Most "cat groomers" are dog groomers who occasionally groom cats. That's not the same thing.
Cat behaviour differs fundamentally from dog behaviour. Cats communicate differently, stress differently, and require completely different handling techniques. A groomer skilled with dogs but untrained in feline behaviour will cause your cat significant stress—or worse, injury.
This guide helps you find genuine cat grooming specialists across London: groomers with cat-specific training, proper equipment, and experience handling feline temperaments from docile Persians to fractious moggies.
Cats are self-grooming machines. Most healthy short-haired cats never need professional grooming in their entire lives.
If your cat's coat looks healthy, they're mobile, and they're not overweight, professional grooming is unnecessary. Save your money.
Senior cats often stop grooming effectively due to:
These cats need professional grooming every 8-12 weeks regardless of coat length.
Cats who cannot reach their rear end or underside due to obesity need professional grooming for hygiene and comfort. Ideally combined with vet-supervised weight loss.
Don't waste money grooming cats who:
Grooming salons will happily take your money. That doesn't mean your cat needs the service.
Cat grooming costs £40-£100 in London—often matching or exceeding medium dog grooming prices despite cats being smaller. Here's why:
Cats stress easily. Experienced cat groomers work slowly, take breaks, and prioritize minimizing anxiety over speed. A dog groom might take 90 minutes. The same services on a cat can take 2-3 hours.
Cat grooming requires:
These skills require specific training. Groomers with cat-specific qualifications charge appropriately for their expertise.
Far fewer groomers are qualified to groom cats compared to dogs. Limited supply means higher prices.
Stressed cats bite and scratch. Cat bites become infected more frequently than dog bites (Pasteurella multocida bacteria). Insurance premiums reflect this risk.
| Service | Short-Haired | Long-Haired | Severely Matted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bath & Dry | £30-£50 | £40-£70 | £60-£95 |
| Full Groom | £40-£70 | £55-£100 | £75-£130 |
| Lion Cut | N/A | £65-£150 | £85-£150 |
| Nail Trim Only | £15-£25 | ||
Matting surcharges: Light £10-20, Moderate £20-40, Severe £40-80
Good answers:
Less ideal answers:
For more details on cat grooming qualifications, see our Cat Grooming Qualifications UK guide.
Good answer: "30-50% of my work is cat grooming" indicates genuine specialism.
Less ideal: "I do mostly dogs but can do cats" suggests they may not be cat specialists.
Good answer: Describes specific techniques—breaks, calming pheromones, recognizing stress signals, willingness to stop session and reschedule.
Less ideal: "I just work quickly" or "I've never had a problem"—experienced cat groomers recognise that all cats experience some degree of stress.
Mobile grooming significantly reduces cat stress. Groomers who offer mobile cat grooming are typically more experienced (mobile cat grooming is logistically challenging).
Should mention:
Mobile cat grooming costs £10-£20 more but dramatically reduces stress. Cats are significantly more stressed by travel than dogs. For a detailed comparison of mobile versus salon options, see our Mobile vs Salon Grooming guide.
Cat grooming pricing seems inconsistent because it depends heavily on individual cat temperament and coat condition. Here's what drives costs:
Many cats don't need sedation when handled by experienced cat groomers. However, some situations require vet-prescribed sedation:
Important: Groomers cannot sedate cats. Sedation must be arranged through your vet. Groomers can visit vet practices for sedated grooming appointments.
Cat grooming specialists are significantly less common than dog groomers. Some boroughs have excellent options; others have almost none. Here's borough-by-borough availability:
Several specialist cat groomers serving Mayfair, Marylebone, and surrounding areas. Premium pricing (£60-£110 for long-haired cats). Some offer luxury cat grooming including show preparation.
See all cat groomers in Westminster →
Good selection of cat specialists in Hampstead, Camden Town, Kentish Town. Mid-range London pricing (£50-£95 for long-haired breeds). Several mobile cat groomers operating in area.
See all cat groomers in Camden →
Highbury and Angel have cat grooming specialists. Competitive pricing (£45-£80 for long-haired cats). Good availability for nervous cat specialists.
See all cat groomers in Islington →
Limited but growing cat grooming options. Finchley and Barnet town have established specialists. More affordable than Central London (£40-£75 for long-haired breeds).
See all cat groomers in Barnet →
Few cat grooming specialists. May need to travel to neighboring boroughs or book mobile groomers. Competitive outer London pricing when available (£40-£70).
See all cat groomers in Enfield →
Crouch End and Muswell Hill have cat grooming options. Mid-range pricing (£50-£95). Tottenham options limited.
See all cat groomers in Haringey →
Growing cat grooming market. Shoreditch/Dalston have premium options (£60-£95). Several mobile cat groomers covering area.
See all cat groomers in Hackney →
Limited cat grooming specialists. Bethnal Green has some options. May require mobile groomer or travel to neighboring borough.
