dandy lions cat salon
Certified feline master groomer
Your cat is the apple of your eye, and rightly so.They're given the best food you can get your hands on, and you find it hard to recycle boxes because they might sit in it again.We both know "3 per day" on the back of a treat packet is a laughable suggestion, and you gave up on policing kitchen counters long ago.You spare no expense for your cat's health and happiness. So isn't it time to put professional coat and skin care on the list too?For this little creature that deserves the world, you can't be satisfied with buying grooming gimmicks from a video with an AI voiceover.You've already done so much for your cat, though here are the top 10 things to do to complete the picture:1. Contact us. We'll handle the other 9.
welcome
I'm Emily, member of the National Cat Groomers Institute and a Certified Feline Master Groomer, based in Derby, England. As a devoted lifelong cat owner, I've experienced the frustration of finding the right care for my own beloved cats, especially when one struggled with hairballs to the point she completely lost her appetite. Her fur was too fine for combing to make a difference, and adjusting her diet didn't help. Desperate to avoid surgery for a bowel obstruction, I took a chance on professional grooming, not just some combing. The results were immediate: the hairballs reduced, shedding became minimal, and my allergies surprisingly but significantly improved.Keen to learn more, I chose to study with the institution that satisfied the "why" to every question I had. After months of absorbing the syllabus, I travelled to the USA specifically to complete a rigorous written and practical examination process over two weeks. I was tested on my knowledge of over 40 cat breeds, health and anatomy, and handling skills. I graduated as the first Certified Feline Master Groomer in the Midlands region; at the time, there were fewer than 400 in the world. In the interests of continuous education, I have since been trained in feline first aid and CPR, and am currently studying for my diploma in feline anxiety to be able to better serve rescue cats being rehabilitated and those with shyer dispositions.
At Dandy Lions, we are bona fide cat lovers. We know the power of a slow blink, respect the loaf position and always acknowledge a big stretch. We understand how it feels to be separated from your cat, even for a short time. That's why we provide peace of mind with text updates throughout the grooming session, whenever it is safe to do so. Whether your cat is shy, laid back or has strong boundaries, we recognise subtle body language to ensure they are always handled with the greatest care. We will never use face muzzles, assistants or leashes to force them into positions and demand compliance - their Egyptian ancestors wouldn't have stood for it, and neither should they.But no one understands your cat better than you do. We ask that a brief intake form is completed before their appointment, so we may learn as much as we can about their health and behaviour from you. Our grooming sessions are strictly one-on-one, so your cat receives our full attention and we can provide you with honest feedback. We carefully select our products to suit each cat. We continuously search for advancements in tools and technology, and we source products both internationally and from local independent stores to bring your cat the best the market has to offer.Our goal is to help you maintain your cat's beautiful coat year-round, so our services are perfect for proactive owners who recognise that coat and skin care is part of their cat's overall health. At Dandy Lions, we are always their advocate first and foremost. Your cat deserves the finest, and we make sure they get it.
frequently asked questions
We used to think the same, but there's more to it than meets the eye! Licking distributes oils and saliva and removes some loose fur, but it's not a one-stop solution for all grooming needs. Think of it this way: if licking alone were enough, we wouldn't have matting, ingrown nails, hairball obstruction, dandruff, stud tail, excessive shedding or dander allergies to worry about.
Cat saliva doesn't contain the necessary cleaning agents to fully tackle oil build-up, loose hair, dirt, and other substances that can accumulate on their fur. Imagine if you only brushed your hair occasionally and never washed it. Your cat deserves the same care and attention to keep their skin and coat healthy and comfortable, not to mention those who are unwilling or unable to reach certain areas themselves. So while it may seem they're capable on their own, they still need a helping hand from us to look and feel their best.
And have you ever noticed your cat's fur looking a bit spiky, or like it's in rows? That's the sign of a separated coat, where the tips of fur stick together due to a build-up of grease and dead hair getting clumped together underneath. Speaking of shedding, short-haired cats are notorious for this, and it can be worse when they have thick or dense coats (sometimes thicker or denser than long-hairs).
The shedding cycles of short-hairs are generally more frequent and less predictable than long-haired cats, despite the latter having longer individual hairs. This shedding can lead to issues like matting, hairballs and dandruff, and the saliva left behind from cats trying to lick it all off can trigger allergies in some people. That's where professional grooming comes in! We can help manage all that loose fur, keeping your cat's skin and coat in top shape.
