How much does cat grooming cost?

How much does it cost to groom a cat?

On average, cat grooming prices range from $50 to $120. The cost of grooming a cat can vary depending on the cat’s size, breed, coat condition, and the grooming services requested. Services typically include bathing, brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. Additional services like lion cuts or flea treatments may incur extra charges. 

Cat grooming price list

Factors affecting the average cost of cat grooming

When calculating cat grooming prices, consider the following things:

1. Cat size

The size of the cat predominantly affects cat grooming costs. The bigger your pet, the longer it will take to groom them. Basic washing and drying usually cost $70 for smaller cats and $80 for large ones.

2. Fur length and condition

The length of your cat's hair and the current condition of its coat will affect grooming prices. Cats with thicker coats might be charged extra.

3. Haircut type

Grooming costs will differ depending on the type of haircut you choose. For instance, a lion's cut is often more expensive than a basic cut.

4. Behavior

The behavior of the cat affects cat grooming costs. Maybe they tend to bite and scratch in unfamiliar territory. If your cat has aggressive behavior when placed in a cattery or looked after by a sitter, this is worth mentioning to your groomer. They might charge extra since the job becomes more challenging.

5. Fertility

If a cat has been neutered, it's more likely to groom itself than a non-neutered one. This is because a non-neutered cat will spend more time looking for another cat to mate with, especially if it's in heat. Consequently, non-neutered cats often have tangled and dirty coats and take longer to groom.

6. Grooming package

Taskers usually offer different services for cat grooming. Often, basic packages include bathing, drying, coat conditioning, eye and ear cleaning, and nail trimming. Adjust your budget if you want to add more services, such as wet baths, brightening shampoos, and tooth cleaning.

Additional cat grooming expenses

Cat grooming costs also depend on the cat's age. Maybe you're still training your kitten to use the litter box or have a senior cat with matted hair. Other factors like gender, breed, grooming history, and medical conditions can increase service costs.

Grooming is more expensive for older cats. Prices will increase if your cat hasn't been groomed for a while or has other medical conditions that make the job complex. Other essential expenses include:

Flea bath 

If your cat has been suffering from fleas, a Tasker can help remove or keep them at bay with a flea bath. Costs start at $10.

Sedation

Some groomers charge for the sedation of pets, especially those with behavioral issues or highly active cats. The cost of cat grooming with sedation is around $65.

Soft paw nail caps

Groomers also offer gel caps if you want to keep your cat from scratching furniture. This costs $10 per paw or $40 for all paws.

Grooming deposit 

Most groomers ask for a deposit of $20 before grooming your cat. This will be returned as soon as the service is finished. Note that some operate at a minimum cost to ensure that their services aren't undervalued and that admin and electric fees are covered.

Saving money on cat grooming

There are many ways to reduce cat grooming costs. For instance, check if the pet groomer offers discounts for bundled packages or recurring services. Some groomers provide discounts for senior citizens, healthcare workers, or those providing cash payments. You can also book cat grooming services during weekends, as some professionals offer promos during less busy days.

Book a cat groomer on Airtasker

Cats might take a while to warm up to strangers, so before booking a Tasker, check their ratings to understand how things worked for past clients. Take note of the stellar reviews and points for improvement, if any. These facts will help you feel at ease knowing that your cat is in good hands.

Give your pet the purrfect makeover! Post a task on Airtasker and connect with professional cat groomers near you.