Cat Grooming Prices in 2026: What to Expect (Based on Real Data)
Updated March 2026 · Based on real prices from 2427 businesses
Quick Answer
Average cat grooming: $66 (range $15–$150)
Average cat bath & brush: $41
Average nail trim: $14
These numbers come from real prices listed by 65 groomers that accept cats, tracked on SnoutMap.
Cat Grooming Prices by Service
| Service | Average | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full cat grooming | $66 | $15 | $150 |
| Cat bath & brush | $41 | $15 | $180 |
| Nail trim | $14 | $5 | $50 |
| Deshedding treatment | $28 | $15 | $110 |
| Ear cleaning | $12 | $10 | $20 |
| Teeth brushing | $12 | $5 | $20 |
Cat Grooming Prices by City
Only a fraction of groomers accept cats. Here's what cat grooming costs in cities where we have pricing data:
| City | Avg Price | Low | High | Cat Groomers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | $74 | $65 | $150 | 6 |
| Buffalo, NY | $50 | $15 | $150 | 5 |
| Brooklyn, NY | $70 | $70 | $120 | 3 |
| New York, NY | $83 | $75 | $150 | 2 |
| Boston, MA | $45 | $45 | $85 | 1 |
| Denver, CO | $70 | $70 | $90 | 1 |
Why Is Cat Grooming More Expensive Than Dogs?
Our data shows the average full cat groom ($66) is comparable to a dog full groom ($64), but cat grooming tends to be pricier relative to the animal's size. Here's why:
- Cats are harder to handle — Most cats aren't used to being groomed and can be unpredictable
- Specialized training required — Groomers need specific skills to work with cats safely
- Higher scratch/bite risk — Grooming a stressed cat takes more time and care
- Fewer groomers accept cats — Only 65 out of 724 groomers in our database accept cats (9%), so there's less competition and more demand
What Does Cat Grooming Include?
A full cat grooming session typically includes:
- Bath with cat-safe shampoo
- Blow dry (low heat, to reduce stress)
- Brush out and de-matting
- Nail trim
- Ear cleaning
- Optional: lion cut, sanitary trim
Most sessions take 1–2 hours depending on coat length and temperament.
How to Find a Cat Groomer
- Look for "cats welcome" specifically — Not all groomers that list grooming services accept cats
- Ask about separate cat areas — Good cat groomers keep cats away from barking dogs
- Consider mobile groomers — Less stress for your cat since they stay in a familiar environment
- Check for Fear Free certification — These groomers are trained to minimize stress and anxiety
- Start young — Kittens that get used to grooming early have much easier sessions as adults
Cat Grooming vs Dog Grooming Prices
| Service | Cat | Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Full groom | $66 | $64 |
| Bath & brush | $41 | $41 |
| Nail trim | $14 | $14 |
While the averages look similar, keep in mind that dog grooming prices vary much more by size. A small dog groom can be $35–$45 while a large dog is $80–$120+. Cat grooming prices are more consistent since cats don't vary as much in size.
Find Cat Groomers Near You
Browse groomers that accept cats in these cities:
Los Angeles · Brooklyn · Buffalo · New York · Denver · Boston · Austin · Chicago · Miami · Seattle · Nashville · Phoenix