Does Your Cat Need a Professional Groomer?

Does your cat really need a professional groomer, or can you handle everything at home? Most cats do a good job of keeping themselves clean, but matted fur, overgrown nails, aging, and certain health conditions can make grooming difficult or even unsafe to tackle yourself. In this episode of The Pet Parent Hotline, Amy Castro talks with Amanda Henry, Certified Feline Master Groomer and owner of Chatty Cats, a cat-only grooming salon in Indiana, about when professional cat grooming makes sense, what happens at a cat-only grooming salon, and how to find someone qualified to care for your cat. You'll learn: How to recognize grooming problems that need extra attention What you can safely manage at home and when to get professional help Why cutting out mats with scissors can be dangerous What makes a cat-only grooming salon different What to ask before trusting someone to groom your cat How groomers sometimes spot health concerns that owners haven't noticed Plus, Amanda shares some surprising discoveries from her grooming career and an unusual way some of the cat hair she collects is put to use. Resources Mentioned Amanda Henry, CFMG: Chatty Cats, Merrillville, Indiana National Cat Groomers Institute: https://nationalcatgroomers.com Find a Certified Cat Groomer: https://nationalcatgroomers.com/pages/find-cat-groomer Cat Naps Cattery: https://www.catnapscattery.com/ Cat-only grooming and boarding in Hamilton, New Jersey, with Certified Feline Master Groomer Lynn Paolillo. Not every cat might need professional grooming, but knowing when to ask for help and how to choose the right professional can make a real difference in your cat's comfort and care. For more practical pet care advice, visit petparenthotline.com. Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here. Practical pet advice for busy pet parents. Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it. Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday life with animals. No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets. Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out. Contact: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro