PetSmart Cat Grooming Services: Full Guide
PetSmart grooms cats at select salons with specially trained cat groomers. Quick services like a nail trim start at $15, while bath and haircut packages are priced by breed and coat after you sign in to book.
Not every store offers it, so call ahead before you load your cat into the carrier.
| Service | PetSmart price |
|---|---|
| Ear cleaning | $12 |
| Nail trim | $15 |
| Nail trim and ear cleaning | $19 |
| Cat nail file | $22 |
| Touch-up package | $30 |
| Bath and haircut packages | Priced by breed and coat |
Cat Grooming Packages
PetSmart offers six adult cat packages, including waterless versions for cats that panic around water. Each package includes nail trimming and ear cleaning.
| Package | What it includes |
|---|---|
| Bath & Brush | Bath, brushing, ear cleaning and nail trim |
| Bath & Brush with deShed | Adds deShed shampoo and solution plus extra brushing |
| Waterless Bath & Brush | Waterless bath, ear cleaning and nail trim |
| Bath & Full Haircut | Bath, haircut, light dematting, feet and nail trim |
| Bath & Full Haircut deShed | Haircut plus deShed shampoo and extra brushing |
| Waterless Bath & Full Haircut | Waterless bath, haircut, light dematting and nail trim |
Package prices depend on breed, coat condition and how long the service takes. Sign in on PetSmart’s booking site to see an estimate for your cat, or call your salon.
Quick Services for Cats
Quick services are short visits that don’t need a full package. PetSmart says they’re now bookable online, and you can call ahead to check availability.
Nail caps are soft vinyl covers glued over your cat’s own nails. They’re a popular alternative to declawing for cats that scratch furniture.
Quick services make a good first salon visit. A short nail trim helps a nervous cat get used to the sounds and smells before a longer appointment.
Nail Trims, Caps or Filing?
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Nail trim, $15 | Routine upkeep every few weeks |
| Cat nail file, $22 | Shorter, smoother nails that snag less |
| Nail caps, $25 to $30 | Cats that scratch furniture or people |
Caps fall off as nails grow, usually within about four to six weeks. Plan to reapply them or switch back to regular trims.
Most cats adjust to caps within a day or two. Watch for chewing at first, and ask the groomer to check the fit.
Kitten Grooming
Kittens up to 5 months get 30% off adult pricing. PetSmart offers Kitten Bath & Brush, Kitten Bath & Trim and a waterless kitten bath.
Kittens between 8 weeks and 4 months can usually be groomed without vaccinations, or up to 3 months in Indiana. Starting young makes grooming far easier for life.
Just adopted a kitten? Our PetSmart cat adoption guide covers the first weeks at home.
Vaccines and Health Rules
Cats must be healthy and current on rabies. Bring proof as a hard copy or in a digital app.
Wait at least 1 hour after any vaccination before check-in. Where local law requires extra vaccines, PetSmart asks for a 48-hour wait instead.
| Location | Extra rule |
|---|---|
| Colorado | FVRCP required for cats 8 weeks and older |
| Iowa | Rabies, distemper and parvo required |
| Connecticut | Proof of town license required |
| Hawaii | Proof of rabies not required |
If your cat is sick, injured or acting differently, call the salon first. They may reschedule to keep your cat safe.
Need a rabies shot first? See low-cost options in our PetSmart vaccination clinic guide.
What Happens at the Appointment
Every visit starts with a Hands-On Pet Assessment. The groomer checks your cat’s skin, coat, ears, nails and teeth and talks through any concerns.
Full grooming appointments take about 3 to 4 hours, depending on coat and behavior. Quick services like a nail trim take around 15 minutes.
Groomers watch for signs of stress throughout. If your cat becomes too upset, they may stop, modify or reschedule the service.
Drying and Kennels
Pets wait in clean, monitored kennels with water, and kennel time is kept short. Drying is chosen to suit each cat’s breed, coat and temperament.
Flat-faced cats like Persians and Himalayans are never kennel-dried. PetSmart’s kennel dryers have no heating elements and use automatic shutoff timers.
Safety and Training
PetSmart never sedates pets and won’t accept pets that have been sedated elsewhere. Its stylists complete more than 800 hours of hands-on instruction and safety certification.
Every salon groomer also renews safety certification each year. Cat grooming needs specially trained groomers, which is why only some salons offer it.