No. Hear us out.
Tangles and knots might seem like the main issue, but grease is the culprit. We focus on the root cause. Using the right bathing techniques and cat-safe products is essential for thoroughly cleaning your cat's coat, which means tangles will slide out because there's no grease to keep the hair clustered. It will take longer for knots to come back too. Imagine you relied solely on dry shampoo once every other month. How long before it starts feeling, smelling and itching too much? By the way, would you consider this professional conduct at a groomer for your dog?
From our experience, when introduced gently, many cats are quite tolerant of water and some actually enjoy it. You might be surprised to hear they often lie down in the tub or try to play with the water stream! While dry shampoos offer a quick fix, they can come with risks if your cat ingests them while licking. With a real bath, you can be sure there are no harmful residues left on your cat's fresh, clean fur.
Cats often behave better for us than their owners when it comes to grooming, and we're excited to meet them all! Aggressive reactions can come from past experiences, unfamiliarity and fear, so we take our time and never rush or force the process. However, when it comes to managing these reactions, it's something we can only fully assess once we've met them face-to-face. Being honest about them on your intake form ahead of time really helps us prepare, as your cat's experience with us begins before they've even left their carrier.
With consistent positive experiences, a cat's response to grooming usually improves as they become more familiar with us and the routine. In some cases, a visit to your vet might be needed to discuss sedatives. Usually, though, the cat is just having a bad day, and we can try again another time.
We do not administer sedatives or medication. We are trained on how to handle a variety of cat temperaments, and will always make an effort to groom your cat without the need for sedation (e.g. drowsy pills). We will never groom cats who are anaesthetised (unconscious). If your cat finds the groom challenging or we are unable to safely handle them, we will recommend that you consult with your veterinarian to explore some options with sedative effects. This could include herbal or pheromone remedies.
It is important to note that the response to sedatives can vary wildly among different cats, and health conditions or dosage levels might influence their effects. The dosage may require adjustments; the desired effects are not guaranteed after the first administration.
services
classic groom
We offer what’s best for your cat, not just what fits into a package. This means that instead of charging extra for services like deshedding, stud tail degreasing and sanitary shaves, everything your cat needs is included in one groom. Each client receives:
Nail trim, ear clean and eye cleanse to help remove tear stains and feel fresh and comfortable.
Skin treatment and warm bath, creating the foundation for a clean, soft coat.
Fluff dry with a comb out for a beautiful finish and per breed standard if applicable.
Spot shaving of mats begins at an additional £10 depending on severity.
£75
lion cut
If your cat is tightly knotted over a large single area or over half their body, a full body shave is often the only cure. We leave as much fur on the head, mane and boots as possible. There is no judgement here for first timers - only a shared commitment to doing what's best for your cat. To minimise stress, we work at a pace that is as comfortable for them as possible, and this portion might need to be split into two visits.
Includes a complimentary follow-up Classic Groom within 10 weeks.
Bath and treatment performed to soothe the skin and promote circulation in areas once hindered by tight knots.
We do not offer once-a-year shave downs, as repeated matting is painful for your cat and causes skin damage. If your cat ever returns in the same or similar condition as in the first lion cut, the price will double from what is listed at the time of booking.
£130
nail trims
We also offer mini sanitary shaves (which you might know as a hygiene trim) in the same visit for an additional £5. These take place under the tail, approximately the width of the base of the tail. This can be a massive help for cats who often carry litter box souvenirs or those who are unwilling or unable to reach their rear end.Please contact us with your availability to book, as trims can be offered outside traditional business hours for your convenience.
£10
appointments
Making a booking indicates acceptance of all policies, waivers and disclaimers linked below, which might have changed since your last visit. Please contact us first if you are unsure of anything - we're happy to help!Upon confirmation of your cat's appointment, you will be asked to complete our brief intake form. This allows us to gather essential information about your cat and any specific needs they may have so we can provide the best experience possible. (Check your email spam folder!)
Please provide at least 48 hours' notice in order to reschedule or cancel, so we may consult any waitlist to see another cat in need of your place.
Same-day cancellations and no shows may incur a £40 fee, representing the minimum charge for your reserved time slot.
We may refuse service if you are more than 15 minutes late to your appointment.
