Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Summer Meadows different from other groomers?
At Summer Meadows, cat grooming isn't an afterthought — it's our specialty. Founded in 2011, the spa is led by Katie, a Certified Feline Master Groomer (CFMG) who focuses on gentle, one-on-one care. We're a cage-free, home-based spa tucked away in a peaceful, low-stress environment, with beautiful gardens, which you're welcome to enjoy during your cat's appointment.
2. Do cats really need grooming? I thought they groom themselves.
It's a common myth that cats don't need grooming because they groom themselves, but licking only goes so far. Cats can't remove matting, prevent hairballs, actually clean their coat, or properly manage heavy shedding. Over time, oils, dirt, and loose hair can build up, creating clumps and eventually leading to tight matting. Regular professional grooming helps to remove that buildup to prevent matting and keep your cat's skin healthy and able to breathe.
3. What can I expect when I bring my cat to you for grooming?
When you arrive, you'll drop your cat off for a private, cage-free grooming session. We work one-on-one and straight through, so there's no waiting in kennels or unnecessary downtime. Most appointments take between 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the service and your cat's coat condition and temperament.
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After drop-off, you're welcome to wait outside in our garden — there's plenty of seating and free Wi-Fi, or run a quick errand. We'll text you 10–15 minutes before your cat is finished so you can head back for pickup. Since we work one-on-one with each pet, timely pickup is required, as the next cat will be arriving shortly after your appointment ends.
4. Do you groom dogs too?
Yes, we do have long-time dog clients who are still part of our schedule. However, as of 2025, we've made the decision to focus exclusively on our specialty, feline grooming, and are no longer accepting new dog clients. No dogs will be present at your cat's grooming appointment.
5. My cat is nervous or doesn't like to be handled — can they still be groomed?
In most cases, yes! We're professionally trained to work with a wide range of feline personalities, including cats who are nervous, fearful, or even mildly aggressive. Our gentle, one-on-one approach and training can help cats learn to tolerate and even enjoy professional grooming.
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In rare cases, if a cat is highly aggressive or too stressed to be groomed safely, we may have to stop the session for the safety of both your cat and the groomer. In those situations, we'll walk you through alternative options, which may include veterinary-prescribed calming medication that may help your cat tolerate future grooming more comfortably.
6. Why is it so hard to find a cat groomer?
Cat grooming requires specialized training, a calm environment, and a great deal of patience and skill. Cats are generally less tolerant than dogs during grooming, and their bites can be very serious — often requiring a doctor's visit, antibiotics, and time off work. Many groomers avoid working with cats altogether due to the risks involved.
At Summer Meadows, we recognized the need for a groomer who truly understands feline care, and made it our mission to become the go-to cat grooming specialist in our community.