Calm Options for Anxious or Senior Cats
Express Grooming shortens the visit for senior cats and cats that get anxious at the salon. Ask for it when booking.
Tell the groomer about any medical conditions, mobility limits or stress triggers. That helps them plan the safest approach.
Matted Cats
Mats pull on the skin and can hide sores or fleas underneath. Light dematting is included in the haircut packages.
Some breeds may also be charged an Additional Brushing Fee when extra work is needed. The groomer can waive it after the assessment and will discuss fees before starting.
Severe matting is often safer to shave than to brush out. If your cat’s coat is badly matted close to the skin, ask whether a vet should handle it instead.
Why Senior Cats Need More Help
Older cats often stop grooming their backs and hips because of stiff joints. That’s where mats and greasy patches tend to appear first.
Shorter, more frequent visits keep seniors comfortable. Express Grooming and a gentle sanitary trim can make a big difference.
Getting Your Cat Ready
Cats often hide as soon as the carrier comes out. PetSmart suggests a few simple steps.
- Leave the carrier out a few days early so it becomes familiar
- Keep an indoor-outdoor cat inside the night before
- Use a favorite treat to coax your cat into the carrier
- Add a blanket that smells like home
- Arrive a few minutes early so check-in isn’t rushed
Practice gentle paw handling and brushing at home too. Cats used to being touched find grooming much less stressful.
Booking a Cat Appointment
Create a profile for you and your cat on PetSmart’s services site, then choose a service and time. You’ll see estimated pricing once your cat’s breed is added.
You can also call your local store or PetSmart’s service center at 1-888-332-7387. For quick services, an optional call ahead to 1-800-677-7387 checks availability.
Weekday mornings are usually calmest for cats. Salons offer Afterpay too, which splits the cost into four interest-free payments.
Discounts on Cat Grooming
PetSmart runs regular salon offers, so check before you book. In October 2026, these were available.
- $20 off a first prepaid bath or groom for new cat and dog customers
- $15 off a cat bath or groom on October 21 and 22, and October 28 and 29
- 10% off for seniors and military on Tuesdays
- Free 15-minute grooming consultations on Wednesdays in October
- Treats Rewards certificates for repeat bath or groom visits
See our PetSmart coupons guide and Treats Rewards guide for more ways to save.
How Often Should Cats Be Groomed?
PetSmart says most pets do well with professional grooming every four to six weeks. Short-haired cats may need far less, while long-haired cats often need it more.
| Coat type | Typical schedule |
|---|---|
| Short-haired cat | Nail trims every few weeks, baths only as needed |
| Heavy shedder | deShed bath every 6 to 8 weeks in shedding season |
| Long-haired cat | Bath and haircut every 4 to 6 weeks |
| Senior cat | Shorter, more frequent visits to prevent mats |
Brushing at home between visits prevents most matting. Watch for scratching, odors, redness, hair loss or new lumps, and call your vet if you see them.
Grooming at Home Between Visits
| Tool | What it’s for |
|---|---|
| Slicker brush | Removing loose fur and small tangles |
| Metal comb | Finding mats before they tighten |
| deShedding tool | Cutting down shedding and hairballs |
| Cat nail clippers | Quick trims between salon visits |
| Cat toothbrush and toothpaste | Daily or weekly dental care |
A few minutes of brushing a few times a week is enough for most cats. Long-haired cats do best with a short daily session.
Signs Your Cat Needs a Groom
- Clumps or mats behind the ears, under the legs or on the belly
- More hairballs than usual
- A greasy or dull coat
- Nails snagging on carpet or furniture
- A messy rear end on a long-haired cat
A coat that suddenly looks worse can signal a health problem. If grooming doesn’t help, check with your vet.
Cat Grooming Questions
Does every PetSmart groom cats?
No, only select salons with certified cat groomers. Call your store or check online before booking.
Can I walk in for a cat nail trim?
Walk-ins are welcome when the salon has space, though booking online is safer. Weekends get especially busy.
Does PetSmart groom cats in New York or New Jersey?
Some services differ in NY, NJ and Canada. Ask your local salon which cat services it offers.
Can I stay with my cat during grooming?
Most salons ask you to drop off and come back. Ask the groomer for an estimated pickup time at check-in.
Where can I compare dog grooming prices?
Our PetSmart grooming prices guide covers dogs and cats, and our dog grooming guide explains dog packages.