All cats must be securely contained in an enclosed carrier upon arrival.
We do not accept cats who are in heat or nursing.
Your cat must be up to date with their vaccinations per your veterinarian's tailored advice. Cat flu and panleukopaenia are very infectious and can spread on clothes, shoes, and other surfaces (source). We are a home-based salon and will not unduly risk the health of our own pets.
If fleas are discovered during the appointment, a £10 fee will be applied.
If we note any evidence of ringworm or other fungal infection, a £50 fee will be applied.
All prices are subject to change depending on coat condition and care requirements.
The terms listed above are highlighted for your attention and have been extracted from the larger text. Our full policies are located here. (Opens a new page.) The above sections do not hold greater importance than others, but we include them separately to draw immediate attention to aspects that people may find of particular interest or relevance.
intake form
Please complete the form below to the best of your knowledge and ability. This allows us to gather essential information about your cat and any specific needs they may have. We want to be prepared to provide the best experience for them as possible.Please submit one form per cat if condensing the information cannot be done clearly.
policies
We welcome you and your cat under the following terms and conditions. By proceeding with an appointment, you are deemed to have read and understood our policies as set out below. Should you require these in an alternative format, please let us know through methods outlined on the "contact us" form on our website, www.dandylionsgrooming.co.uk; click here to be redirected.This page reflects the current practices and guidelines of Dandy Lions Cat Salon as of 28th October 2024.
Scroll down to read all, or click any of the following to jump to a particular section:
1. HOLD HARMLESSBy using our services, you acknowledge and agree to the following:(a) You are the legal owner or authorised caretaker of the pet(s) presented for grooming services; and(b) that grooming procedures including shaving may exacerbate or expose pre-existing conditions, whether known or unknown, and you release us from any liability arising from any such conditions that have been exacerbated or exposed; and(c) you absolve us of any responsibility for damage, loss or claims arising from the condition of the cat while in our care, and that while we take every reasonable precaution to prevent it, this includes but is not limited to loss, death and injury.
2. CAT & GROOMER SAFETY(a) All cats must be securely contained in an enclosed carrier upon arrival.(b) All cats will have their claws trimmed for the safety of the groomer. If you do not wish for your cat to have trimmed claws, we will not perform any grooming services and the appointment will be deemed cancelled. Fees may apply per section 8(b) based on the timing of the appointment cancellation.(c) Elective shaving services in the form of lion cuts or variations thereof are not guaranteed at the first appointment with us. Not all cats are suitable candidates. If you proceed to book this service without prior approval, you consent to us attempting and charging the rates of our Classic Groom only and any shaving extras.(d) We cannot guarantee the completion of a groom or any add-ons under any circumstance. We reserve the right to terminate appointments at any stage, including during pre-groom consultation. Appointment termination may occur if it could affect the cat's welfare to continue; if a client exhibits disrespectful, abusive or disruptive behaviour; or if there is a risk of injury to the grooming team. Charges for services may still apply.(e) Panting is a sign of extreme stress in cats and can also be a sign of underlying health issues. If a cat is panting, we will stop services and send the cat home with a recommendation to seek veterinary attention.
3. HEALTH & FITNESS DISCLOSURE(a) Please be aware that certain illnesses and conditions including but not limited to age, diabetes, heart murmur, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, seizures and being overweight result in a higher risk of incident during grooming.(b) You are required to inform us of any medical conditions your cat is living with. This enables us to monitor for relevant warning signs, ensuring we are prepared to address specific issues promptly and seek veterinary attention if necessary. You may be asked for confirmation from your veterinarian stating your pet is healthy to be groomed, which must be provided no later than 48 hours before services commence. Failure to comply will result in your appointment being cancelled and forfeiture of any booking fee.(c) You are required to inform us of any allergies or sensitivities your cat has or had. This is important as it can determine whether your cat can be safely groomed with our products.(d) If your veterinarian prescribes sedatives for grooming purposes, we require open communication regarding the prescribed dosage and administration. Failure to cooperate will result in us seeking relevant information from your veterinarian per section 7(c) and may result in us refusing services per 2(d).
