Cat Grooming Costs 2025: Complete Price Guide
Table of Contents
- What You'll Learn
- Quick Answer
- Why Cat Grooming Costs More Than Dog Grooming
- What Cat Grooming Actually Costs in the UK (2025)
- Cat Grooming Costs by Breed
- Regional Price Differences Across the UK
- Hidden Costs You Need to Know About
- Mobile vs Salon Cat Grooming Costs
- How to Save Money on Cat Grooming
- Annual Cat Grooming Costs
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Guides
Cat grooming isn't cheap – and it's often more expensive than dog grooming.
According to Airtasker UK's 2025 price research, the average cost of cat grooming ranges from £30 to £180, depending on the grooming type, cat breed, and coat condition.
According to the PDSA's 2024 Animal Wellbeing Report, 24% of UK adults own a cat—an estimated 10.8 million pet cats. Despite this substantial population, professional cat grooming services remain less common than dog grooming, which often translates to higher costs due to limited availability and the specialized expertise required.
But here's the frustrating part: there's virtually no pricing consistency. One groomer charges £40 for a Persian full groom. Another charges £90. Same breed. Same services. Wildly different prices.
What You'll Learn
- Real UK cat grooming costs by breed and service
- Why cats cost more than dogs to groom
- Regional price differences across the UK
- Hidden fees you need to know about
- How to save money without compromising care
Quick Answer
UK cat grooming costs 2025:
- Full groom (short-haired): £40-£65
- Full groom (long-haired): £55-£85
- Lion clip: £100-£150
- Nail trim only: £15-£25
- Mobile grooming: Add £15-£25
Prices are 40-60% higher in London and the South East.
Why Cat Grooming Costs More Than Dog Grooming
If you've groomed both cats and dogs, you'll know cats are typically more expensive per hour. Here's why:
1. Specialist Handling Required
Cats require completely different handling techniques than dogs. According to professional cat groomers, cats need patient, calm approaches that take longer than standard dog grooming.
2. Higher Stress Levels
Most cats find grooming more stressful than dogs. Groomers must work slowly, take breaks, and use low-stress handling techniques, all of which add time.
3. Fewer Cat Groomers
Cat grooming is a specialist skill. Fewer groomers offer cat services, which drives prices up through reduced supply.
4. Longer Session Times
Standard cat grooming sessions take 90 minutes to 2 hours, compared to 60-90 minutes for similar-sized dogs.
5. Temperament Challenges
According to multiple UK grooming services, difficult or aggressive cats may incur surcharges of £10-£50 due to the extra time, skill, and sometimes two-person handling required.
What Cat Grooming Actually Costs in the UK (2025)
Standard Services - Short-Haired Cats
| Service | Price Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Express Groom | £35-£55 | Nail trim, face/ears/eye cleanse, thorough brushing |
| Full Groom | £40-£65 | Bath, dry, brush, nails, ears, eyes, paw pad trim |
| Dry Groom | £35-£50 | Brushing, de-matting, dry shampoo, no water |
| Nail Trim Only | £15-£25 | Quick nail clip service |
| Hygiene Trim | £20-£30 | Eyes, ears, bottom area only |
Standard Services - Long-Haired Cats
| Service | Price Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Express Groom | £50-£70 | Brush, de-matt, nail trim, hygiene areas |
| Full Groom | £55-£85 | Bath, condition, dry, brush out, nails, ears |
| Full Wet Bath | £60-£90 | Two warm shampoos, conditioning rinse, full blow dry |
| Lion Clip | £100-£150 | Full body clip, head/mane/legs/tail left on |
| Panel Trim | £30-£40 | Full belly trim only |
Cat Grooming Costs by Breed
Long-Haired Breeds (Higher Cost)
- Persian: £60-£90 - High maintenance, requires daily home brushing plus professional grooming every 6 weeks
- Maine Coon: £65-£95 - Large size, dense coat, prone to matting
- Ragdoll: £55-£80 - Semi-long coat, regular grooming every 6-8 weeks
- Norwegian Forest Cat: £60-£85 - Double coat, heavy seasonal shedding
- Himalayan: £60-£90 - Similar to Persians, facial folds need attention
- Birman: £50-£75 - Semi-long coat, less prone to matting than Persians
Short-Haired Breeds (Standard Cost)
- British Shorthair: £40-£60 - Standard grooming needs
- Domestic Shorthair (moggy): £35-£55 - Basic grooming services
- Russian Blue: £40-£60 - Short coat, minimal maintenance
- Siamese: £40-£60 - Short coat, basic services
Factors Affecting Breed-Specific Costs:
According to Pet Universe Cat Grooming, groomers consider:
- Size of the cat
- Grooming history
- Stage of coat and its condition
- Thickness of the coat
- Medical conditions
- Cat's age and behaviour
- Gender (male/female)
- Neutered status
Regional Price Differences Across the UK
Where you live dramatically affects cat grooming costs:
London & South East
- Short-haired full groom: £55-£80
- Long-haired full groom: £70-£120
- Lion clip: £120-£180
- Why more expensive: Higher rent, London Living Wage, wealthier clientele
Major Cities (Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol)
- Short-haired full groom: £45-£65
- Long-haired full groom: £55-£85
- Lion clip: £100-£150
Midlands
- Short-haired full groom: £40-£60
- Long-haired full groom: £50-£75
- Lion clip: £90-£130
North England, Wales, Scotland (Rural Areas)
- Short-haired full groom: £35-£55
- Long-haired full groom: £45-£70
- Lion clip: £80-£120
Mobile vs Salon Cat Grooming Costs
For a detailed comparison of mobile versus salon grooming, see our Mobile vs Salon Grooming guide.
