While cats groom themselves, they can’t remove built-up undercoat, prevent mats, or properly clean areas like their hind end, ears, or nails. Professional grooming helps reduce shedding, prevent painful tangles, keep skin healthier, and maintain a cleaner, fresher coat. Regular grooming also supports comfort, reduces hairballs, and allows early detection of skin or coat concerns. Even short-haired cats benefit from routine grooming to stay clean, comfortable, and happy.

 Every 6–8 weeks depending on coat, shedding, and temperament.

Usually 1–2 hours depending on coat, temperament, and services.

Extra charges may apply when a cat requires more time, care, or safety steps than a standard groom. This can include matting, heavier shedding, difficult temperament, thick or dense coats, flea presence, or additional cleaning needs. These situations require extra time and gentle handling to ensure your cat stays safe, calm, and comfortable.

We stop immediately and prioritize their welfare.

Cats can become matted for many reasons, and the level of matting determines the type of grooming required. We assess each cat individually to ensure the safest, most comfortable approach.

Light Matting (Tangles)

• Small, individual knots

• Easy to brush out

• Not tight to the skin

• Does not require shaving

Moderate Matting

• Multiple tangles throughout the body

• Mats that require careful combing or thinning

• Some areas may be slightly tight but still removable with extra time

• Requires an extended grooming session

Severe Matting / Pelting

Large mats tightly attached to the skin

• Coat felted together in sheets

• Skin may be pulled, irritated, or at risk of injury

• De-matting with a comb is unsafe and painful

• The coat must be shaved down for the cat’s comfort and welfare

At Zen Whiskers, we always prioritize safety and will only perform what your cat can tolerate comfortably. Matting levels may require additional fees due to time and complexity, and in severe cases, a shave-down is the only humane option.

Matting Fees – $40–$100
Matting charges are added to the regular grooming price and depend on the severity of the mats, the time needed, and your cat’s comfort and safety.

Even with gentle techniques, matted areas may reveal:

• Skin irritation or sores

• Bruising or redness

• Hidden wounds or parasites

• Pressure points where mats were pulling

• Possible nicks in areas where skin is thin or twisted under the mat

These risks are discussed openly with owners before grooming. Groomer will try to save the coat as long as it is safe and humane.

If de-matting would cause pain or distress, shaving becomes the kinder option.

At Zen Whiskers, we offer day-stay care for cats who are visiting us for grooming. If you need extra time before pick-up, your cat is welcome to relax in one of our calm, cat-only spaces until you’re ready.

This service is available upon availability, giving your kitty a safe, quiet place to nap, explore toys, or simply unwind after their groom. It’s the perfect option for busy schedules or when you want your cat to stay in a peaceful environment a little longer.