3. HEALTH & FITNESS DISCLOSURE(a) Please be aware that certain illnesses and conditions including but not limited to age, diabetes, heart murmur, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, seizures and being overweight result in a higher risk of incident during grooming.(b) You are required to inform us of any medical conditions your cat is living with. This enables us to monitor for relevant warning signs, ensuring we are prepared to address specific issues promptly and seek veterinary attention if necessary. You may be asked for confirmation from your veterinarian stating your pet is healthy to be groomed, which must be provided no later than 48 hours before services commence. Failure to comply will result in your appointment being cancelled and forfeiture of any booking fee.(c) You are required to inform us of any allergies or sensitivities your cat has or had. This is important as it can determine whether your cat can be safely groomed with our products.(d) If your veterinarian prescribes sedatives for grooming purposes, we require open communication regarding the prescribed dosage and administration. Failure to cooperate will result in us seeking relevant information from your veterinarian per section 7(c) and may result in us refusing services per 2(d).
4. MATTINGMats are dense, tangled clusters of hair that form when individual strands become entwined and compacted. Mats in a coat can tighten and spread, causing bruising, damage to and tearing of the cat's skin. Attempting to comb out matting can cause significant discomfort to your cat as hairs are effectively plucked from the body. As a result, if we consider that it is more humane to remove the coat than to de-mat, we will do so in accordance with The Animal Welfare Act 2006. Your decision to continue with our services implies your understanding and agreement with the following:(a) While we make every effort to identify matting during the pre-groom consultation, there may be instances where the extent of matting becomes fully apparent only during the grooming process. In such cases, you confirm that you have given us permission for the cat's coat to be shaved. This may expose or exacerbate pre-existing health and/or skin conditions for which we are not responsible.(b) On such occasions where shaving is required, you accept that any personal preference for how your cat should be groomed will not be taken into consideration, as we will only do what is best for the animal.(c) Shaving a matted cat is a very delicate process and must be done slowly and carefully to avoid further injuries to their skin. Despite our best efforts, removing mats may nevertheless result in cuts and grazes from use of clippers and trimmers and sudden cat movement, for which we will not be held responsible. Cats affected by any illnesses or conditions as outlined in section 3(a) remain at higher risk.(d) Following mat removal procedures, potential after-effects can include itchiness, skin redness, self-inflicted irritations (the cat repeatedly licking sore areas), abrasions, failure of the hair to regrow and regrowth being a different colour than the rest of the body. Cats may also exhibit brief behavioural changes. Should you have any concerns, we recommend you seek advice from your usual veterinarian in the first instance.
5. PARASITES & INFECTIONSIf your cat has fleas, ticks, ringworm or other infections, please refrain from booking and seek veterinary advice for treatment. Should you continue to request services, you acknowledge and agree to the following:(a) If fleas are discovered during the appointment, a £10 fee will be applied to the full cost of the scheduled service, regardless of status of completion. This fee covers the cost of a flea bath, additional cleaning and disinfection of our premises and equipment, and application of insecticide.(b) If we note any evidence of ringworm or other fungal infection, a £50 fee will be applied to the full cost of the scheduled service, regardless of status of completion. This fee compensates us for any items that are required to be disposed of due to risk of contamination, and covers the cost of further cleaning and disinfection of our premises and equipment.
6. VACCINATIONS(a) We recommend cats and kittens wait two weeks after their second vaccination before booking. We will not be held responsible for any illness that may result if you schedule before this period.(b) An unvaccinated cat may put itself and others at risk. By using our services, you confirm that your cat is up to date with their vaccinations per your veterinarian's tailored advice. We reserve the right to ask for proof of vaccination and veterinarian information, which is to be provided no later than 48 hours before your scheduled appointment time. Failure to comply will result in your appointment being cancelled.
7. VETERINARY CONSENT(a) In the event a health concern has arisen or your cat requires immediate veterinary attention, you authorise us to seek medical care without delay and authorise any veterinary treatment as necessary. You accept that the clinic might not be the location specified on your intake form and that you are responsible for all charges incurred.(b) We will attempt to reach you or your designated contact in the event of an emergency via the details provided. However, you understand this may not always be feasible.(c) You provide express consent for your veterinary surgeon, veterinary nurse or their support staff to disclose to us any information about your cat. This may include information given by their client or revealed by clinical examination or by post-mortem examination. This express consent extends to the obtaining of necessary animal data, which falls outside the scope of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We assure our clients that in accordance with the GDPR, we do not seek to acquire personal client data.
