What Is a Certified Feline Master Groomer?
Kitty Spaw employs a team of Certified Feline Master Groomers who share a love of cats and a passion for helping others. That’s why we designed our professional cat grooming services to be as convenient as possible—we come to you and pamper your kitty in familiar surroundings.
It’s details like these that highlight the importance of using a Certified Feline Master Groomer. You won’t find this level of service anywhere else.
Here’s what our CFMG status means and why it’s essential when choosing a cat groomer.
What Is a Certified Feline Master Groomer?
A Certified Feline Master Groomer (CFMG) is a professional cat groomer who specializes in the grooming of cats. CFMG groomers have undergone specialized training and certification through a recognized program, such as the National Cat Groomers Institute (NCGI).
Through this program, the groomer masters skills to handle, groom, and care for cats safely and effectively. This includes learning techniques to minimize stress for the cats during the grooming process, as well as checking for potential health issues.
To become a CFMG, groomers must complete a series of courses that cover topics such as:
- Cat behavior and handling techniques
- Bathing, drying, and styling specific to feline coats
- Health and safety considerations when grooming cats
- Tools and equipment suited for cat grooming
- Managing difficult or aggressive cats
Certified Feline Master Groomers provide a range of grooming services, including bathing, nail trimming, coat trimming, mat removal, and more. The certification is a mark of expertise, ensuring a groomer has the skills and knowledge to care for cats in a professional, safe, and humane manner.
How to Receive CFMG Certification
Organizations like the National Cat Groomers Institute set high standards for groomers to achieve in order to receive certification. Earning the CFMG stamp of approval requires multiple hours of training and testing, including written exams and hands-on training. Here’s a closer look at the process our groomers have undergone.
Enroll in a Training Program
NCGI offers training programs in person or remotely. Both types of programs provide 17+ courses, two books, and a Facebook group for peer and professional support. The courses are designed to prepare groomers for the practical exam, which will result in the decision to award the Certified Feline Master Groomer status.
Meet the Certification Requirements
To gain the CFMG stamp of approval, groomers will need to:
- Pass nine exams (4 written, 5 practical) with 85% or higher
- Become an NCGI member with annual dues of $50
Written exams cover cat handling, breed-specific grooming needs, anatomy and health, and business management. Hands-on exams entail specific breed cuts and variations. All exams are administered in person by an NCGI Certifier.
Cost of Becoming a Certified Feline Master Groomer
This program, along with the nine final exams and certification, isn’t cheap. Students invest $1,197 or more for the training syllabus and materials. Groomers who want to advance their careers make this investment because they take their work seriously and want to provide the best service possible.
After completing the course, students pay an additional $585 for the nine exams. And if they need to retake an exam, that’s an extra $65 per exam.
Again, these costs for education and training can be quite expensive and it takes time to recoup the investment. It’s not a decision that groomers take lightly, as CFMG certification is not a requirement to become a groomer. However, it’s a sign of quality, excellence, and commitment to service, helping to separate top-tier groomers in their fields.
Why Using a Certified Feline Master Groomer Matters
Certified Feline Master Groomers take their role seriously. We’ve chosen this certification path so we can be the most effective service providers to our customers.
Cats have unique grooming needs compared to dogs or other animals. A CFMG has specialized training in feline anatomy, coat types, and behavior, and uses equipment and grooming methods specifically suited to feline grooming. This reduces the risk of injury, skin irritation, or discomfort, ensuring that grooming is done gently and effectively. This allows us to handle all aspects of grooming specific to cats, including knowing how to safely trim nails, remove mats, and clean sensitive areas.
Cats can be highly sensitive and may react poorly to unfamiliar environments and handling. CFMGs are trained to reduce stress and anxiety during grooming, creating a calmer and more comfortable experience for your cat. Regular grooming by a certified expert helps maintain a cat’s coat and skin health, reduces shedding, and prevents issues like mats, hairballs, and dirt buildup. This contributes to overall better health for your pet.
We’re also trained to spot potential health problems, like skin problems, fleas, or abnormal lumps. The things we find during grooming could otherwise go unnoticed for days or even months. We check for multiple signs of health issues so you can get your precious kitty the help they need.
Choosing Kitty Spaw for Your Cat’s Next Grooming
Kitty Spaw experts are Certified Feline Master Groomers serving West LA and The Valley. We’re the only CFMG mobile cat grooming service in the area and we operate every day of the week, including late afternoon and evening hours to cater to your work schedule.
Choose the best cat groomer in California—contact us today to schedule service and experience the difference a Certified Feline Master Groomer can make!
