dandy lions cat salon
We help maintain your cat's natural coat year-round.Think of combing at home as keeping the counters tidy and professional grooming as the deep clean, removing the stuff cat saliva won't fix and a comb alone can't handle.This is a dog-free space where cats are celebrated as the complex creatures they are, in a quiet home salon with only one cat at a time. No face muzzles or leashes, just patience, respect and routines that keep them looking and feeling amazing.If your cat sends you packing for a first class guilt trip when you bring out the comb and you're worried they resent you;
If knots keep appearing overnight no matter how much you try, or there's yet another hairball (bonus points if you stepped in a cold one with bare feet first thing in the morning);
If you aren't convinced all these gadgets are helping with the shedding and you're getting fed up with glitter appearing everywhere -Here are the top 10 things to do:
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.
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.
Every cat is different, but clients who report the best results tend to come every 6 to 10 weeks. Here's why:
Hair follows a natural cycle of growth, resting and shedding, typically completing every 4 to 6 weeks depending on length and coat type. If the coat is greasy, loose hairs become stuck on the way out, tangling with others and begin forming knots and tangles. Since hair doesn't shed all at once, this process happens continuously.
Combing helps separate loose hair from growing hair, but if this isn't done regularly, the coat starts to become compacted within 6 to 8 weeks. In my experience, if no maintenance is or can be done at home, this is the time period between grooms when mats form, shedding is noticeable in short hairs, and shaving starts being required. Clients who visit this regularly find the bulk of shedding syncs with the time of the groom, making it my problem instead of theirs.
Ten weeks (when supported by home combing) tends to be when shedding becomes obvious in long hairs and trickier knots start to form, such as behind the ears or on the lower belly.
At 12 weeks, there has been enough buildup of saliva and other debris (particularly if they're allowed outside) that dandruff starts becoming visible and undercoats begin compacting if the cat is left to their own devices. The cat might look fine, but there are clumps you could have SWORN weren't there yesterday.
Additionally, more frequent grooms are usually less stressful for your cat because they know the routine, they have often become desensitised to sounds and sensations, and I'm familiar with how they prefer to be handled. When visits are irregular, cats commonly need to be reintroduced to the process. They may become fearful or aggressive from lack of familiarity or pain, especially if they're only coming when they need to be shaved due to matting.
If nothing else, schedules are recommended as perfect results are unrealistic after long gaps, which can be disappointing for you and stressful for me who wants to please you but, more importantly, do best by your cat.
This is commonly requested to reduce shedding, but the reality is that your cat will still shed the same amount, only at a shorter length. Cats also require a full groom to clean the coat and ensure there are no tangles, THEN be styled, which can be more intensive for your cat if they are not used to grooming or struggle with being handled in the same manner as if they were receiving a full body shave. Any noticeable lack of shedding in the first month or so is therefore due to loosening of the hairs in the bath and forcing them out of the coat with the high-velocity hand dryer, which is why I recommend a "regular" groom if you feel like you're living in a snow globe of fluff.
As an aside, good looking comb cuts require specialised clipper attachments and suction/vacuum units so all hairs are the same length before trimming, which I do not currently have plans to obtain or import.
However, to make things easier on your cat when licking, I can reduce the length of the back of the rear legs, shorten the belly fluff and reshape the ruff/under the chin, as these are fairly non-invasive procedures for your cat.
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
Please note we do not offer "haircuts" (aka teddy trims or comb cuts) and do not style the body with scissors, though can reduce fluffiness on the rear of the back legs and belly to approximately 1cm and reshape the ruff/chest. Similarly, lion cuts are not offered. The risk of injury from clipper blades and discomfort through the shaving process increases as your cat ages due to thinning skin and some medical diagnoses, like arthritis.
classic groom
We offer what’s best for your cat, not just what fits into a package. De-sheds and hygiene trims under the tail come standard, and we keep things as perfume and fragrance-free as possible. Each client receives:
Skin treatment and warm bath with shampoos carefully chosen for your cat's unique coat. (No dry shampoo or dry combouts!)
Nail trim, ear clean, eye cleanse and lash trimming if required to help manage tear stains.
Fluff dry by hand (and per breed standard if applicable) in our bespoke cabinet so they can move around at will and are not inhaling loose hair.
