Cat Grooming in Columbus, Ohio — Gentle Cat Groomers Near You

Professional Cat Grooming in Columbus, Ohio

Designer Paws Salon offers gentle, low-stress cat grooming at both of our Columbus-area locations — Upper Arlington and Westerville. From domestic shorthairs to long-haired Persians and Maine Coons, and even specialty breeds like hairless Sphynx cats, our experienced feline groomers know how to handle nervous, senior, and high-maintenance cats with patience and skill.

A Dedicated, Cat-Only Grooming Room

Cats are not small dogs — they need a calm, separate environment to feel safe. That’s why we groom every cat in a dedicated space, away from barking dogs and busy salon traffic. Most cats are finished in 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, so they’re not waiting stressed in a kennel any longer than necessary.

What Every Cat Grooming Appointment Includes

Every cat grooming service at Designer Paws Salon includes a nail trim and ear cleaning. Choose from three packages depending on what your cat needs — a basic Bath & Brush Out, the Bath & Brush Out + with a sanitary trim added, or a Full Cat Haircut for lion cuts, shave-downs, and complete grooms. Package details are listed below.

Why Regular Cat Grooming Matters

Despite their reputation for self-cleaning, cats can’t manage their coats alone — especially long-haired breeds and senior cats. Without regular bathing, saliva from licking creates a greasy coat that traps shed hair, leading to painful mats and hidden skin problems like infected sores, fleas, and dermatitis. We recommend a professional bath every 4 to 6 weeks to keep your cat’s coat healthy and your home cleaner.

Lion Cuts, Sanitary Trims & Specialty Services

For long-haired cats prone to matting, a lion cut or full shave-down can be life-changing — both for your cat’s comfort and your daily cleanup. We also offer sanitary trims, paw pad shaves on request, and de-matting when the coat condition allows. Our groomers will always be honest about whether a cut, brush-out, or de-shed is the right call for your cat.

How Much Does Cat Grooming Cost?

Cat grooming is priced by service level and your cat’s condition rather than a flat rate. A bath and brush-out costs less than a full haircut, and a heavily matted coat takes more time and skill than routine maintenance — which is reflected in the price. Coat length, temperament, and how recently your cat was last groomed all factor in. Call either location with a description of your cat’s coat and we’ll give you an accurate quote before you book.

Matted Cat Fur: Why It Happens and How We Handle It

Mats form when loose undercoat tangles into the top coat, and long-haired cats can go from a few tangles to a pelted coat in weeks. Matted fur pulls on the skin constantly — it’s painful, hides skin problems, and won’t brush out once it’s tight. Please don’t cut mats out at home: cat skin is thin and stretchy, and scissor injuries from home mat removal are one of the most common reasons cats end up at the vet. Depending on severity, we’ll either work the mats out gently or recommend a lion cut as the humane reset that lets a healthy coat grow back.

Grooming for Senior Cats

Older cats groom themselves less — arthritis makes it hard to reach the lower back and hips, which is why many senior cats develop mats there even if they never had them before. Regular professional grooming does the work their joints no longer allow: gentle brush-outs, sanitary trims, and nail care in short, low-stress sessions. Our groomers are experienced with seniors and adapt handling and session length to what your cat can comfortably tolerate.

Experienced With Every Breed and Temperament

From timid rescue cats to confident Maine Coons and hairless breeds that need specialized handling, our groomers have seen it all. If your cat has medical concerns, anxiety, or has had a difficult grooming experience in the past, let us know when you book — we’ll plan the appointment accordingly.

Cat Grooming Near You — Our Columbus Service Area

Looking for a cat groomer near you? Our two salons serve cat owners across the Columbus area. The Upper Arlington salon is minutes from Dublin, Hilliard, and Grandview Heights, while our Westerville salon is an easy drive from Worthington, Powell, and Lewis Center. Both locations offer the same cat-only grooming room and feline-experienced groomers.

Book Cat Grooming in Upper Arlington or Westerville

Ready to schedule? Book your cat’s appointment online at Designer Paws Salon. New clients are welcome — we’ll walk you through what to expect on your first visit.