Why You Shouldn’t Just Shave Out Mats (and what to do instead)

Why You Shouldn’t Just Shave Out Mats (and what to do instead)

The cat is matted—and the owner doesn’t want a lion cut. 😱
Sound familiar?

If you groom cats, you’ve probably heard this request more than once:
“Can you just shave out the mats? I don’t want my cat shaved all over.”

Here’s the truth:
When owners ask for this, they’re not trying to be difficult. They just don’t understand how mats happen—or how to prevent them.

Let’s break it down.

Why Matting Happens

Fact #1:
Cats don’t groom themselves. They lick. There’s a big difference between licking and professional grooming.

Fact #2:
Mats form when greasy coats trap shedding hair. If the grease isn’t removed, the loose hair builds up—turning into painful, tight mats.

Why Just Shaving the Mats Doesn’t Work

When you only shave out mats, the root cause isn’t fixed.
The grease is still there. The loose hair keeps building up. The mats come back—fast.

And let’s be honest:
A hacked-up, choppy shave job isn’t good for the cat or your business. Your reputation is on the line every time a cat leaves your salon.

You want smooth, symmetrical lines. A finish that says:
“This is the work of a true professional.”

What to Say When a Client Asks for a Mat Shave-Out Only

It’s simple:

Step 1: Assess the Cat

Ask yourself:
“Is shaving necessary for this cat, in the condition it’s in today?”

  • If YES:
    The cat gets a lion cut. No negotiation. It’s the safest, cleanest option.

  • If NO:
    Move to Step 2.

Step 2: Choose What’s Best for the Cat

Ask:
“What’s the best option today? A lion cut or a de-mat?”

Consider the cat’s age, health, skin condition, and temperament.
For example, a severely matted, elderly, aggressive cat might require a different plan than a younger, healthier cat.

Then confidently explain your recommendation to the owner—based on what’s safest and most humane for their cat.

Protect Your Reputation

Never let a pushy client back you into doing a “weedwacker” job.
I’ve told clients before:
“I’ve worked too hard to build my reputation. I won’t risk it with a half-done groom.”
And guess what? They client agreed with my groom choices for their cat.

When you prioritize the cat’s health and your professional standards, the decision becomes easy. It’s not about this one appointment—it’s about your whole business.

Focus on Prevention

The long-term solution?
Preventative maintenance grooming every 4–6 weeks.

When clients understand how matting happens, and you promote regular grooming plans as a solution, the “mat shave” conversation fades away.

Tools to Help You Move Clients Into Maintenance Grooming:

  • Customer Brochures
    9 options to help you educate clients and sell ongoing care.

  • Flip Charts
    Show clients the difference between grooming styles and the consequences of neglect.

  • Upsells & Add-Ons Course
    Learn how to use fees and surcharges to motivate regular grooming—and watch demos on real, challenging cats.

Want to Level Up?

Join the NCGI Membership for over 40 hours of webinars, including 7 in-depth lessons on this exact topic. Build a clientele that listens to you—because you’re the pro.

Or grab the Complete Cat Groomer Training Syllabus or Matted Cat Bundle at nationalcatgroomers.com.

Find more videos on the NCGI YouTube Channel and follow us on Facebook for daily tips.

Be the groomer that sets the standard—not the one who caves to bad ideas.

 

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