Spot shaving matted areas begins at an additional £10 per area depending on severity and regardless of visit frequency. See "matting guide" below for a visual aid. If the matting could be considered as taking over large areas of the body, please be prepared to be referred to your vet for a supervised groom instead.
| Coat type | From |
|---|---|
| Short hair | £75 |
| Long hair | £85 |
How often should you bring your cat? Check out the answer in the FAQs here!
matting guide
Mat removal is not offered as a standalone service. The below prices are in addition to a Classic Groom. Please understand that quotes cannot be relied upon until I meet your cat in person and am able to physically assess any knots and mats, as photos and fluff can be deceiving. The images are in an attempt to assist and this section acts as a guide only.
Tangles: Included in groom
Matting: Starts at £10
Pelts: Starts at £20
The next time you require mat removal, the price will increase. I understand people don't often know cat grooming is a "thing" until it's needed, and I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt. Therefore, the first visit starts at £10, the second starts at £20, the third at £30 and so on. Your cat needs to be combed at home or brought in more regularly to avoid the surcharge.
Tap individual images below to enlarge.
lion cut
While there is no judgement here for first timers, lion cuts are not a service we provide. When booking a mat removal, please be aware there is a chance your cat may be referred to a vet instead. I'm happy to help with minor or moderate matting, but in some cases the severity requires a full shave down.Extensive matting and pelts can hide infections and other skin issues. Removal can cause further stress or injury, especially if the cat is geriatric or already has known health conditions such as arthritis or renal disease, so veterinary supervision means any problems can be treated right away.Once their coat has been reset, I'll be happy to work with you on a regular grooming schedule to prevent the mats from returning, including assisting with any post-clipping alopecia.
nail trims
As it says on the tin! Please contact us with your availability to book, as trims are offered outside traditional business hours for your convenience. Also includes ear and eye clean.
£15
appointments
I'm updating my booking system and reviewing the client journey to help things run more smoothly, so am not taking new appointments at the moment. All existing appointments until the end of September are unaffected and any changes can be made via the link in your confirmation emails.I do look forward to helping you and meeting your cat, so please check back soon!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!
A £15 deposit per cat is required to reserve your spot, and will be deducted from your total on the day. It is non-refundable, but can be transferred to a new time/date more than 24 hours before your appointment. Rescheduling within 24 hours of your appointment will be treated as a cancellation and the deposit will be forfeited.
All cats will have their nails trimmed to protect the groomer and salon items. They will still be able to scratch and climb. Refusal will result in cancellation of the appointment and potential deposit forfeiture.
Please note I do not offer lion cuts or whole body haircuts/trims aka comb cuts/teddy trims etc, and your appointment will be declined if you mention wanting such a style. Deshedding/debulking is part of the Classic Groom service and removes loose hair rather than cutting the length itself. See the FAQs for more.
All cats must be securely contained when coming and going from the salon. If you do not have an appropriate carrier or harness for them, you will be charged £15 and provided a soft-sided travel bag for them to go home in.
This is a flea-free, home-based salon. We do not offer flea baths as a standalone service. If an outbreak is obvious when you arrive, you will be asked to leave and seek treatment from your vet, and your deposit will be forfeited to compensate for flea treating the salon.
By booking, you confirm your cat is up to date with their vaccinations, which protects immunocompromised clients and my own pets. If your vet has advised against core vaccinations (i.e. FCV, FHV and FPV), written proof is required to satisfy my insurance obligations.
Any intake forms must be completed within 48 hours of being sent. If I feel I can't safely meet your needs, your appointment will be cancelled and deposit refunded.
The full policies, including full cancellation terms, are located here. (Opens a new page.) The points above do not hold greater importance than others, but are highlighted to draw immediate attention to aspects that people may find of particular interest or relevance.
contact
Before hitting submit, please note the following:
Pricing enquiries will not be responded to as a guide is available here. We cannot provide accurate quotes without meeting your cat as photographs and fluff can be deceiving.
Dandy Lions is a flea-free salon and cannot knowingly accept cats experiencing active fleas. Please seek veterinary advice as store bought spot-ons are often insufficient.
All booking must be completed through the online calendar here. If you wish to book more than one cat in the one slot, please make this note when selecting a time/date and we'll be in touch!
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
Hi and welcome to Dandy Lions! What you're about to read are the policies that outline how we operate. By the end, you'll know how I aim to respond in certain situations and what we can expect from each other, so we can keep things running smoothly while putting cat welfare front and centre. If something in here doesn't make sense or you need these sent in a different format, please reach out! "We," "I," "us," unless context implies differently, all mean Dandy Lions Cat Salon.This page reflects the current practices and guidelines of Dandy Lions Cat Salon as of 25th August 2025.
