If you’ve ever dreamed of working with animals, now is the perfect time to begin a rewarding career in cat grooming. Whether you’re looking to launch a brand-new business or add cat grooming to your existing pet care services, the opportunities have never been greater.
Across the UK, the number of cats continues to grow, and demand for skilled, qualified groomers is soaring. Since the pandemic, more than 3.2 million households have welcomed a new pet, and with the popularity of both traditional and exotic breeds rising, many cats now require regular professional grooming to stay healthy and happy.
Cat grooming offers flexibility, creativity, and independence, perfect for parents seeking balance, aspiring entrepreneurs, or anyone ready for a change of pace. It’s also an ideal way for dog groomers or pet professionals to introduce a profitable new revenue stream while broadening their expertise.
This is a career that’s both fulfilling and fun. From running your own mobile salon to competing in grooming events or establishing a luxury feline spa, the possibilities are endless.
Although anyone can technically pick up a pair of scissors and call themselves a cat groomer, professional training is essential. Cats require entirely different handling techniques and behavioural understanding compared with dogs. They are sensitive, quick to react, and their anatomy and coat care needs are unique. Without specialist training, even experienced dog groomers can put themselves and the cat at risk, not to mention the reputation of their business.
To work safely, ethically, and confidently, you need recognised, industry-approved training.
iPET Network is proud to offer the UK’s first suite of Ofqual-regulated cat grooming qualifications, designed for both new Learners and experienced professionals who want to gain recognition for their skills.
All our qualifications are built around practical assessment rather than exams, ensuring every Learner gains real, hands-on experience working with cats in a safe, structured environment. We understand that starting something new can be daunting, so every iPET Network Centre is carefully selected for its professionalism, warmth, and ability to adapt teaching to the Learner’s needs, whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned groomer seeking formal accreditation.
This nationally recognised qualification develops the full range of grooming, handling, and business skills required to run a professional cat grooming salon. Over at least 25 days of guided practical training (plus home theory), you’ll groom a minimum of 20 cats across multiple breeds and coat types while learning feline first aid, behaviour, and safe handling.
No prior qualifications are required, and experienced groomers may fast-track to certification through a recognised skills route.
Perfect for those new to cat grooming, this qualification combines 10 days of practical training with theory study, giving you the core skills to prepare, style, and finish a variety of breeds safely and professionally. Learners groom at least eight cats across several coat types, gaining an in-depth understanding of feline behaviour, health checks, and salon safety.
This five-day course offers an accessible introduction to the fundamentals of cat grooming. You’ll work hands-on with different breeds, learning to bath, dry, clip, trim claws, and manage coat care while understanding the basics of feline welfare and handling.
All iPET Network qualifications allow direct entry at Level 3, saving Learners both time and cost while still meeting the national standard for professional competence.
iPET Network qualifications are interactive, practical, and confidence-building. You’ll gain experience with different breeds, coat conditions, and temperaments, learning to adapt your approach to every cat’s individual needs. Alongside your practical sessions, you’ll complete theory modules covering topics such as biosecurity, zoonotic disease prevention, legal requirements, anatomy, feline behaviour, handling techniques, and equipment care.
Our qualifications also include essential business knowledge, from setting prices and managing clients to launching your own salon or mobile service, giving you the tools to turn your new skills into a successful career.
By the end of your course, you’ll be able to perform full professional grooms, including claw trimming, brush-outs, bathing, drying, hygiene clips, ear and eye cleaning, safe removal of mats or pelts, and breed-specific styling such as the lion cut. You’ll leave fully prepared to assess each cat individually and deliver a grooming plan tailored to its welfare and comfort.
The courses are fun and informative, and you can expect a lot of hands-on experience.
This is really key because it is important that when you achieve your qualification, you are happy, motivated and confidently able to go out into the world of cat grooming and really shine.
All of our Centres are friendly and supportive, and we have an emphasis on flexibility. This means that the course can fit in around you and your life, just like your new career in cat grooming!
On the iPET Network courses we see a range of people who all share a deep love of cats and have a passion for animal welfare. In addition are dog groomers that want to diversify their offering.
On our courses we have seen everyone and everyone! Busy parents, career changers, a former army dog handler and airline workers, we have also seen office workers who want to get out of the daily grind, and even people who later in life simply just want to do what they have always dreamed of, work with animals.
Cat grooming is a flexible career, and as long as you are passionate about caring for cats you will be just fine.
We also understand that undertaking a big life change can be a nerve wracking experience, so our tutors are always on hand with gentle guidance and support. You are not alone as you take this big step.
If you would like to speak to someone about taking an iPET Network course, or simply have a chat about whether cat grooming is the career for you simply call 0800 433 4700 or email info@ipetnetwork.co.uk
EDUCATION FOR PEOPLE, FOR PETS, FOR THE FUTURE
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