New - Cat Grooming Essentials Course

Are you a dog groomer that wants to add cat grooming to their skill set? Learn all about cat breeds, their anatomy, coats, markings, skin, handling, temperament, recognising stress, and grooming techniques used.

Is this course for me?
This course is designed to help established dog groomers who wish to add cat grooming to their business services. It will introduce them to the additional skills and underpinning knowledge they will require. To be successful and stay safe, you need to understand the different behaviours, characteristics and personalities of cats as well as the various ailments and conditions that can have a huge impact on your handling and the groom itself. As with any animal grooming, our job is to be prepared and do no harm. Handling cats requires patience, flair, sensitivity and a fearless approach. Quality education is the best way to protect yourselves and the cats you are grooming.This course is designed to help with all the skills you need.

What's included
For groomers with a good understanding of the principles and practices of dog grooming. Building on your existing knowledge this course will teach you all about cats and how to adapt your skills safely for cat grooming.

Anatomy & skin
Breeds & coat types
Health & parasites
Grooming methods
Body language & communication
The business of cat grooming
Online multiple choice assessment
Certificate of Completion

Why groom cats?
With over 11 million cats in the UK, there is a massive shortfall of cat groomers. Vets have always been the traditional route for cat owners to use as most groomers ‘Don’t do cats’, however, with specialist training it can be the safest route for the cat and an extremely profitable business for a groomer.

The benefits of grooming cats
Most cat owners think that their cat grooms itself and in some part they do. Owners tend to only seek out professional help when their cats are matted, pelted, full of parasites, smelly, filthy or needing help due to the consequence of owners 'having a go at home' and failing spectacularly! With the correct handling and tools, we can complete a professional groom far exceeding a customer's expectations and gain saint-like status.

The grooming needs of cats
These will change within their lives. As cats get older and suffer with stiffness and decreased flexibility, they are unable to reach certain areas to effectively remove dead hair and these areas become easily matted. The areas of concern are the chest, bib, and around the rear and inside back legs. Also, the top line, if turning their head becomes difficult.

In person training
For those that complete this online Cat Grooming Essentials course there will be the opportunity to attend small groom in person training (maximum of 3) with Julie Harris at her salon in St Leonards, East Sussex. Dates will be offered in 2026 and the additional cost confirmed at the time.

FAQS

Is this an accredited qualification?
No, this is not an accredited qualification. We understand why you would want it to be and as strong advocates of education we remain supportive of qualifications, however in our experience a qualification does not necessarily mean a high standard of education and so we prefer to remain independent and follow our own quality benchmark.

Do I get a Certificate?
Yes, you will receive a Certificate of Completion for each part of the course.

How long will the course take?
That's entirely up to your personal study plan. We estimate Part 1 online content is about 24 guided learning hours but you have up to 12 months to complete and pass the multiple choice assessment at the end. It is an open resource for you during this time and can be accessed as often as needed. The assessment can also be completed multiple times until it is completed correctly, in full.

What's the pass mark for the assessment?
100%. If you are choosing an answer from 4, it is important that you get the right one, otherwise you carry the incorrect information forward.

I have experience in cat grooming, can I go straight to Part 2?
No. Part 1 is set to give you the knowledge we believe you need to groom a cat safely and experience and qualifications are not a guarantee that you have this knowledge. If we allow attendance to a Part 2 session and then find out you do not have the Part 2 knowledge it compromises the teaching but more importantly the safety of the cats in our care.

Do you do 1-2-1 training?
No. Part 2 will follow the syllabus and be in small groups of 3.

How much will Part 2 cost?
Costs will be finalised when dates are offered in 2026 but we are working around £900-£1,000 for 2 consecutive days training. Most likely a Sunday and a Monday. There are lots of well-priced accomodation options in and around St. Leonards/Hastings and we can make recommendations nearer the time.

I'm not a dog groomer but work/am familiar with cats. Is this course suitable for me?
This is very personal to answer. We have specified it is for dog groomers who wish to explore cat grooming. It assumes a certain amount of prior knowledge - salon safety, animal legislation, use of equipment and teaches from an adaptation to cats point of view. We understand that dog groomers do not exclusively have these prerequisite skills - veterinary nurses, multiple cat owners, cat sitters, other animal professionals for example. You are welcome to sign up for Part 1 which will give you lots of theory knowledge which will be useful and also show case studies covering, lion trim, bathing, clipping, nail clipping, de-shedding, de-matting, towel wrapping, and handling. After completing that you can decide how you wish to proceed.

If I do Part 1 am I committed to Part 2?
No. Progression is at your discretion. You will be invited and kept in the loop about dates and prices but there is no obligation and we are not expecting everyone to move onto Part 2.

Please register for the Part 1 online course which opens on 1st October here. Price is £145.