While most cats wash themselves several times a day, they sometimes do need help with grooming. But cats can be particular when humans attempt to groom them - and most cats hate water - reasons why many owners opt to take their cats to professional groomers who can help keep cats clean and in good health. Not only is professional grooming great to reduce shedding, remove dirt, prevent tangles and spread natural oils throughout a cat's coat, but it can also help prevent ear, eye, skin and paw issues, and periodontal disease (which is extremely common in cats). Choosing a professional cat groomer is relatively easy if you know what to expect and you ask informed questions.

What's Included?
The length of a cat's coat will determine how often your cat should go to the groomer. Short haired cats need very little grooming; dense-coated short-haired cats should see the groomer once a month; semi-long hair cats need grooming about twice a month; and long haired cats could benefit from weekly grooming. Basic cat grooming services include a good brushing and bath, ears cleaned and nails trimmed. For long-haired cats, groomers will often carefully trim around the eyes to prevent hairs from irritating the eyes and causing damage to the cornea. Teeth brushing and expressing the anal glands will most likely cost extra. When researching cat groomers, ask around - friends, family, vets and neighbors are all great sources for referrals. You can search online for local groomers and if your cat is particularly nervous about trips outside the home, consider a mobile grooming service which brings a fully equipped truck or van to you, at your convenience.

Choosing a Cat Groomer
Once you've narrowed down your choices, call the groomer or stop by the facility to get some general information, such as:

• How many years they've been grooming
• If they have a physical or online portfolio of their work
• Their certifications and level of training
• Specialties with particular cat breeds
• Standard fees and costs for extra services (e.g., expressing anal glands)
• Types of equipment, shampoo and soap products
• Additional services including painted toe nails or bows

Another good question to ask is if the groomer or any staff members have first-aid training in case of an injury or emergency. You should also find out how long an appointment lasts and if you need to pick up your pet immediately or if your cat can hang out somewhere until you arrive. Check to make sure the facility is clean and that the groomer disinfects tools including scissors, combs and clippers before moving on to the next pet. Something else to observe is how the groomer and his or her staff relate to their clients. Do they seem to like cats and handle them appropriately? An experienced groomer will ask you questions about your cat, including age, any special needs, any personality quirks and pertinent medical history. Trust your intuition; if you feel comfortable with the groomer, chances are he or she is the right choice for your cat.

Basic Costs
While different groomers will charge different amounts, depending on the service and the condition of your cat's coat, there are some general grooming cost guidelines. A bath, blow dry, nails and ears package can range from $50 to $75. Giving your cat a lion cut or shaving its hair short for the summer, along with a bath, will run you in the neighborhood of $75 to $95. Nail trimming is about $20, as is expressing the anal glands. Keep in mind that if your cat's hair is badly matted or your cat behaves badly at the groomer, it could cost you extra.

Prepping Your Pet
Getting your pet comfortable going to the groomer starts at home - especially if your pet has never been groomed before. Start by massaging and brushing your cat once or twice a day while you offer praise. Once your pet seems comfortable, ask a brave, cat-friendly friend or neighbor to try it. If you've got a kitten, introduce it to water and baths while it's young. To help avoid any nervousness when your cat's grooming appointment arrives, keep goodbyes to a minimum and let the professionals take over.

While cats are mostly self-sufficient when it comes to staying clean, getting your cat on a regular professional grooming schedule is good for its health. Not only will your cat look great but your groomer plays a part in helping to prevent periodontal disease and eye and ear issues from becoming a problem.