Dana Kilani, CFMG | Certified Feline Master Groomer Spotlight
Dana Kilani, CFMG
The Pampurred Kitty Grooming Salon
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Website
TikTok @danathecatgroomer
Instagram @thepampurredkitty
How long have you been grooming cats, and what led you to pursue CFMG certification?
I have been grooming cats professionally since August of 2023. Prior to this, I was grooming sporadically through my work in the rescue industry and at some animal shelters where I worked as a volunteer. After deciding this would be my professional career, I determined to pursue further education to increase my knowledge, confidence, and handling skills. I already had a solid background in cat health and education, but I knew there was much more to learn. When I discovered the NCGI, I knew this was the path for me. It had everything I had been looking for. I knew it wasn't easy to get certified. I was up for the challenge and hit the ground running with it.
What changed the most for you after becoming certified? (skills, confidence, clientele, pricing, peace of mind, etc.)
After my certification, the biggest change I noticed was my confidence level. The way I portrayed myself to my clients, my knowledge about grooming based on each cat's individual needs, and how I approach grooming with every cat changed significantly. My skillset improved, and my clients were incredibly satisfied. If a client came to me with a grooming plan they had in mind, but I found it wasn't the best fit for their cat, I would persuade them otherwise. In the past this would have been more difficult for me to do. Certification gave me the ability to trust myself as a cat-exclusive groomer and feline specialist. That now trickles into every part of my career.
What is one grooming or handling technique that made the biggest difference in your results or stress level?
The biggest and most powerful tool I have is my ability to groom ambidextrously. I owe this to my instructor with whom I completed my PPI (shout out to Chelsea Waddell!). She taught me to groom with both hands. Maneuvering clippers and combs back and forth between my left and right hand has saved me SO much time. I'm able to complete grooms quicker and more efficiently without having to move the cat around too much, which results in a happier and calmer cat. I use my body a lot when I groom to help the cat feel secure, whether that be in my lap or on my table. Along with the added ability of grooming ambidextrously, this has truly changed the way I groom. I'm able make the appointment shorter, smoother, and more efficient, which results in a decrease of stress to the cat and the owner waiting to pick up their cat.
What is one business shift you made that significantly improved your cat-only services?
One business shift I made that improved my cat-exclusive services was deciding to open a private home-based salon instead of a corporate one. I only take one cat in at a time unless there are multiples from the same household. I have no other animals in my salon when I am grooming. I have no onlookers, no helpers, no other staff. It is just me and the cat. I have a quiet fully equipped salon in my basement, away from my busy home (I have kids!). Several clients have come to me after they have gone elsewhere to a busier salon with multiple cats or with dogs and cats where their cat didn't do well. They are always shocked when I am able to groom their cat successfully without high stress to the cat. I believe this is due to the environment. I am grateful to be able to offer a private space where the more timid cats can come, feel safe, and be well cared for. This model may not be for everyone, but for now this works well for my career, my family, and for my cat clients!
What would you say to a groomer who is on the fence about investing in proper cat grooming education?
When I first began down this career path in August of 2023, I was scared, broke, and doubted that I would be able to achieve certification. When I first opened my business, I was grooming out of the corner of my unfinished poorly lit basement with no running water. I would take the cats upstairs to be bathed and back down again to complete the groom which was not great for anyone, but it worked. 8 months later, I had a small renovated salon that was functional but far from ideal. I was grateful to have running water though! Throughout this time I was working really hard on marketing myself online and growing my clientele. Fast forward to October 2024, I purchased the complete syllabus and began studying. I dedicated 2 hours a night after my kids went to bed every night to study the material. I wrote my first two written exams in December of 2024. my next two in March of 2025. I signed up for PPI in May of 2025 and received my certification in June of 2025. In August of 2025, we upgraded to a bigger home, and I was able to get my dream home salon completed to begin working out of exactly 2 years after starting with little to nothing. I completed all of this while juggling motherhood, work, and life overall. It was incredibly hard work, but I did it, and you can too. It does take a lot of time, money, and resources, but it doesn't need to happen overnight. Take your time, and go at your pace. To think of how far I've come in just a couple of short years makes me excited to see where my future will take me. Ever since I could speak I have been obsessed with cats. I became involved in the cat-rescue industry since I was 15. Throughout my educational and professional career I had always known I wanted to build something for myself related to cats, but I wasn't sure what that was. With the support of my family, without whom none of this would have been possible for me, I am incredibly grateful to have found my calling. I am thankful for the insane privilege of being able to do what I do. It goes beyond "just" grooming. It really is life changing. Take the step, and dive in!
Certified Feline Master Groomers don’t guess. They groom with intention, education, and confidence.
Get the program that gave Gianna the knowledge and tools to become such a fabulous cat groomer. 👉 Complete Cat Groomer Training Syllabus
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