At TANDEM Cat® Grooming, we understand that many cats have been groomed only under sedation or anesthesia in the past. For some cats with specific medical conditions, sedation is necessary — and we honor those needs without judgment.
But for many others, sedation has become the norm simply because no one showed them an alternative. At TANDEM Cat®, we specialize in awake, trauma-informed grooming that respects each cat’s individuality, autonomy, and emotional well-being.
There is another way.
A safer, gentler, trust-based way.
Sedation is not without risks — especially for older, medically fragile, or chronically stressed cats. Even beyond the medical risks, sedation can disrupt the cat’s trust, deepen fear of handling, and make future care harder, not easier.
Awake grooming, when done skillfully and respectfully, allows:
Every cat deserves to be treated as a being — not a problem to be solved.
Our method centers on real-time body reading, consent-based handling, and flexible pace. We meet the cat where they are — not where history says they should be.
When a cat previously groomed under sedation arrives, we:
If a cat struggles beyond what awake care allows, we re-assess collaboratively with the guardian. The cat’s well-being — emotional, physical, relational — remains the priority at every step.
Nico came to us after a life of sedation-only grooming. His guardians were unsure if awake grooming was even possible — they had been told anesthesia was "necessary."
We began by gently testing tolerance: clipping nails, lightly manipulating the coat. Nico grumbled a little but showed clear signs of trust.
We proceeded slowly — and successfully. No sedation. No trauma. Nico left with his beautiful full coat intact — and a newly hopeful future of awake, fear-free grooming ahead.
Nico’s guardians left realizing that sedation wasn't inevitable after all. Love and skill made the difference.
Krysta arrived spirited, expressive — and heavily felted across her flexion zones. Historically labeled "difficult," Krysta might have been routed automatically toward sedation elsewhere.
Instead, we listened to her body. We honored her spirit.
Through careful real-time handling, we completed a full Lion Cut awake — safely, thoroughly, respectfully.
After mat removal, we identified mild bruising caused not by grooming, but by the chronic pressure of matting itself.
We supported Krysta's resilience — and helped her guardians imagine a future of lighter, happier grooming sessions.
Krysta didn’t need to be sedated. She needed to be heard.
There are cases where medical sedation remains the safest, kindest option. In these cases, we will work compassionately with the guardian and veterinary team to prioritize the cat’s well-being.
We believe in right care, not rigid ideology.
If your cat has been labeled "only groomable under sedation" — it might be true. But it also might not.
At TANDEM Cat®, we offer patient, body-honoring, trauma-informed awake grooming wherever it is safe and possible — restoring dignity, trust, and comfort without unnecessary sedation.
There is another way.
We can help.
We specialize in solving extreme fur issues and providing grooming tailored to a cat’s health, temperament, and mobility.
Matting, knots, dreadlocks, and compacted fur
Shedding, bulky fur, and hairballs
Sanitation issues, including waste accumulation
Fleas, skin infections, and body odors
Cats with heart disease and murmurs
Senior cats or those with arthritis and mobility challenges
Cats who are shy, skittish, or aggressive
Cats with blindness, neurological conditions, or special needs
Traditional cat grooming often forces a cat into unnatural positions, causing discomfort and stress. Feline Form™ Grooming takes the opposite approach:
Works with a cat’s natural posture rather than forcing unnatural positioning.
Eliminates unnecessary restraint in favor of controlled, cooperative handling.
Uses fine motor skills to guide the skin and clipper simultaneously, ensuring a smooth, safe groom.
For severely pelted cats, Feline Form™ Grooming allows for full removal of a felted coat in as little as 20 minutes, without injury, leaving the pelt intact as a single piece. This level of precision, control, and efficiency is unmatched in the industry.
At Cats in the City & TANDEM™ Cat Grooming, we offer expert grooming tailored to your cat’s coat, comfort, and hygiene needs. From bathing and de-shedding to creative trims and breed-specific cuts, our experienced team ensures a stress-free, professional grooming experience for every cat.
