Joni Merrill, CFMG | Certified Feline Master Groomer Spotlight
Location: Sandy, Utah, USA
Business: Pampered Paws & Ponies
Website: Pampered Paws & Ponies
Follow Joni: Facebook
Joni Merrill, CFMG, came to professional grooming after nearly 30 years in the hospitality industry. What began as a career change has grown into a thriving business with an increasing focus on feline specialty grooming, fueled by education, certification, and a commitment to providing cats with knowledgeable, professional care.
How long have you been grooming cats, and what led you to pursue CFMG certification?
I have been grooming cats professionally for about two years. Before that, I spent nearly 30 years in the hospitality industry, where I held leadership roles in hotels, restaurants, and revenue management. After a serious car accident four years ago, I was no longer able to travel for work. Instead of returning to the corporate world, I decided it was time to build something of my own doing work I truly loved.
I attended a pet grooming school that primarily focused on dogs. There was only a brief cat grooming demonstration, and unfortunately, it was filled with outdated myths and poor handling techniques. After opening my business, I was constantly being asked if I groomed cats. That made me realize there was a real need for qualified feline groomers.
At a grooming convention, I came across information about the National Cat Groomers Institute (NCGI). The more I researched, the more I realized how few groomers were properly trained to work with cats. I wanted to become the best cat groomer in my area, not only for my own success, but to provide cats with the safe, knowledgeable care they deserve. Pursuing my Certified Feline Master Groomer (CFMG) certification was the obvious next step.
What changed the most for you after becoming certified?
The short answer is: everything.
The certification completely transformed my career. My technical skills improved dramatically, my confidence grew, and I gained the knowledge to educate clients about feline coat care and the importance of regular maintenance.
Because of that expertise, I am able to charge premium pricing for my services, and other groomers regularly refer their difficult feline cases to me.
When I began grooming, I was still running another business. Within nine months of earning my CFMG certification, my grooming business had grown enough to replace my previous income. I was able to close my other business and devote myself full-time to Pampered Paws & Ponies.
Since then, I've intentionally shifted my business toward feline specialty grooming. I now groom dogs only two days each week, require my dog clients to remain on a four-week maintenance schedule, and have hired an assistant so I can focus on continuing to grow the business while providing exceptional care for cats.
What is one grooming or handling technique that made the biggest difference in your results or stress level?
Learning proper feline handling techniques made the biggest difference.
Understanding how to safely position and support cats during grooming, using towels appropriately for stability and security, reading feline body language, recognizing the early warning signs of stress or aggression, and knowing when to adjust my approach have all dramatically improved both safety and efficiency.
Just as important was learning the proper equipment and techniques to protect both myself and the cats in my care. The confidence that comes from having the right education allows me to remain calm, which helps the cats stay calmer as well.
What is one business shift you made that significantly improved your cat-only services?
One of the best decisions I made was reducing the number of dogs I groom and creating dedicated cat-only grooming days.
I also understand the importance of pricing appropriately. Charging what my knowledge and specialized training are worth allows me to groom fewer cats each day while providing a higher level of care. That benefits both my business and the cats, since I can work at a pace that prioritizes safety, quality, and the individual needs of each pet.
What would you say to a groomer who is on the fence about investing in proper cat grooming education?
There really shouldn't be a question.
Proper education will make you a better groomer, a more confident professional, and a much safer one. It gives you the skills to protect yourself while providing the highest standard of care for your feline clients.
Cats deserve groomers who truly understand them. Investing in quality education isn't just an investment in your career; it's an investment in the welfare of every cat you groom.
Is there anything else about yourself, your business, or your journey to becoming a CFMG that you'd like to share?
Becoming a Certified Feline Master Groomer has completely changed the direction of my life. Today, my business focuses heavily on feline grooming, education, and helping owners understand that cats benefit tremendously from regular professional grooming. I love working with senior cats, difficult grooming cases, and educating owners that grooming is about much more than appearance. It's about comfort, health, and quality of life.
One of my greatest passions is continuing to learn and raise the standard of feline grooming. My goal is not only to grow a successful business, but also to help elevate the profession through education, compassion, and a commitment to doing what's best for every cat that comes through my door.
Certified Feline Master Groomers don’t guess. They groom with intention, education, and confidence.
Get the program that gave Joni the knowledge and tools to become such a confident and skilled cat groomer. 👉 Complete Cat Groomer Training Syllabus
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