We Have to Tell You Something…

A true story, told in hundreds of quiet voices, after the mats are gone and the trust is intact.
What guardians say when the groom is over, and the truth can finally come out.
Sometimes, right at the end of the appointment—after the cat is soft again, after the mats are gone, after the session was successful and the silence was safe—a guardian leans in, eyes wide or glassy, and whispers:

“I have to tell you something.”

And then they do. They tell us the truth they’ve been holding in their chest for months, sometimes years.

“I’ve been hiding her.”
“When people come over, I put her in the basement.”
“I didn’t want anyone to see what she looked like.”
“I was so ashamed. I thought I was the only one.”

They say it like they’re admitting to something terrible. Like they’ve failed. Like they’re scared we’ll judge them too.

But we don’t.

Because we usually know before they say a word. We see it in their eyes the moment they arrive—the panic behind their politeness, the tears that already fell in the car.

And because we know the truth:

The Lie Says: Cats Are Easy

That’s what culture tells us. Cats take care of themselves. Cats don’t need maintenance. If your cat is matted, limping, hiding, or growling—it must be you.

So people don’t ask for help. They hide their cats. They hide themselves. And the shame grows heavier with every month they wait.

pelt removal cat grooming
Until one day they book the appointment—terrified it won’t work. Terrified they’ll be judged. Terrified they’ll hear it again:

“Your cat is aggressive.”
“This can’t be done.”
“You should’ve come sooner.”

But then they walk in our door. And we say:

“You’re not the only one.”
“You’ve been lied to.”
“Cats are harder to care for than people think. And you did the brave thing—you showed up.”

The Result?

Not just a cat that looks and feels better. Not just a successful session.

A guardian who says:

“Now I can have people over again.”
“Now I don’t have to hide her.”
“Now I don’t have to hide me.”

That’s what we’re doing here. We’re not just grooming cats. We’re restoring relationships. We’re ending silence. We’re replacing shame with clarity and care.

If this is your story—if you’ve been hiding your cat, or hiding your own heart—

You’re not alone. You’re not failing. You just haven’t had the right help. And now you do.

TANDEM Grooming works on all cats. Every story is welcome here.

pelt removal cat grooming

Felted Body Casing

skin damage revealed after pelt removal

After Pelt Removal

TANDEM Cat® Grooming: Felting as a Body Cage

Felting doesn’t just damage the coat—it restricts a cat’s ability to move, stretch, and jump. It creates a body casing that locks down the skin and silently causes chronic pain. What looks like a grooming issue is often a hidden mobility crisis.

Key Takeaways

Felting restricts movement

It immobilizes the skin, affecting how cats walk, stretch, and play.

Jumping becomes painful

The skin pulls against itself, leading to avoidance of even small jumps.

Behavior changes follow

Cats become withdrawn, less playful, or even grumpy due to chronic discomfort.

Grooming reveals the truth

The damage is not caused by clipping. It was caused by time under the pelt.

TANDEM™ Grooming restores freedom, dignity, and comfort—giving cats the chance to move like themselves again.

TANDEM cat groomers resolving hygiene issues with professional clean-up

Before TANDEM™ Grooming

Cat freshly bathed and trimmed after feces in rear fur

After TANDEM™ Grooming

TANDEM Cat® Grooming: Extreme Matting & Fecal Waste Recovery

The before-and-after images illustrate extreme deferred grooming and the profound impact that TANDEM™ Grooming can have on a cat’s hygiene, health, and overall well-being.

Conclusions & Insights

Severe Matting and Deferred Hygiene

The cat was in an advanced state of deferred grooming, indicating long-term matting with a high likelihood of bacterial infection and skin irritation.

Importance of Professional Grooming

This case highlights why regular grooming is essential, especially for long-haired or special-needs cats who struggle with self-care.

Dramatic Improvement

Although the skin remains irritated, the removal of mats, dirt, and waste has drastically improved the cat’s condition. Proper aftercare, such as skin soothers, veterinary evaluation, and regular grooming maintenance, will further aid in recovery.

TANDEM™ Grooming’s Precision and Care

The gentle but thorough approach ensured the cat’s safety, comfort, and well-being, even in such an extreme case.

This powerful transformation underscores why matting is a serious welfare issue and how TANDEM™ Grooming provides life-changing care for cats in desperate need of intervention.

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Certified TANDEM Cat® Groomers

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

Caring for Cats in the Portland Metro Area

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!

NE Tabor

415 NE 80th Ave.

Sellwood

2036 SE Tacoma St.

Powell

5528 SE Powell Blvd.

Beaverton

4690 SW Hall Blvd.