Do Cats Need Professional Grooming? The Honest Answer
Quick Answer
It depends on the breed. Long-haired cats (Persians, Maine Coons, Ragdolls) absolutely need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks combined with daily home brushing. Short-haired cats generally manage well on their own but may need professional help as they age or if health issues arise. Senior cats often require professional grooming regardless of coat length.
Bottom Line: If your cat has long hair, you'll need professional grooming. If they're short-haired and young/healthy, probably not—but watch for matting, mobility issues, or declining self-grooming as they age.
How Many UK Cats Actually Need Grooming?
The UK is home to 12.5 million cats, present in 29% of households. That's a lot of felines. But here's the key question: how many actually need professional grooming?
The reality:
- 10-15% of UK cats are long-haired breeds (Persians, Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Norwegian Forest Cats) that genuinely require professional grooming
- 70-75% are short-haired (British Shorthairs, moggies) that generally manage fine on their own
- 15-20% are semi-long-haired (like some rescue cats with mixed heritage) that fall in between
But breed isn't the only factor. Age, health, and mobility dramatically affect grooming needs.
Don't Cats Groom Themselves?
Yes—but self-grooming has limits.
Cats are famously fastidious self-groomers, spending up to 50% of their waking hours licking their coats. Their rough tongues remove loose fur, distribute natural oils, and keep them clean. This works brilliantly for short-haired cats in good health.
Why Self-Grooming Isn't Always Enough
1. Long Hair = Impossible to Self-Maintain
A cat's tongue simply cannot penetrate through long, dense fur to remove all loose hair and prevent matting. According to the RSPCA, long-haired cats need daily brushing to prevent knots, and even with daily home care, they still need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
2. Senior Cats Lose Mobility
Arthritis, stiff joints, and dental problems make grooming difficult for older cats. They can't reach their backs, hind quarters, or clean their faces properly. A 12-year-old cat that managed fine for years may suddenly develop matted fur purely due to age-related mobility loss.
3. Overweight Cats Can't Reach Everything
Obese cats physically cannot reach their backs, bellies, and rear ends. This leads to matting, hygiene issues, and skin problems. Professional grooming becomes essential until weight is managed.
4. Health Conditions Affect Grooming
Cats with dental disease find licking painful. Cats with arthritis can't twist to reach certain areas. Cats with cognitive decline may simply forget to groom. Hyperthyroidism can cause greasy coats that require professional bathing.
Long-Haired Breeds That NEED Professional Grooming
If you have any of these breeds, professional grooming isn't optional—it's essential for their welfare.
| Breed | Grooming Frequency | Home Brushing Needed | Why They Need Professionals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Persian | Every 6-8 weeks | Daily 15-20 min | Extremely long, silky coat mats within days. Facial folds need cleaning. Prone to tear staining. |
| Maine Coon | Every 6-8 weeks | Daily 10-15 min | Dense undercoat traps loose hair. Prone to matting around hindquarters and "pantaloons" (leg fur). |
| Ragdoll | Every 6-8 weeks | 3-4x weekly | Semi-long silky coat tangles easily. Armpits and belly prone to matting. |
| Norwegian Forest Cat | Every 8-10 weeks | Daily during shedding | Double coat designed for Nordic winters. Massive seasonal shedding requires professional de-shedding. |
| Himalayan | Every 6 weeks | Daily 15-20 min | Similar to Persians—long coat, facial folds, high-maintenance. |
| Birman | Every 8-10 weeks | 2-3x weekly | Semi-long silky coat. Less prone to matting than Persians but still needs professional help. |
What Happens If You Don't Groom Long-Haired Cats?
Neglecting professional grooming for long-haired breeds leads to:
- Painful matting: Mats pull on skin, causing constant discomfort
- Skin infections: Trapped moisture and debris breed bacteria
- Restricted movement: Severe matting limits mobility
- Hygiene issues: Faeces and urine get trapped in fur
- Parasite infestations: Fleas and mites hide in matted fur
- Hairballs: Excessive fur ingestion causes gastrointestinal blockages
Find Experienced Cat Groomers Near You
Compare prices, read reviews, and book cat groomers who understand feline behaviour and coat care.
Find Cat Groomers →What Cat Grooming Costs in the UK (2025)
Cat grooming is typically more expensive than dog grooming because:
- Cats require specialist handling skills
- Many cats are more stressed/difficult than dogs
- Fewer groomers offer cat services
- Takes longer due to cat temperament
UK Cat Grooming Prices:
| Service | Short-Haired | Long-Haired | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Groom (Bath, dry, brush, nails, ears) |
£40-£65 | £55-£85 | Prices higher in London/South East |
| Lion Clip (Full body shave) |
N/A | £80-£150 | For severely matted coats |
| De-Matting Surcharge | +£20-£50 | +£30-£80 | If matting is present |
| Nail Trim Only | £15-£25 | Quick service | |
| Mobile Grooming | +£15-£25 | Added to base price | |
Breed-Specific UK Pricing:
- Persian/Himalayan: £60-£90 (high maintenance)
- Maine Coon/Norwegian Forest Cat: £65-£95 (large size, dense coat)
- Ragdoll/Birman: £55-£80 (semi-long coat)
- British Shorthair: £40-£60 (basic groom)
- Domestic Shorthair (moggy): £35-£55 (basic groom)
Regional Price Variations:
- London: Add 40-60% to base prices (£80-£120 for long-haired full groom)
- South East: Add 20-30% (£65-£95 for long-haired)
- Midlands: Standard pricing (£55-£85)
- North England: 10-20% below average (£50-£75)
- Scotland/Wales: Similar to North England (£50-£75)
Frequently Asked Questions
Most healthy, young short-haired cats do not need professional grooming as they manage well on their own. However, short-haired cats DO need professional help if they're senior (10+ years), overweight, have health conditions affecting mobility, or if you notice matting, poor coat condition, or declining self-grooming. A weekly brush at home is usually sufficient for healthy short-haired cats.
Cat grooming in the UK typically costs £40-£65 for short-haired cats and £55-£85 for long-haired breeds like Persians or Maine Coons for a full groom (bath, dry, brush, nails, ears). Lion clips (full body shave) cost £80-£150. Prices are 40-60% higher in London. Mobile grooming adds £15-£25. De-matting surcharges can add £20-£80 if matting is present.
Long-haired cats (Persians, Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Norwegian Forest Cats) need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, combined with daily brushing at home. Persians and Himalayans may need grooming as frequently as every 4-6 weeks. This isn't optional—long-haired cats cannot maintain their coats through self-grooming alone, and skipping professional grooms leads to painful matting.
Finding cat groomers is challenging as they're much rarer than dog groomers. Start with FindPetGroomers (filter for cat grooming services), ask your vet for recommendations, check with local Cats Protection branches, or contact breed-specific clubs if you have a pedigree cat. When you find options, ask about their experience with cats specifically, how they handle anxious felines, their restraint methods, and insurance coverage. Avoid groomers who claim they can groom any cat despite temperament or who won't let you see their grooming area. For more details on what qualifications to look for, see our Cat Grooming Qualifications UK guide.