Why Cat Grooming Isn't Like Dog Grooming: What Every Owner Should Know

They’re Not Small Dogs — They’re Cats

A common misconception we hear from well-meaning cat owners is: “It’s just like grooming a small dog, right?” Not quite.

Cats are not small dogs. Their anatomy, temperament, and stress tolerance are fundamentally different — which means professional cat grooming requires an entirely different skill set, environment, and approach.

 Treating cat grooming like dog grooming isn’t just incorrect — it can be dangerous.

At Roman’s Empire, we take feline safety and comfort seriously. That’s why we have strict protocols, require two certified staff members for every cat appointment, and only accept cats we feel confident we can groom safely, kindly, and thoroughly.

Here’s what every cat owner should understand before booking a grooming appointment.

The Anatomy & Behavior Differences

Cats have far thinner, more delicate skin than dogs — especially senior cats. Their skin tears more easily, their bones are more fragile, and their tolerance for handling is extremely limited.

Unlike dogs, cats aren’t social pack animals. They’re solitary predators with highly refined fight-or-flight instincts. When stressed, cats don’t often give warning growls or progressive signs like many dogs. Instead, they go from zero to one hundred — clawing, biting, or shutting down entirely without gradual escalation.

This isn’t bad behavior. It’s survival behavior. And it requires a different level of patience, caution, and planning from groomers.

Handling Tolerance Dictates the Groom

While trust is a factor, the biggest and deciding factor when it comes to cat grooming is their tolerance. This is why it is important to start kittens on a frequent grooming schedule--to build tolerance.

All cats have an invisible timer counting down from the moment you begin handling and once it's done, it's done. No amount of breaks or rest will reset the clock for the day like with dogs.

Why Groomers Must Work Differently

In a dog groom, we can often rely on training, verbal commands, and conditioning. Not with cats. Instead, we use minimal restraint, low noise, and calm energy to create a safe space for the cat to tolerate grooming for as long as possible — which is often a very short window.

We don’t use muzzles. We very rarely use water near the face. And we don’t push cats past their limit just to finish a service. We work with them through a cooperative care approach — and that means adjusting expectations.

Every tool, every motion, and every decision is made with feline anatomy and behavior in mind. Even something as simple as brushing a mat out can cause bruising or tearing if not done correctly.

Why Two Staff Are Required at Roman’s Empire

We always require two trained professionals to be present for any cat grooming appointment. This isn’t just for our safety — it’s for the cat’s.

With one groomer focused on technique and the other providing gentle, secure support, we’re able to work efficiently, minimize stress, and avoid injury. The second set of hands ensures that we don’t have to rely on force or rush through the process. It allows us to prioritize the cat’s comfort and deliver a quality groom.

It’s also a matter of liability. Cat grooming carries a higher risk profile, and we’re not willing to take shortcuts that compromise safety for the sake of convenience.

Why We Charge More for Cats

Cat grooming costs more — and there’s a reason.

It requires specialized training, hands-on experience, calm handling, and very intentional techniques. Most grooming schools don’t even offer cat-specific education. Professional feline grooming is something most groomers either invest in independently or avoid entirely because of how challenging it can be.

Add in the necessity of two staff members, premium products suited for cat skin and coat, and liability insurance that covers feline services — and the cost reflects what goes into doing it well.

We charge what we charge because we’re not guessing — we’re trained, prepared, and committed to doing right by your cat.

Why We Decline Certain Cats

We will not attempt to groom cats that we believe will be unsafe to handle or too stressed to groom humanely.

If your cat has a history of aggression, requires sedation to be examined, or becomes frantic when restrained, they are not a grooming candidate — they’re a vet grooming candidate. This isn’t personal, and it doesn’t mean your cat is bad — it simply means they need more support than grooming can safely provide.

We also do not groom cats with untreated health issues or those with heavily matted coats that require painful dematting. In those cases, we may refer you to a veterinary groomer to avoid a lot of pain and stress for your cat.

How to Set Your Cat Up for Grooming Success

If you want your cat to accept grooming, start young, go slow, and keep it consistent.

• Let them explore their carrier at home so it becomes familiar, not scary.
• Get them used to being touched on their paws, belly, and tail.
• Book appointments every 6–8 weeks — not once a year in an emergency.

Cats thrive on routine and calm environments. When grooming is introduced early and maintained regularly, we’re able to avoid stress, pain, and trauma — and keep your cat healthy and comfortable.

Cats Deserve Skilled Care, Not Shortcuts

We love cats. That’s why we only offer grooming services we can do safely, compassionately, and competently. We won’t force a cat through a full groom just to “get it done.” We won’t put ourselves, or your pet, at risk for the sake of convenience.

If we say no — it’s because we’re putting your cat first.

Let’s stop comparing cats to dogs. Let’s give them what they actually need: quiet, skillful, ethical care from professionals who respect their limits and understand their language.

We love cats. That’s why we only offer grooming services we can do safely, compassionately, and competently.

We won’t force a cat through a full groom just to “get it done.” We won’t put ourselves, or your pet, at risk for the sake of convenience. If we say no — it’s because we’re putting your cat first.

 If you haven’t already, check out our “What Professional Grooming Actually Involves” post — especially the section on feline grooming — for a deeper look at why cats are never just small dogs along with the separate knowledge and skillset base they require.