transfer

Payment timing: Due at pickup (not drop-off)

Deposits: Only required for heavily matted cats (50% deposit)

Life happens! Here's our approach:

• First 30 minutes: FREE - no stress!
• 30-60 minutes: $20 boarding fee
• Each hour after: $20 per hour
• After closing (9:00 PM): $50 after-hours fee

Just communicate: Send a text if running late. We'll happily wait and keep your cat comfortable.

Never rushed: We want you to drive safely, not stressed!

No proof required, but we strongly recommend cats be up-to-date with:

• F3 vaccine (or F4/F5)
• Regular worming
• Flea prevention

Why no requirement? Some cats can't be vaccinated due to health issues. As a vet, I assess each cat individually.

Indoor cats: We understand some indoor cats aren't vaccinated. That's OK!

It depends on your cat's coat and lifestyle:

• Long-haired (Persian, Maine Coon): Every 6-8 weeks
• Medium-haired: Every 8-12 weeks
• Short-haired: Every 3-4 months
• Elderly cats (10+): Every 4-6 weeks
• Cats that mat easily: Every 4-6 weeks
• Indoor/outdoor cats: More frequent in shedding season

Pro tip: Regular grooming prevents matting and is less stressful than waiting until problems develop!

Your cat may experience:

• Extra affectionate: Feeling fresh and happy!
• Increased appetite: Grooming is tiring work
• More playful: Lighter without excess fur
• Lots of grooming: Getting used to their new feel
• Seeking warm spots: Less fur = feeling cooler

Normal behaviors: All above are normal. Your cat should be back to routine within 24 hours.

Call us if: Your cat seems lethargic, won't eat, or hides for more than a day.

Here's my vet-approved maintenance routine:

• Daily (long-haired): 5-minute brush focusing on armpits, behind ears
• Weekly (short-haired): Quick brush to remove loose fur
• Check regularly: Bottom area, armpits, neck for mats
• Never cut mats: Risk of cutting skin - see us instead!
• Reward brushing: Treats make it positive

Best tools: Slicker brush for top coat, metal comb for undercoat

Can't brush your cat? That's OK! Just book more frequent grooms.

Yes, completely normal! Many cats show personality changes:

• More confident: Feeling clean and comfortable
• Extra cuddly: Appreciating comfort after mats removed
• More active: Less weight from fur, easier movement
• Shows off: Many cats strut around proudly!
• Temporarily clingy: Seeking reassurance (passes quickly)

Fun fact: Owners often say "I got my young cat back!" after grooming elderly cats.