1. CONDITIONS OF ENTRYAll cats must be securely contained when coming and going from the salon. I don't want to risk them escaping out of your arms when you're outside. If you don't have an appropriate enclosure for them at the time of collection, you will be charged £15 for a soft-sided travel bag for your cat to go home in. Harnesses are at your risk.All cats will have their nails trimmed to reduce the risk of injury to the groomer and salon items. This does not prevent their ability to scratch or climb. If you refuse a nail trim, your appointment will be cancelled, and the deposit will be forfeited if this is done within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment.All cats must be up to date on core vaccinations to protect the health of immunocompromised clients and my own pets. If your vet has advised against vaccination, written proof is required or your written permission for me to confirm this with them directly. You will be banned from future bookings if I discover you have lied about your cat's vaccination status and unnecessarily put other cats, and potentially people, at risk.2. BOOKING/RESCHEDULING/CANCELLINGA deposit of £15 is required to confirm your booking. This will be deducted from your total on the day. If it is not paid within 48 hours of scheduling, the appointment will be cancelled.
Any intake forms must be completed or existing information reviewed within 48 hours of booking. This gives me an overview of your cat's personality, health and what you're hoping to achieve. If I feel I can't safely meet your needs based on the information provided, I'll let you know and may refer you to a vet or groomer with a different set up. In those cases, your booking will be cancelled and deposit refunded.
You can cancel or reschedule online any time up to 48 hours before your appointment. If you reschedule, your deposit will be transferred to the new time/date. If you cancel, the deposit will be forfeited. Providing less than 48 hours' notice of any changes (or failing to show at all) means your deposit will be forfeited.Repeated rescheduling is disruptive, and your appointment will be cancelled and deposit forfeited on your third consecutive attempt to change your booking.
If it is 10 minutes past your appointment start time and I haven't heard from you, the appointment will be cancelled and your deposit forfeited. I will not accept you after this time if you haven't contacted me, as rushing the groom can cause unnecessary stress and potential injury to the cat.
In the rare event I need to cancel your appointment with less than 48 hours' notice, you will have the option of your deposit being refunded in full or the deposit being transferred to another time/date. If you choose a refund, the appointment will be cancelled (not rescheduled), meaning you will need to create a new booking online and pay a new deposit. If I need to cancel with more than 48 hours' notice, the same applies.3. RIGHT TO REFUSEI reserve the right to stop or refuse service at any time. This tends to happen if your cat is showing signs of extreme stress or aggression, or people are being disrespectful or abusive. Deposits may be returned to you at my discretion.
All cats are assumed to be in good general health, free from contagious conditions and fit to be groomed. If your cat appears unwell, including open wounds or they have stitches, I will not proceed to groom them. Your deposit will be forfeited and you will be advised to speak with your vet.4. PARASITESWe do not accept cats that are known to have fleas. If they are discovered and active during the groom, an additional £10 will be charged and your cat will be given a flea bath. If an outbreak is obvious at the time of arrival, including becoming visible after minimal touching or combing, you will be asked to leave the premises and seek treatment from your vet. Your deposit will be forfeited.
If ringworm or other fungal infection is discovered, a £50 fee will be charged to compensate for the porous items that need to be disposed of to reduce further contamination (e.g. towels, blankets and clothes). If there are suspicious wounds or lesions present at the time of arrival, you will be asked to leave the premises and seek treatment from your vet. Your deposit will be forfeited.5. PAYMENTWe accept card payment and bank transfer. Any bank transfers must be made in full prior to you leaving the salon or within 24 hours if this is not feasible.
Refunds are not offered as services will have been provided. If you have any concerns or feel something wasn't quite right, please let me know in writing within 48 hours (preferably via WhatsApp to minimise the chance of messages being filtered to spam) so I can offer a solution or correction where possible.
If a payment is disputed and your bank or card provider finds in our favour, you agree to cover any dispute fees we are charged, as well as a reasonable fee to cover the time and resources spent responding to and resolving the dispute.
Should it become necessary to pursue unpaid amounts through Money Claim Online, debt recovery agents or the County Court, the client will be liable for the original balance plus all associated recovery costs. A County Court Judgment may also be registered against the client in the event of non-payment.6. MATTING INFORMATIONIf tight clumps of tangled hair ("mats”) are found in your cat's coat at any point during the appointment, even if it wasn't visible at the outset or the full extent of it wasn't known when you first arrived, I will shave underneath the mat for your cat's comfort. This might end up being close to the skin, and some clipper blade lengths are as short as 1.2mm.
