Gentle Cat Grooming
Join the Gentle network
Become a Certified Gentle Cat Groomer
Join the movement redefining feline grooming—one calm, cat-first experience at a time.
Cat-First
Feline-Centered Standards
Every policy is built around feline emotional and physical comfort.
Stress-Free
Low-Stress Grooming Protocols
No forced baths. No loud dryers. No rushed timelines.
Ethical
Kindness Over Restraint
Gentle handling. No unnecessary restraint—ever.
Community
Join a Growing Network
Be listed in our national directory and connect with like-minded pros.
CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW
A New Standard in Cat Grooming
Gentle Cat Grooming Certifications are more than a badge — they're a promise. Each certified groomer, facility, or tool meets rigorous standards designed around the emotional and physical well-being of cats.
No fear. No force. Just feline-first care.
How to Become an Expert Certified Facility
Phase 1
Initial Certification
Obtain all three of our base certificates certifying your facility, equipment, and staff.
Phase 2
Application
Submit your application through our website for the Expert Facility designation.
Phase 3
Submit to Audit
We’ll review your grooming environment, practices, and philosophy through video, photos, and documentation. This helps us ensure you're truly going above and beyond.
Phase 4
Ongoing Verification
Approval is just the beginning. We may send secret shoppers during your renewal period or if we receive a complaint. This helps us ensure that real-life practices still reflect Gentle standards.
Gentle Grooming Certifications
A grooming space that puts cats first.
Certified facilities are free from barking dogs and chaotic environments. They follow strict feline-first standards: no in-arm carry-ins, no exposed exits, no unnecessary baths, and no holding cages — only calm, private sessions tailored for cats.
Tools that put feline comfort first.
From quiet clippers to low-vibration dryers, every item used in a Certified Equipment salon is carefully chosen to minimize noise, discomfort, and stress for cats. If a tool causes tension, it’s replaced.
Groomers trained in feline behavior and gentle handling.
Certified staff are educated to recognize feline stress signals and adjust their approach accordingly. They are committed to ethical, consent-based care and prioritize the cat’s emotional and physical well-being at every step.