✔ Includes bath, brush, blow-dry, and nail trim
✔ Essential maintenance for a clean, fresh, and tangle-free coat
✔ Perfect for routine upkeep and coat health
🔹 De-Shedding – $50+
✔ Reduces excess shedding and prevents hair buildup
✔ Helps manage long-haired and thick-coated breeds
🔹 De-Matting (Always Combined with De-Shedding) – $50+
✔ Gently removes mats and tangles
✔ Prevents discomfort and restores coat health
🔹 Matted Shave – $50+
✔ Full removal of severely matted fur
✔ Ensures comfort while allowing healthy regrowth
🔹 Degreasing Treatment – $25
✔ Removes excess oil buildup
✔ Ideal for cats with greasy or unkempt coats
🔹 Dandruff Treatment – $25
✔ Targets dry, flaky skin
✔ Helps maintain a soft, hydrated coat
🔹 Shave (Lion Cut or Summer Shave) – $50
✔ Classic lion or full-body shave for easier maintenance
✔ Keeps cats cool and mat-free
🔹 Bison Cut – $65+
✔ Unique style with thicker mane & shaved body
✔ Perfect for a bold, rugged look
🔹 Teddy Bear Cut – $65+
✔ Soft, rounded trim for a plush, adorable look
✔ Ideal for breeds like Persians and Himalayans
🔹 Velvet Cut – $65+
✔ Short, even-length trim for a sleek, smooth finish
🔹 Dino Cut – $95+
✔ Creative spiked trim along the spine for a unique look
🔹 Squirrel Cut – $65+
✔ Similar to a Teddy Bear Cut but with a full-length tail
🔹 Sanitary Trim – $30+
✔ Keeps rear and belly areas clean
✔ Essential for long-haired and senior cats
🔹 Belly Trim – $30+
✔ Reduces tangles and dirt buildup
✔ Allows for easier self-grooming
🔹 Taper Mane – $25
✔ Softens and blends the fur around the neck & shoulders
🔹 Trim Paw Pad Fur – $20
✔ Prevents slipping & matting between paw pads
✔ Helps maintain hygiene & traction
Safe, comfortable trim to maintain healthy claw length
Prevents overgrowth, damage, and scratching injuries
Suitable for all cats on a regular care schedule
Trimming of claws beginning to curl or press into pads
Reduces risk of pain, infection, or mobility issues
Common in senior cats and those with neglected nails
Removal of tightly rolled, disc-shaped claws
Often hidden under dense fur or hardened sheath buildup
Addressed in session with advanced handling and precision
Removal of claws that have punctured or embedded into the paw pad
Includes wound cleaning and trauma-informed care
Offers immediate pain relief without sedation or vet referral
Treatment of multiple complex claw conditions across several digits
May involve combinations of disc, embedded, or infected claws
Requires expert restraint, sequencing, and wound aftercare
✔ No Sedation. No Delay.
We resolve problems immediately—in grooming, not the ER.
✔ Pain Relief in Real Time.
We don’t just spot issues. We treat them with clinical fluency and gentle care.
✔ Feline-Only Expertise.
Our team handles hundreds of claw cases monthly—including edge cases most vets refer out.
✔ Prevention-Oriented.
We don’t wait for infections or limping to begin. We intervene early and effectively.
✔ Emotionally Safe, Physically Precise.
Our grooming is built on trust, expertise, and quiet, practiced hands.
Flea Treatment Grooming Program
Comprehensive Flea Removal & Prevention for Your Cat
At Cats in the City & TANDEM™ Cat Grooming, we understand that fleas are more than just an inconvenience. They cause itching, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even serious health complications. Our Flea Treatment Grooming Program is designed to eliminate fleas, soothe your cat’s skin, and provide lasting protection against reinfestation.
Flea infestations can be persistent, and multiple treatments may be necessary. While flea treatments are highly effective, they are not guaranteed unless paired with consistent at-home prevention.
🐾 Flea medications are not included in the total package price.
De-Flea Total Package – $259
A complete flea removal and coat restoration service for cats with mild to moderate flea infestations.
✔ Flea Dip Treatment to kill active fleas on contact
✔ Deep Cleaning Bath & Flea Combing to remove fleas, eggs, and flea dirt
✔ Claw Trim & Paw Care to reduce irritation from excessive scratching
✔ Sanitary Trim & Hygiene Care for long-haired cats or those with heavy flea exposure
✔ Ideal for cats who need thorough flea removal but may not require extensive treatment
📌 Best results when paired with oral and topical flea preventatives.
Capstar Oral Flea Treatment – $25 per dose
✔ Fast-acting oral flea medication that kills all adult fleas within hours
✔ Best when administered with grooming and followed up with additional doses at home
📌 Purchase three doses for $65 to ensure full flea elimination.
Monthly Flea Preventative Application – $29
✔ Vet-recommended Cheristin flea preventative applied at grooming
✔ Provides 30 days of flea protection
✔ Recommended: Buy three doses for $79 and save
Follow-Up Flea Treatment Grooming Session – $149
✔ A second full flea treatment grooming session within 30 days for severe infestations
✔ Helps eliminate newly hatched fleas and ensures complete coat restoration
Our Recommended Flea Treatment Plan
Step 1: Book the De-Flea Total Package for mild cases or the Total Flea Treatment Grooming Package for severe infestations.
