Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for visiting our FAQ page. We hope that the material here will help to answer any questions that you may have about our services. If you do not find the answers you are seeking, you may call us at the number above or reach us via the form on our Contact Us page.
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How do I know if my cat is clean?
We first have to define "clean." Does it mean freshly washed with shampoo and water, or does it mean licked over and covered in cat spit? If "clean" means the former, then it follows that someone must scrub the cat with shampoo and rinse with water to remove everyday grime, germs, dead skin, spit, urine, feces, litter box remnants, and whatever else may collect in a cat's coat. If "clean" means simply being licked over and covered in cat spit, then the act of a cat licking itself would suffice.
One method involves licking with saliva and ingesting large amounts of shedding hair that later return in the form of a hairball. The other involves washing with sudsy shampoo, rinsing with clean, warm water and drying the coat so that it doesn't mat. During this process, loose dead hair is removed so that shedding and hairballs are minimized or, in some cases, eliminated all together.
Which would you prefer? -
What is "humane" when making the decision to bathe and groom my cat?
Cats are narcissistic little creatures. They like to look and feel good. They have skin and coat, which requires regular cleaning in order to maintain optimum health and condition. Not a single cat on the planet would choose to be matted, pelted, flea-infested or have dried excrement stuck to its hindquarters, if offered the choice.
Cats are also easily stressed and highly reactive to seemingly threatening situations. They tend to be fearful creatures.
Understanding a cat's reactive nature and disposition as well as its individual skin and coat needs are the first steps in providing humane treatment. Some believe that bathing a cat is inhumane, particularly if the cat is being disagreeable to the grooming in any way. However, not bathing the cat (unless there are unusual, extenuating circumstances) is the inhumane option. -
Does my cat really need a bath?
If you want a life with less shedding, then a bath and blow dry is the answer. If you dislike hairballs, then a bath and blow dry is the answer. If you are not a fan of dried fecal matter, urine, or anal gland matter on your cat, then a bath and blow dry is the answer. If your cat is matted or has any tangled hair, then a bath and blow dry is the answer. If you want a truly clean cat, then a bath and blow dry is the answer. If you want a fluffy cat with soft, silky hair, then a bath and blow dry is the answer.
It is important to note that regular bathing every six weeks is recommended for most cats and should be done by an expert who is trained in the proper handling of felines. Gabi Kat Grooming, a Certified Feline Master Groomer (CFMG), can provide guidance in the selection of appropriate grooming choices for each cat and perform a bath and blow dry every six weeks to keep your cat clean, fluffy, mat-free, and looking and feeling its very best! -
Why shouldn't my cat just be brushed out, without also giving it a thorough bath and blow dry?
Because it isn't good for your cat and doesn't truly solve matting or shedding problems. Most cats do not like to have their hair pulled on and can become very aggressive or stressed in the process. This can be life threatening. A bath and blow dry will remove the dirty, loose hair with much less wear and tear on the cat. AND it leaves the cat truly clean in the end.
Gabi Kat Grooming cares about doing a fabulous job on every cat they groom. Charging a fee to give you back a still-dirty cat with only partially resolved issues does not provide quality care. It is unfair to you and to the cat. -
What causes matting?
Greasy skin and coat combined with natural shedding causes matting. And once a small tangle or mat forms, it grows very quickly. The only real defense against tangles and mats is regular bathing and drying done by a professional cat groomer who truly knows what they are doing. Some groomers are not cat groomers and will groom a cat using products and techniques that can cause more problems. Make sure your cat groomer is certified through the National Cat Groomers Institute of America, inc, the only cat grooming association that offers effective, quality training for cat grooming certification.
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Do cats like getting a bath?
Contrary to popular belief, most cats do not mind being bathed. In fact, many are very calm during the bathing process and seem to find it relaxing. We use special techniques to introduce a cat to the bathing process each time, until we can see that they are used to it. We know from experience that cat owners report they have a very happy cat after it returns home from a day at the spa.
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What kind of water and shampoo are used to bathe the cats?
We only use Kinetico soft water for bathing the cats. All of our shampoos are cat-friendly and have been vetted specifically for use on cats.
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How do you dry the cats?
We use the Catty Shack Vac patented drying system designed specifically for cats. In fact, we are the only grooming salon in Tucson that uses the Catty Shack Vac, which means we can offer the most efficient drying process and produce the highest quality groom in the end.
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What are the benefits of a regular bath and blow dry?
- A clean, fluffy kitty that feels good
- Less shedding (or none at all)
- Fewer hairballs (or none at all)
- Closely trimmed nails that are less likely to damage furniture or skin and will not grow into the cat's paw pads
- A clean and tidy behind that doesn't have leftover litter box "surprises" attached to it
- No more mats ever!
- No more at-home grooming requirements
- Less tear staining (or none at all)
- No flea or tick problems
- No more unsightly dandruff
- Fewer allergy problems (for the cat and/or people living with the cat)
- A beautiful kitty that others will admire
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What is Gabi Kat's response and policy with regard to Covid-19?
Please refer to Coronavirus Announcement from Gabi Kat Grooming for details and updates.