As one of only a few hundred Certified Feline Master Groomers worldwide, Lynn Paolillo does a lot more than just groom for the kitty population of central New Jersey. With more than 13 years of grooming experience, she’s obsessed with improving the lives of both cats and their owners by creating a positive relationship through grooming. Based in Hamilton, NJ, her cat-only business, Cat Naps Cattery, provides a quiet, calm (and bark-free) environment for cats of all ages and breeds. Lynn also travels and teaches cat grooming around the U.S. at trade show events, private workshops and seminars as a Certifier and Instructor for the National Cat Groomers Institute.
If I had a dollar for every time someone said, “But I thought cats groom themselves,” I could retire early. But here we are, still untangling the myth that cats are self-cleaning. It’s one of the biggest misconceptions in the grooming world, and one of…
As professional cat groomers, we pride ourselves in working with even the feistiest of feline clients. But let’s face it, some cats don’t just dislike grooming; they view it as a full-on battle. While experience, technique and patience can help prevent escalating behaviors in many…
Grooming cats professionally is demanding—not just mentally, but physically. Every day involves crouching, lifting, bracing, balancing, reaching and managing unpredictable movement, often for hours on end. While the cats may recover with a nap, groomers are more likely to carry tight shoulders, aching wrists and…
There’s nothing quite as frustrating as spending an hour bathing, blow-drying and brushing a cat only to find the coat still speckled with flakes. Dandruff in cats is a common challenge in the grooming salon, but contrary to what pet owners—or even some grooming resources—suggest,…
In the grooming salon, not every cat that walks through the door is in perfect health. As professional cat groomers, we often work with feline clients who are managing chronic illnesses like diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, arthritis or a heart condition. These cats still need…
Cat grooming isn’t exactly a sweet-smelling profession—we regularly get whiffs of cat pee, poop, anal glands, etc. But as professional cat groomers, we learn pretty quickly the difference between “normal cat smell” and “something’s not right.” While we’re not veterinarians and can’t diagnose, our ability…
S hedding is a natural part of a cat’s life, but for cat owners and groomers alike, it can be a hairy nightmare—literally. Other than a few coat mutations, all cats shed, although some more noticeably than others.
As professional cat groomers, we’ve all heard it before: “But I thought cats groomed themselves?” While it’s true that cats are fastidious lickers, many still develop coat and hygiene issues that require professional intervention. From kittens to super-seniors, each stage of a cat’s life brings…
If cats had a “most stylish” award, curly-coated breeds would win it, paws-down. These wavy wonders have charmed their way into the hearts of breeders, owners and professional groomers around the world.
In the world of professional cat grooming, we encounter all kinds of clients—some are respectful and generous, while others can test our patience and push our stress levels to new heights. Difficult clients come in many forms, from anxious or aggressive cats to demanding or…
Preparing a Persian cat for a show requires precision, patience and a deep understanding of the breed’s unique grooming needs. With their luxurious coats, expressive faces and regal demeanor, Persians are often the stars of the show ring. However, achieving that picture-perfect look involves more…
Cat allergies are a common concern among cat owners, affecting millions of people worldwide. As professional pet groomers, understanding the causes of cat allergies and how grooming practices can alleviate symptoms is essential for providing the best care and help to both cats and their…