Step 2: Continue at-home flea prevention with Capstar and Cheristin to break the flea life cycle.
Step 3: Schedule a Follow-Up Grooming Session within 30 days if needed for persistent cases.
📌 Flea infestations persist without ongoing treatment. Prevention is key to keeping your cat flea-free.
Why Choose Cats in the City & TANDEM™ for Flea Treatment?
Our feline-exclusive grooming specialists provide stress-free flea treatment designed specifically for cats. We combine expert grooming, thorough flea elimination, and long-term prevention solutions to ensure your cat receives the best care possible.
At Cats in the City & TANDEM™ Cat Grooming, we believe that a well-groomed cat is a healthy and happy cat. Our professional feline hygiene services go beyond just grooming—we provide expert ear, nasal, and oral care to help prevent infections, reduce discomfort, and improve your cat’s overall well-being.
These services are included in our Total Grooming Package ($259) but can also be booked separately as standalone treatments.
✔ Thorough ear cleansing to remove dirt, wax buildup, and debris
✔ Helps prevent ear infections and irritation
✔ Ideal for cats prone to ear discharge, waxy buildup, or mild odor
✔ Deep ear cleaning combined with a gentle nasal cleanse
✔ Removes dust, allergens, and debris that can cause irritation
✔ Helps clear nasal congestion for easier breathing
✔ Oral rinse to freshen breath and cleanse the mouth
✔ Helps reduce bacteria buildup and minor plaque formation
✔ Ideal for cats with mild odor, food debris, or early signs of tartar
✔ Feline-Specific Expertise – We understand cats’ unique anatomy and sensitivities
✔ Stress-Free Handling – Our trained team ensures your cat’s comfort
✔ Prevents Common Issues – Regular care reduces the risk of ear infections, nasal blockages, and oral discomfort
📌 Did you know? These services are included at no extra charge in our Total Grooming Package ($259)!
At Cats in the City & TANDEM™ Cat Grooming, we provide expert solutions for cats requiring specialized care. Whether your cat needs skunk odor removal, a medicated bath, or extra handling for stress and mobility concerns, our team ensures a gentle, safe, and effective grooming experience.
✔ Neutralizes strong odors caused by skunk spray
✔ Deep-cleaning formula eliminates oil-based residue
✔ Reduces lingering smells and restores coat freshness
✔ Extra time, patience, and care for nervous, senior, or mobility-challenged cats
✔ Gentle techniques for anxious, fractious, or special-needs felines
✔ Ensures a calm and stress-free grooming session
✔ Medicated bath to treat and prevent skin infections
✔ Targets bacteria, fungus, and microbial buildup
✔ Ideal for cats with allergies, excessive oil, or skin sensitivities
We offer a stress-free pet transportation service for grooming and boarding appointments.
💲 $60 base fee + $4.99 per mile
📌 Morning Shuttle (Drop-Off for Grooming & Boarding)
🕖 Runs 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
📌 Afternoon Shuttle (Pickup After Grooming & Boarding)
🕓 Runs 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
✔ We call or text when your cat is next in line for pickup or drop-off
✔ Safe, climate-controlled transportation with feline-specific accommodations
✔ Not included in Total Grooming Packages
Your cat is bathed using hypoallergenic solutions, dried, and brushed to remove dander, tangles, and loose fur. We require a bath and nail trim with most primary services. We will withhold a bath upon request, though it does not reduce the cost of the overall charge.
Using patented tools we proactively remove as much of your cat’s loose shed and undercoat as possible, eliminating the cause of matting, and reducing the amount of fur your cat ingests, so fewer hairballs and less fur around the house. De-shedding your cat as part of routine cat grooming will prevent matting before it begins.
Before:
After:
We built our practice solving matting issues. Using patented tools we gently remove the knots and tangles from car fur, essentially rescuing your cat’s coat, and bringing it back to life without the need to shave. Although a cat’s cat can reach a state in which a shave is the only choice. De-shedding as part of routine cat grooming will proactively eliminate matting before it begins.
A lion cut on a cat is a close trim shave, similar in length to a man’s buzz cut. It can be done with a natural or tapered lion mane, booties, and pom-pom on the tail. A tapered mane is $25 extra.
A bison cut on a cat is a close trim shave on the back half of the body of a cat, similar in length to a man’s buzz cut, while leaving the full length coat on the front half of the cat. The bison cut can be done with a natural or tapered mane.
A teddy bear cut on a cat is similar to a lion cut but with a rounded face tapered similar to a bear cub. This cut is modified for cats with matted fur.
