The Pros and Cons of House Call Cat Grooming

The Pros and Cons of House Call Cat Grooming

Is working inside your clients’ homes the right fit for your feline grooming business?

House call grooming—where services are performed inside the client’s home—can be an appealing option for cat owners and groomers alike. It’s low-stress for many cats and a low-cost way to start a grooming business. But it’s not for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

✅ PRO: Low Startup Costs

House call grooming eliminates the need for a van or salon, with startup costs as low as $1,000–$2,500 depending on your area and equipment. It's a great way to get started with minimal overhead.

❌ CON: Limited Earning Potential

You’ll groom fewer cats per day compared to a salon-based model, and setup/cleanup time at each house eats into profits. Scaling can be tough unless you add groomers or assistants.

✅ PRO: Flexible Schedule

Set your own hours and enjoy daily variety in your work.

❌ CON: Inconsistent Setup

Every home is different. From laundry rooms to bathrooms, you’ll need to be adaptable and quick-thinking in unfamiliar environments.

✅ PRO: Cat-Focused, Low-Stress Grooming

Cats tend to feel more at ease in their own space—no car rides, no strange smells, no barking dogs.

❌ CON: Owners Watching

Expect an audience. Clients may ask questions, want to help, or unintentionally stress the cat. You’ll need to communicate clearly, educate kindly, and maintain control.

✅ PRO: Less Wear and Tear on Your Body

Fewer grooms per day and no large dogs mean less physical strain—especially if you go feline-exclusive.

❌ CON: Hauling Equipment

You’ll carry all your tools, products, and cleaning supplies in and out of every home, often in tight or awkward spaces.

💡 PRO/CON: Personal Connection with Clients

Working inside a home builds strong client relationships. For some groomers, that’s a perk. For others, it’s a challenge. Set clear policies and boundaries from the beginning.

Is House Call Grooming Right for You?

It takes confidence, adaptability, and excellent communication skills—but for the right groomer, house call grooming offers low startup risk and high client satisfaction.

Want to learn from those who’ve done it successfully?

🎓 NCGI Members get access to the House Call Cat Grooming section of our Member Benefits library, including real-world tips, webinars, and case studies from Certified Feline Master Groomers.

🗣 Join the conversation on Facebook:

  • Intro to Cat Grooming (public group)

  • NCGI Members, CFMG Cat Chat, and Cat Grooming Simplified (private groups)

Need help getting started? We’ve got resources for that, too.

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