See all cat groomers in Tower Hamlets →
Few specialist cat groomers. Stratford area has some options. Mobile groomers may be most practical solution.
See all cat groomers in Newham →
Walthamstow has cat grooming specialists. Mid-range pricing (£45-£75). Leyton options limited.
See all cat groomers in Waltham Forest →
Limited cat grooming options. Ilford has some specialists. Competitive outer London pricing (£40-£70).
See all cat groomers in Redbridge →
Very limited cat grooming specialists. Mobile groomers most practical option for this borough.
See all cat groomers in Barking and Dagenham →
Limited specialist options. Romford has some cat groomers. Mobile groomers cover wider area.
See all cat groomers in Havering →
Good cat grooming presence in Battersea, Putney, Balham. Premium pricing (£55-£95). Several specialists with strong reputations.
See all cat groomers in Wandsworth →
Clapham has cat grooming specialists. Mid-to-premium pricing (£50-£90). Brixton/Streatham options limited.
See all cat groomers in Lambeth →
Dulwich has premium cat grooming (£55-£95). Peckham options limited. Several mobile specialists cover borough.
See all cat groomers in Southwark →
Blackheath and Forest Hill have cat specialists. Mid-range pricing (£45-£80). Lewisham town limited.
See all cat groomers in Lewisham →
Greenwich town has cat grooming options. Mid-range pricing (£50-£95). Charlton/Woolwich limited.
See all cat groomers in Greenwich →
Limited cat grooming specialists. Mobile groomers best option for outer London borough.
See all cat groomers in Bexley →
Bromley town has cat grooming specialists. Competitive outer London pricing (£45-£80). Large borough well-served by mobile groomers.
See all cat groomers in Bromley →
Some cat grooming specialists in Croydon town. Competitive pricing (£40-£75). Mobile groomers cover wider area.
See all cat groomers in Croydon →
Limited cat grooming options. Affordable outer London pricing when available (£40-£70).
See all cat groomers in Sutton →
Wimbledon has premium cat grooming (£55-£90). Mitcham/Morden limited.
See all cat groomers in Merton →
Excellent cat grooming options throughout borough. Premium pricing (£60-£100). Richmond and Twickenham have specialists with waiting lists.
See all cat groomers in Richmond upon Thames →
Good cat grooming selection in Kingston town and Surbiton. Mid-to-premium pricing (£50-£95).
See all cat groomers in Kingston upon Thames →
Chiswick has premium cat grooming (£55-£90). Hounslow town limited. Mobile groomers cover wider area.
See all cat groomers in Hounslow →
Ealing Broadway area has cat grooming specialists. Mid-range pricing (£45-£80). Acton options limited.
See all cat groomers in Ealing →
Limited cat grooming specialists. Uxbridge has some options. Mobile groomers practical for outer borough.
See all cat groomers in Hillingdon →
Harrow-on-the-Hill has cat specialists. Competitive suburban pricing (£45-£75). Mobile options available.
See all cat groomers in Harrow →
Limited cat grooming specialists. Kilburn and Willesden have some options. Mid-range pricing (£45-£75).
See all cat groomers in Brent →
Good cat grooming presence. Premium pricing (£60-£100). Fulham and Hammersmith have established specialists.
See all cat groomers in Hammersmith and Fulham →
Premium cat grooming throughout (£70-£125). Notting Hill and South Kensington have luxury cat specialists. Some offer show grooming.
Compare prices, read reviews, and book qualified cat groomers who understand feline behaviour.
Find Cat GroomersShort-haired cats rarely need professional grooming unless elderly or obese. Long-haired breeds (Persian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll) benefit from professional grooming every 8-12 weeks to prevent matting. Cats that stop grooming themselves due to age, obesity, or arthritis need professional help regardless of coat length.
Cat grooming in London costs £40-£70 for short-haired cats and £55-£100 for long-haired breeds (full groom). Severely matted coats cost an additional £20-40. Cat grooming typically costs more per hour than dog grooming due to specialist handling requirements and stress management.
Legally yes, but practically no. Cat behaviour differs fundamentally from dog behaviour. Cats require different handling techniques, restraint methods, and stress recognition. Dog groomers without cat-specific training often cause severe stress or injury. Always verify cat-specific training and experience.
Many cats don't need sedation when handled by experienced cat groomers. Severely matted cats, extremely fearful cats, or those requiring medical grooming may need sedation arranged through your vet (groomers cannot sedate). Mobile groomers reduce stress by grooming cats at home.
Long-haired cats (Persian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Himalayan) benefit from professional grooming every 8-12 weeks if you brush daily at home. Every 6-8 weeks if you don't maintain their coat between grooms. Short-haired cats rarely need professional grooming unless health issues prevent self-grooming.
Cat groomers should have cat-specific training through iPET Network (Level 3 Cat Grooming), OCN qualifications, or equivalent. General dog grooming qualifications (City & Guilds) don't cover feline behaviour. Verify they have specific cat grooming credentials, not just dog grooming certificates.