If your cat has an imperfect coat (tangles, knots, compaction), you can still get a teddy bear cut but the fur requires preparation at an additional cost in order for the tools to work for this cut.
We have thirteen years experience shaving cats that would otherwise be sedated and shaved at a vet. We have shaved thousands of cats who were severely matted without sedatives. We have groomed over 35,000 cats in our tenure and we built our practice on solving the most severe matting issues.
A velvet haircut is a shave that is aesthetically similar to a teddy bear haircut with a rounded head and a layer of fur similar to a sheet of velvet.
A Dino Cut is our newest style offering. It is a short shave, leaving the mane and Dino spikes down the back.
A Squirrel Cut is a teddy bear cut with a full length tail like squirrel.
A sanitary trim is shaving the private area and sometimes the back of the legs, in order to keep kitty sanitary while using the litter box.
Fecal Removal. Sometimes it happens. Some pretty yucky waste becomes stuck and needs cleaning of fecal matter to become sanitary.
Your cat’s nails can’t be ignored, either. Unclipped nails curl and thicken, injuring your cat’s paw pads. Unclipped nails can also catch and stick to carpeting, scratching posts, and furniture, potentially injuring paws. Cats in the City can maintain the health of your cat’s paws by safely clipping the front and the back nails periodically. We recommend clipping nails every 6 to 8 weeks for indoor cats. Does your cat scratch your furniture and floors? We can help with that, too!
The red line is the nail trim cut line.
Removing ingrown nails and wound care for damage paw pads is an additional cost.
Need Mobile Nail Trims? Use our mobile claw trimming service and we will trim your cat’s claws in your home:
Leaves paw pads smooth which decreases the amount of litter that is tracked throughout the home.
De-flea is an enzyme concentrate that naturally kills fleas on contact by compromising their outer-shell (exoskeleton).
De-Skunk is a patented cleanser that significantly reduces and/or removes horrible smells.
Grooming alone will not solve a flea infestation.
We’ve done our part. The rest is up to you!
Fleas are invasive. They spread prolifically and undesirably. Fleas have existed since the time of the dinosaurs, they survived the comet that caused the mass extinction event that killed off the dinosaurs, and to this day fleas are resistant to eradication. Fleas have evolved to survive. Ridding fleas from your pet and home once there is an observable problem is difficult, frustrating, time consuming, and expensive. Using a routine flea prevention treatment is the best way to keep fleas off your cat.
Cats in the City grooming is just one component to ridding your home and cat of fleas. You have several actions and responsibilities in order to keep fleas from returning.
All the money and effort expended today will be wasted and for not without you taking the following additional steps:
We have fully groomed your cat and we have neutralized the fleas living on your cat, and living in the eye sockets and nostrils of your cat.
You will see dead flea bodies on your cat. The fleas latch on to your cat tightly at the time of death. The fleas grip will loosen in the coming days and the flea bodies will shed naturally on their own.
The grooming process included a flea dip, which neutralizes fleas on contact. We administered an oral treatment called Capstar to neutralize fleas in the eye sockets and nostrils. We also applied a monthly flea treatment called Cheristin.
The treatments we used are not enough to solve your flea infestation alone. The treatments we used are not guaranteed and repeated grooming sessions may be required to fully solve your flea infestation.
The source of the fleas in your home must be eradicated. Fleas can travel from neighbors who live upstairs, downstairs, and next door. Fleas can live in yards, basements, crawlspaces, attics, walls, bedding, litter boxes, and voids created by furniture. While treating your home yourself with home foggers and sprays is possible, remember that fleas survived the comet and fleas are likely to survive your efforts as well. A licensed exterminator is most skilled and best equipped to solve flea infestations in your home.
Keep your cat on a monthly flea prevention treatment. You have two months of additional flea prevention treatments. Each monthly prevention treatment should be applied on a monthly schedule beginning one month from today. Please purchase additional flea prevention treatments before you run out of treatments. Any lapse in applying flea prevention can cause the flea infestation to return.
Two additional oral Capstar treatments have been provided in case you see additional flea activity. Do not use Capstar more often than once per 24 hour period.
Optional Follow-up Grooming Session If you find live fleas on your cat within 30 days of today’s grooming appointment.
The De-Flea grooming package includes an optional second grooming session with a flea dip within 30 days of today’s appointment. Not all cats require a second grooming session, especially if you’ve hired an exterminator to eradicate the source of fleas in your home. Grooming alone is not enough to solve most residential flea infestations, and this followup grooming session is likely to fail as well if you haven’t involved additional professionals like a licensed exterminator and veterinarian. Most cats will not need this followup grooming session, so it is only for those cats who have a recurring flea infestation within 30 days of today’s appointment.
