Easy Grooming Add-Ons for Your Feline Guests

Cats

By Lexie Goldsmith

hen you board a cat at your facility, not only are you responsible for the care and safety of the animal, but the cat’s grooming needs should also be made a priority. Whether you add the following services to your package inclusions or as an optional extra, staff should be observant of the grooming requirements of the cats and the services that may be required over their stay.

A circular icon featuring a yellow cat paw with teal claws extended, set against a light pink background with a darker pink border.

Nail Clipping

While nail clipping may not be necessary for all cats, senior cats are the exception. Their nails naturally shed keratin layers over time; however, reduced exercise or the lack of horizontal scratching posts for an older cat, especially with the possibility of arthritis, increases the risk of these layers building up and embedding into the paw pad.

Ear Cleaning

Keeping an eye on a cat’s ear health is important, as ear infections can be painful and cat owners might not realize they are present. If a cat shows more than the usual build-up of wax and dirt, they should see their vet. Otherwise, you can add an ear cleaning to their stay. This will help prevent infections and monitor ear health. Always clean the ears externally and never pour ear cleaner into the cat’s ears without veterinary advice.

A circular icon showing a pink and teal hairbrush or cat brush, set against a light pink background with a pink border.

Brushing & Combing

Daily brushing is more than a cosmetic service; it’s a vital part of feline care—especially for longhaired breeds like Persians, Maine Coons and Ragdolls. A wide-toothed comb is recommended for longhaired cats, while a fine-toothed comb and a rubber curry brush are recommended for shorthaired cats.

Brushing helps:

Prevent tangles and mats
Reduce shedding and hairballs
Stimulate circulation and distribute natural oils
Move oils and calming pheromones around the cat’s body

Daily brushing can also serve as a wellness check, allowing staff to spot skin issues, parasites or behavioral changes early.

Matting occurs when loose undercoat tangles and binds together with skin oils, forming tight clumps that can pull on the skin and cause pain, irritation or even infection. Cats are meticulous groomers, but in a boarding environment, several factors can lead to matting. Cats may under-groom, experience a change in temperature in the environment, reduce exercise and movement or become stressed.

Learn More

Grooming add-ons are essential for maintaining a cat’s health and hygiene by preventing matting, infections and discomfort.

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Bathing & Blow-Drying

To prevent matting in high-maintenance breeds such as the Persian, their regular grooming regimen must be continued while boarding. Offering bathing and blow-drying services that prevent matting due to the control of the oils and the undercoat with the grooming process is an excellent service to have available, as a cat client would prefer their cat to be fresh-smelling when they come home.

A circular icon illustrating the back half of a yellow cat next to a pink electric grooming clipper, indicating a sanitary or lion cut.

Sanitary Clipping

Sanitary trims involve clipping fur around the rear and genital areas to maintain hygiene. This is especially important for longhaired breeds prone to fecal matter or urine sticking to fur (especially due to stress or change of diet), senior cats who may struggle with self-cleaning and cats with mobility issues or arthritis. Sanitary clipping helps prevent infections, odors and discomfort, and is a discreet but highly appreciated service by pet owners.

A circular icon of a yellow cat with closed teal eyes, surrounded by pink swirls and teal lightning bolts, representing a calm or stressed state.

Observations of Stress

Cats are sensitive creatures, and boarding can be stressful—especially for first-timers or those with separation anxiety. Grooming behaviors often reflect their emotional state that can present as over-grooming or under-grooming.

Over-grooming:

May result in bald patches, especially on the belly or legs
Often a sign of anxiety or boredom
Can lead to skin irritation or infection

Under-Grooming:

Coat becomes dull, greasy or matted
Sanitary areas may become soiled
May indicate depression, illness or discomfort
Common in senior cats or those with mobility issues

Boarding staff should be trained to observe these signs and respond with appropriate grooming care and enrichment. Regular brushing, gentle handling, and a calm environment can help reduce stress and encourage healthy grooming habits.

Grooming add-ons are essential for maintaining a cat’s health and hygiene by preventing matting, infections and discomfort. They also contribute to the pet’s emotional wellbeing by offering a calming, reassuring experience. Additionally, owners value the cleanliness and care of their cats, leading to greater satisfaction. From a business perspective, offering grooming services adds a premium touch that can enhance revenue. Overall, grooming add-ons benefit the pet’s health, owner satisfaction and business growth.

Want to learn to become a Cat Groomer? Our extensive Cat Grooming Course has been written and delivered by Master Cat Groomers, Feline Behaviourists, and Vet Nurses with extensive experience. Follow Cat Grooming Education with Lexie and sign up for our newsletter at https://learncatgrooming.com.au/

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