Despite great care being taken, shaving carries a risk of clipper irritation, cuts and grazes, as this action is taking place on a live animal that makes sudden movements and the skin might be obscured by matting. Cats affected by any illnesses and conditions will be at higher risk, such as those of advanced age or living with kidney failure, heart disease, arthritis or being overweight, whether or not such illnesses or conditions are known.
Potential side effects of mat removal include but are not limited to skin redness, abrasions, brief behavioural changes, self-inflicted irritations from the cat repeatedly licking or scratching themselves, failure of the hair to regrow and regrowth being a different colour than the rest of the body (common in colour-pointed cats like Ragdolls).7. MEDICAL EMERGENCIESPlease be aware that certain illnesses and conditions result in a higher risk of incident during grooming, including but not limited to age, kidney failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy ("HCM"), arthritis and being overweight. Not all conditions are known at the time of grooming.
If your cat becomes unwell or needs urgent medical attention during their appointment, you give us permission to administer first aid or get them veterinary care straight away. In the case of the latter, we'll use our best judgment to authorise any treatment needed to keep them safe and comfortable. This might not always be with the vet you listed on your intake form. We'll always try to contact you or your secondary contact, but please understand that in a true emergency, we may need to act quickly even if we can't reach you first. We strongly recommend all pets are covered by insurance to help with unexpected costs.
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 (you) or revealed by post-mortem examination. This consent extends to obtaining necessary ANIMAL data, which falls outside the scope of the General Data Protection Regulation, and not YOUR (personal client) data.8. HOLD HARMLESSYou confirm you are the legal owner or authorised caretaker of the cat presented for grooming.
Any advice I offer is given in good faith and based only on personal experience and client observation, and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified veterinarian, behaviourist, nutritionist etc. I will always recommend you consult the appropriate professional if you have concerns, and will not be held liable for any issues arising from you not doing so.
We are not liable to you for any loss of profits, charges or expenses, including relating to those of a third party. For example, asking us to reimburse you for a pet sitter to collect your cat because we asked they be picked up early.
You absolve us of any responsibility for damage or claims arising from the condition of the cat while in our care. While we take every reasonable precaution to prevent it, this can include loss, death and injury.
We will not be held responsible financially or otherwise for any injuries caused during any mat removal process or for any pre-existing conditions revealed or exacerbated by grooming, whether or not they were known to exist previously. This can include scarring, bruising, open wounds, or any infections from restricted airflow to the skin.9. GENERALPlease wait 2 weeks after any vaccination before bringing your cat for grooming.
If you've applied a topical flea or tick treatment, wait at least 2 days before the appointment or per manufacturer's instructions.Likewise, after your cat has been groomed, wait at least 2 days before applying any topical treatments or per manufacturer's instructions. I won't be held liable for any sickness or loss of efficacy if these recommendations are ignored.
Photos of your cat will be taken for record keeping and insurance purposes, and a copy can be provided on request should you have any concerns that require medical consultation.
We reserve the right to take pictures or videos of your cat during their 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 do not wish for media to be used in this way, please let us know before your appointment.
I don't guarantee the completion of any groom or a "perfect finish". I do not test boundaries or push past a cat's stress threshold. Instead, I work with what they allow on the day. The more regularly your cat is groomed, the more they typically allow me to do, and the better the results over time. If your cat becomes overstimulated or distressed, I will pause or modify the session. Because outcomes are determined by your cat's tolerance and behaviour, not just groomer skill or ability, no refunds or discounts are given for perceived imperfections. A common example of such a perceived imperfection is a cat being towel dried around the neck or feet, rather than blow dried, as it is the first time high-velocity air has been in such sensitive areas and they don't like it.
If I choose not to enforce a policy immediately, or only act on part of it, that doesn't mean the policy is waived or I can't act on it fully in future. I reserve the right to enforce any part of these terms at any time, unless the terms specifically say otherwise. The interpretation and application of these terms is at the sole discretion of the salon.
These terms may be updated from time to time without notification, whether it's to improve clarity or fix typos. If a change is ever made that we feel is substantial, you'll be asked to review and accept an updated version before your next appointment.
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 is in place to help compensate for the time set aside exclusively for your appointment, as our salon operates on a one-client-at-a-time basis. Additionally, it helps cover idle overhead costs, such as rent, utilities, and insurance, which are incurred regardless of whether the salon is actively being used. These costs remain constant and do not account for the time or product usage specifically for your booking. The fee also reflects a minimum wage calculation to ensure the continued smooth operation of the business.
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.