De-Flea Grooming Package – $649
Total Package Grooming Session with Flea Dip
Oral Capstar Administered Today, and 2 Additional Doses of Capstar to Use at Home
Cheristin Monthly Flea Preventative Applied, and 2 Additional Doses of Cheristin to Use at Home on a Monthly Basis Starting One Month from Today
An Optional Second Total Package Grooming Session within 30 Days of Today’s Appointment
If you see live fleas on your cat after today’s grooming appointment, your flea infestation is much bigger than grooming can solve. Your flea infestation will need to be solved by a licensed exterminator and a veterinarian.
https://youtu.be/bLk6VchIKXo
It’s common to find low levels of dandruff in a cat’s coat, especially in darker coats. However, excess dandruff in your cat’s coat can be a sign of dry skin caused by the overproduction or underproduction of skin oil called sebum. Grooming and bathing your cat can address excess dandruff production and we can help! In addition to grooming, increasing Omega-3 fatty acids in your cat’s diet will improve skin health.
Before: 
After:
Cat hair can accumulate oil and appear greasy even after a bath. When grease and oil has fully encapsulated your cat’s hair strands, it acts as a water repellant so water and bathing product do not penetrate the hair, resulting in poor outcomes. We achieve clean results by using an advanced hypoallergenic formula that is gentle and safe.
Using a veterinary formulated sterile solution, we flush the ears clean of debris and apply antiseptic powder, which keeps the ear dry and creates an environment more hostile to infection.
Using a veterinary formulated sterile solution, we flush the outer eyes, nose, and face clean of debris.
Using a veterinary formulated antiseptic solution, we flush the teeth, gums, and mouth clean of debris, and brush visible teeth, resulting in a cleaner mouth and fresher breath. Bad breath can be caused by infection. We will refer you to a vet if infection is suspected.
Now offering Soft Claws nail covering. Each application includes nail trim, nail caps, and application for a combined cost of $70. Each application lasts 4 to 6 weeks.
Grooming Session
We require a bath and nail trim with most grooms. Grooming related needs may be discovered during the session that were previously unknown or not discussed. We address such needs during the grooming session and actual services performed are charged at checkout. Grooming sessions start at $129 and most grooms are capped at $259.
Claw Trims
For the safety of kitty and our team, we perform claw trims on most cats. We trim claws to just before the vein in the nail bed, which is harmless to cats. Claws regrow and sharpen within 2-6 weeks.
Most grooming models were never designed for cats. They were adapted from dog grooming standards—models built for speed, restraint, and sedation. But cats are not small dogs. They’re complex beings with sensitive nervous systems, fragile trust, and unique physical needs.
That’s why we built something entirely different.
TANDEM™ Grooming isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for cats with anxiety, arthritis, heart conditions, respiratory sensitivities, trauma histories, or simply a low tolerance for stress. Even healthy, well-adjusted cats deserve better than rushed, one-size-fits-all grooming on cold tables and chaotic schedules.
We didn’t tweak an old system.
We reimagined what grooming should be.
Two-person teams trained in feline behavior
Padded, horizontal surfaces that respect natural posture
Soundproof suites and calming environments
Trauma-informed touch backed by neuroscience and compassion
12,000+ grooms required to certify—because trust and skill can’t be rushed
For many cats, TANDEM™ isn’t just the best option—it’s the only humane one.
We created this standard because cats needed it.
We uphold it every day because your cat deserves it.
Our Certification as TANDEM™ Cat Groomers reflects our commitment to excellence and professionalism in the cat grooming industry. It signifies that we have completed comprehensive training in TANDEM™ cat grooming techniques, equipping us with the specialized skills necessary to groom cats with the utmost care, precision, and compassion.
Cats require a unique approach to grooming, distinct from other pets. Our TANDEM™ certification equips us with advanced techniques specifically tailored for feline grooming, including handling challenging cats and understanding feline behavior. The TANDEM™ methodology also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between two groomers to ensure a safe, efficient, and low-stress grooming experience for your cat. This collaborative approach allows us to provide meticulous attention and gentle handling, ensuring that each cat receives the care and comfort they deserve during grooming sessions.
We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in cat grooming and are excited to offer you the exceptional care that comes with being Certified TANDEM™ Cat Groomers. Thank you for trusting us with your feline friends
We measure our love of cats by how much we are loved by them.
Have questions or need to arrange care for your feline friend? We’re here to help! Reach out to us for any inquiries or to schedule our services.
For more immediate assistance, feel free to call us. We look forward to hearing from you and providing the best care for your cat!
CONTACT INFO