Mobile Cat Grooming
Mobile cat grooming typically costs £15-£25 more than salon prices, but offers significant benefits:
Typical mobile prices:
- Express groom: £55-£70
- Full groom: £65-£90
Mobile grooming benefits:
- No stressful car journey
- Grooming in familiar environment
- One-on-one attention
- Perfect for anxious or elderly cats
Salon Cat Grooming
Typical salon prices:
- Express groom: £35-£55
- Full groom: £40-£65
Salon benefits:
- Lower cost
- Full facilities and equipment
- Multiple groomers for backup
- Specialist equipment for difficult grooms
How to Save Money on Cat Grooming
1. Maintain At Home Between Grooms
According to Petplan UK, regular home grooming can extend time between professional grooms:
- Long-haired cats: Daily brushing (10-15 minutes)
- Short-haired cats: Weekly brushing
- Regular nail checks
- Face cleaning for flat-faced breeds
2. Book Regular Programmes
Some groomers offer discounts for regular bookings. For example, they might offer a "No Knots Programme" every 8 weeks at 10% off.
3. Prevent Matting
Avoiding matting surcharges saves £20-£80 per visit:
- Brush thoroughly and regularly
- Check problem areas (armpits, behind ears, belly)
- Book grooming before severe matting develops
4. Consider Shorter Coat Styles
Shorter coats need less frequent grooming:
- Long coat: Every 6 weeks = 8-9 grooms yearly
- Short coat: Every 8 weeks = 6-7 grooms yearly
- Potential savings: £100-£200 annually
5. Multi-Cat Discounts
If you have multiple cats, ask about discounts:
- Second cat often 10-20% off
- Third cat may be 15-25% off
6. Off-Peak Bookings
According to Airtasker UK, some groomers offer discounts during less busy periods like weekdays.
Annual Cat Grooming Costs
What you'll realistically spend per year:
Long-Haired Breeds (Every 6-8 Weeks)
- Persians/Himalayans: 7-9 grooms yearly at £60-£90 = £420-£810 annually
- Maine Coons: 6-8 grooms yearly at £65-£95 = £390-£760 annually
- Ragdolls: 6-8 grooms yearly at £55-£80 = £330-£640 annually
Short-Haired Cats (As Needed, 2-4x Yearly)
- British Shorthairs: 3-4 grooms yearly at £40-£60 = £120-£240 annually
- Domestic Shorthairs: 2-4 grooms yearly at £35-£55 = £70-£220 annually
Senior Cats (Regardless of Coat)
- Short-haired seniors: 4-6 grooms yearly at £50-£75 = £200-£450 annually
- Long-haired seniors: 6-8 grooms yearly at £70-£100 = £420-£800 annually
Find Experienced Cat Groomers Near You
Compare prices, read reviews, and book qualified cat groomers who understand feline behaviour.
Find Cat Groomers →The Bottom Line
Cat grooming in the UK costs £30-£180 depending on breed, coat condition, and location.
You should expect to pay:
- Short-haired cat (basic groom): £40-£65
- Long-haired cat (full groom): £55-£85
- Long-haired cat (lion clip): £100-£150
- Add 40-60% in London/South East
- Add £15-£25 for mobile grooming
The key to fair pricing:
- Get quotes from 3-5 groomers
- Ask exactly what's included
- Check their cat-specific qualifications
- Read reviews from other cat owners
- Ask about their handling techniques
Cat grooming is more expensive than dog grooming, but it's essential for long-haired breeds, senior cats, and overweight cats who cannot maintain their coats alone.
Budget wisely. Maintain at home. But never skip professional grooming when your cat needs it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cat grooming in the UK ranges from £30 to £180 depending on the service type, breed, and coat condition. A basic full groom for short-haired cats costs £40-£65, whilst long-haired breeds like Persians cost £55-£85. Lion clips can cost £100-£150. Prices are 40-60% higher in London and the South East.
Cat grooming costs more because cats require specialist handling skills, take longer due to stress levels, and fewer groomers offer cat services. Sessions can take 90 minutes to 2 hours compared to 60-90 minutes for similar-sized dogs. The limited number of qualified cat groomers also drives up prices due to reduced supply.
Persian cat grooming costs £60-£90 per session in most areas, or £80-£120 in London. Persians need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks due to their long, dense coats that mat easily. Annual grooming costs for a Persian cat range from £420-£810, potentially more if matting develops.
A lion cut for cats costs £100-£150 in most UK areas, or £120-£180 in London and the South East. This involves shaving the body whilst leaving the head, mane, legs, and tail tip. It's popular for severely matted long-haired cats or to reduce grooming needs in summer.
Long-haired cats like Persians, Maine Coons, and Ragdolls need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Short-haired cats typically need grooming 2-4 times yearly, or as needed. Senior cats may need more frequent grooming regardless of coat type as they lose flexibility and grooming ability.
A full cat groom typically includes: bath with cat-specific shampoo, thorough drying, brush-out and de-matting, nail trimming, ear cleaning, eye area cleaning, and sanitary area trim. Long-haired breeds may include coat trimming. Some services also offer flea treatments or medicated baths at extra cost.
Mobile cat grooming costs £15-£25 more than salon prices but can be worth it for anxious cats, elderly cats, or multi-cat households. Grooming at home eliminates stressful car travel and unfamiliar environments, often resulting in calmer, safer grooming sessions. It's particularly recommended for cats that become highly stressed during transport.
Matting surcharges add £10-£80 to grooming costs depending on severity. Light matting costs £10-£20 extra, moderate matting £20-£40 extra, and severely matted or pelted coats £40-£80 extra. In extreme cases, cats may need sedation at a vet for safe shaving, costing £150-£300+. Regular home brushing prevents these charges.