3 Things You Can Do Now to Stop Once-a-Year Cat Shavedowns

August 22, 2018

3 Ways to Stop Once-a-Year Cat Shave Downs (For Good)

Are you tired of once-a-year shave down clients?

You know the ones—severely matted, cranky cats that show up once a year in a pelted mess, leaving you stressed, exhausted, and wondering why you’re doing this to yourself.

Is there a better way? Can you actually turn these clients into easy, regular maintenance appointments?

Yes. Absolutely.

Here’s how.

The Problem

Once-a-year shave downs aren’t just bad for the cat—they’re bad for your business.

The cat is usually in pain from tight mats, which makes them more aggressive.
The groom takes longer and is more dangerous.
Your tools wear out faster.
And let’s face it—the finished groom never looks great. A pelt removal isn’t pretty.

So why keep repeating this cycle?

The Solution: 3 Steps to End Once-a-Year Shave Downs

1. Educate the Client

Most cat owners don’t know that cats don’t groom themselves—they lick.
Licking doesn’t remove grease or dead hair, which means mats are inevitable without professional care.

Teach clients how regular grooming prevents mats:

Degreasing bath
High-velocity blow dry
Thorough comb out

Explain that professional grooming every 4–6 weeks solves the problem permanently.

2. Charge for Matting and Pelt Removal

Removing mats or pelts takes more time, more skill, and causes more wear and tear on your tools. That should come with a higher price tag.

If you charge $75 for a 45-minute maintenance groom, you’re earning $100/hour.
If you charge the same for a pelt shave that takes 90 minutes, you’ve just cut your rate in half—plus you’re burning out your clippers and dulling your blades.

Solution: Make matting expensive.
Charge a hefty matting or pelt removal fee to:

Protect your hourly rate
Cover tool maintenance
Motivate clients to avoid future matting

3. Require Pre-Booking

After a shave down, schedule the next appointment 8 weeks out—no exceptions.
At that point, the coat is the perfect length to start a regular grooming schedule.

After the 8-week follow-up, move the client to a 4–6 week rotation.
If they refuse?

Decide now: Are you going to build a business that accommodates neglect or one that prevents it?

Build the Business You Actually Want

If you’re tired of clients ignoring your advice, you have to stop letting it happen.

If you want regular clients with healthy cats, you need to:

✅ Define your goals
✅ Set policies that align with those goals
✅ Enforce them—without apology

Be intentional, or the cycle will continue.

Ready to Make the Shift?

Take the NCGI Business Development Course to learn how to build a clientele that respects your expertise—and books regular appointments. Or better yet, get the Complete Cat Groomer Training Syllabus so you can build a profitable business you love with the skills and knowledge necessary to make that happen!