8. BOOKINGS & CANCELLATIONS(a) Please provide at least 48 hours' notice in order to reschedule or cancel. This must be completed via any online booking system to be a guaranteed cancellation. Text messages and emails are not guaranteed methods of communication.(b) In the event of a same-day cancellation or no show, including if we initiate the cancellation in accordance with other parts of these policies, a cancellation fee of £40 will apply per cat in addition to any booking fee being forfeited. The fee must be paid prior to a new appointment being accepted. This figure aligns with approximately half the price of the Classic Groom.
Same-day cancellations are defined as from 12:01am on the date of your appointment up to the time of your appointment. No shows are defined as failing to appear for your appointment, including being more than 15 minutes late without notice.(c) You will be directed to complete our client intake form upon creating an appointment. Failure to submit this form more than 48 hours prior to your appointment may cause your booking to be cancelled without notice.(d) To secure an appointment, we reserve the right to require prepayment of services or a non-refundable booking fee without the obligation to provide a reason for such requirement. Prepayment may be required at any stage, including as a condition for scheduling the desired appointment date and time. Bookings will be cancelled if payment is not received within 24 hours of the request being made.(e) We reserve the right to refuse service, cancel any pre-booked appointments and retain any non-refundable booking fee under circumstances including but not limited to the following:
(i) Two consecutive cancellations, including no shows; or
(ii) Two cancellations within a six-month period, including no shows; or
(iii) Failure to adhere to the maintenance schedule recommended for your cat, including via repeated consecutive reschedules.
9. PRICING & PAYMENT(a) For cats to qualify for the "starting from" price, their coats must be well maintained. This means they must be free from knots, tangles and mats due to regular at-home combing or professional grooming visits.(b) You can reasonably expect to pay more than the "starting from" price for:
(i) long-haired coats;
(ii) matted or poorly maintained coats, including faecal removal;
(iii) overweight cats or larger cats (such as Maine Coons), including cats who are oversized for their breed standards;
(iv) cats requiring extra care or specific grooming needs beyond standard service offerings.(c) In the event of a declined debit or credit card, payment is required within 24 hours from the start time of the scheduled appointment via card or bank transfer. Any existing future appointments will be cancelled if payment is not received within this time period, and rebooking will not be permitted until all outstanding charges are settled.(d) The allocation of any benefit is solely at our discretion. Benefits may include but are not limited to complimentary add-on services or discounts as part of any promotional period, loyalty program or gesture of goodwill.
(i) Receipt of a benefit on one occasion does not guarantee its availability on subsequent visits.
(ii) If a benefit is expressly stated to apply to an appointment and that appointment is cancelled or rescheduled, the associated benefit may be lost.
(iii) We reserve the right to discontinue any promotions or loyalty programs early and without prior notification, including the withdrawal of any rights those schemes may have afforded. We shall not be held liable for any losses, damages or inconvenience incurred by you as a result of the termination of promotions or loyalty programs.(e) We reserve the right to enforce payment of all outstanding invoices or charges. Failure to settle invoices in a timely manner may result in us exercising our statutory right to claim interest and compensation for debt recovery costs.
10. REMINDERS & TIMEKEEPING(a) You acknowledge that any text and email reminders and confirmations are not guaranteed as technology can be unreliable. It is your responsibility to oversee and manage your appointments.(b) The absence of a reminder notification does not constitute a valid reason for late cancellations or no shows.(c) If you are more than 15 minutes late, we may refuse service on welfare grounds. Rushing the groom can cause unnecessary stress and potential injury to the cat. Such instances of late arrival may be considered missed appointments and treated as a no show, and therefore be subject to charges as outlined in section 8(b).
11. GENERAL(a) We reserve the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time, and the interpretation of all clauses is at the sole discretion of the salon.(b) We strive to keep social media up to date, but your ultimate responsibility is to double-check everything on our website before booking. The website details and these policies will prevail if there are any discrepancies.(c) We do not accept cats who are in heat or nursing. Should this be their condition during the time of a pre-booked appointment, please transfer your booking with a minimum of 48 hours' notice to safely avoid the cancellation charges outlined in subsections 8(b).(d) We reserve the right to take pictures or videos of your cat during your cat's grooming appointment for educational or promotional use for reasons not limited to our website, social media and advertising. Any images taken will remain our copyright, and you waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising from or related to the use of the image. If you wish to opt out, please let us know before your appointment.