At Bell Cat Grooming, we treat every cat with respect and kindness. Unlike large-scale grooming operations that focus on volume and treat pets like numbers, we focus on quality and individual care. Each cat receives one-on-one, personalized grooming in a calm, dog-free environment—perfect for shy or easily stressed kitties.

Our groomer and salon owner, Carlye, has trained exclusively in feline grooming through the National Cat Groomers Institute. Unlike many groomers who begin with dogs and later accept cats, Carlye’s training focuses solely on cats’ unique needs. Cats have delicate, paper-thin skin and require specialized handling and techniques that differ greatly from dog grooming.

We’ve created a peaceful, cat-only space where your cat can feel safe, comfortable, and cared for—just like one of our own.

*https://nationalcatgroomers.com/

At the appointment, we will ask you to stay for a few minutes to assess your cat’s needs, temperament, and grooming tolerance. After discussing the grooming plan with you, we’ll ask you to head home. We'll notify you when you cat is ready for pick-up. Any remaining payment is due upon pick-up, and we'll review ongoing grooming options to maintain your cat’s skin and coat health.

Services are by appointment only. We cannot accept walk-ins at this time. Go to the Book Now page to schedule your appointment. Or click on Contact if you have more questions prior to booking.

City-licensed and fully equipped, our salon is a peaceful, cat-only space that blends homey comfort with professional quality. Located in the quiet Longfellow/Howe neighborhood, we are away from the noise of busy commercial areas.

The salon is situated at the rear of a residential home in its own private, recently renovated room designed specifically for cat grooming.

Because we operate from a dedicated home-based space, we’re able to keep our costs reasonable and our appointments truly one-on-one. Your cat receives individual attention, without the rush or distractions that often come with larger commercial salons.

We want both you and your cat to feel comfortable, safe, and confident in our care.

If you and your cat are brand new to grooming, we encourage you to book a FREE assessment and salon tour before booking a grooming package. During this brief visit, we will assess your cat’s temperament, show you around, and answer any questions you may have.

We do not provide grooming services during this appointment. We do require up to date rabies vaccination paperwork to schedule and ask that you answer some intake questions.

Go to Book Now to schedule the free assessment.

We groom shy cats often. At the start of your first appointment, we’ll do a gentle assessment to understand your cat’s comfort level and create a personalized grooming plan.

Our groomer, Carlye, connects especially well with shy or sensitive cats. Her calm, kind approach helps them feel safe and understood. We may make adjustments to keep your cat comfortable, such as: using low water pressure, slower drying speeds, and taking breaks as needed.

For kitties that are especially sensitive, we may recommend consulting with a vet regarding light sedative medications, to keep the groom more comfortable. We do not administer medications.

The good news is that our salon is peaceful, quiet, and purr-fectly designed to help shy kitties feel at ease.

Whether we can groom your cat is determined on a case-by-case basis. At Bell Cat Grooming, we recognize that every cat has its own personality and needs. Our approach to grooming is always focused on safety and comfort for both your cat and the groomer.

If your cat tends to be spicy or aggressive, we recommend booking a Free Assessment and Salon Tour prior to committing to a full groom. That way, we can come up with a game plan prior to starting the groom.

We may also recommend consulting a vet for possible sedative medications to ease the stress of the grooming process.

Although we don’t administer medications, we collaborate with vets to find the best solution for your cat’s grooming needs.

For cats who show significant aggression or are unsafe to handle, we may recommend grooming under full sedation at a veterinary clinic or refer you to another provider.

You’ve heard it before, cats groom themselves - or do they? Cats do lick themselves and spread saliva all over their coat and skin. However, they can’t do anything to shave out their own mats or tangles, remove grease from their fur, reduce dandruff, remove excess coat, or clip their own nails! Some cats need more grooming help than others, depending on their breed, coat, and age. As cats get older, they start producing more oil and dandruff that can build up and cause other issues such as matting and itchiness. They cannot solve these issues on their own, and that is why we are here! We offer a range of services from using degreasing products, degreasing shampoos, hand blow-dries, nail-caps, and shaving, we’ve got your cat covered.

Yes, you can bathe cats! Every cat is unique - just like people and dogs, some love water and swimming whereas others are less keen. Some cats, like the Turkish Angora (also known as the “swimming cat”) are even known to hop right into the bath or shower with their owners! Cats are very greasy animals - you can see it as a sheen on many of their coats. This build up of oils can cause dandruff and even mats and tangles. Regular bathing with shampoos, designed to remove dirt and oils is one of the most important steps of your cat’s grooming regimen. We shampoo each cat at least 3 times and do degreasing treatments for an extra clean. If you’ve never had your cat bathed before, bring them in for our services. We promise you’ll see a noticeable difference. Many owners can’t help but stick their faces and noses right into their cat’s coat after a good groom, since they can’t resist the softness and clean smell that comes from a good bath!

This can vary based on your cat’s individual needs, coat type, and breed. Did you know that even the color of your cat’s coat can influence how frequently they should be groomed? It’s true! - those kitties with lighter coat colors (we call them “dilute” in the cat world), tend to get mats and tangles more easily and often need more frequent services. On average, we recommend that your cat is groomed every 6-8 weeks to keep them clean and comfortable. Some may need more or less frequent visits,. We will work with you to assess your cat’s needs and come up with a plan that works for you and your feline!

Mats are tangles in your cat's fur, often starting on the belly or underside. Mats can cause hair pulling, hair loss, sores, and scarring. They are very uncomfortable for cats. Cats are adept at hiding discomfort and often dislike belly pats. So, by the time many owners notice them, the condition can be severe. If your cat is matted, just know we're here to support you and find solutions, not to judge. Our priority is to provide your cat relief as soon as possible.

Mats can be caused by various factors. Cats are naturally oily animals, and this oil can build up, leading to tangles. Long-haired breeds like Ragdolls and Persians are especially prone to matting due to their fluffy coats. During shedding seasons, loose hair can become trapped and cause mats. Moisture, such as from playing in a water bowl, can also cause hair to clump and mat.

There are many other causes for matting, and we'll work with you to identify what might be contributing to your cat's condition.

We use degreasing shampoos and treatments to remove excess oils and prevent mats from forming. We also offer shaving and clipping options to fully remove and prevent ongoing matting. Please never try to remove mats on your own and never use a scissors on your cat because you will easily cut them and cause injury.. Together, we can create a grooming schedule to ensure your cat stays comfortable and tangle-free.

Established clients who rebook and complete their next package appointment within 6 weeks of their last grooming visit receive discounted pricing:

• Longhair Package – $70 (reg. $85)

• Shorthair Package – $60 (reg. $75)

• Hairless Package– $50 (reg. $65)

Discounted rates apply only if the appointment is completed within 6 weeks of the previous one. After 6 weeks, the standard rate applies.
*All prices subject to tax.

Yes, we recommend beginning cat grooming at a young age! We even offer a discounted rate for kittens under six months old. Our approach is gentle and gradual, providing plenty of love and positive reinforcement to help your kitten feel comfortable with the grooming process. There's no need to wait until grooming becomes a necessity; starting early helps your cat enjoy grooming throughout their life.

Lion cuts and sanitary or belly shaves are particularly useful for cats with severe matting. Matting pulls on the hair, causing discomfort, hair loss, sores, and sometimes scarring. In such cases, shaving is often the only option. Although this significantly changes your cat's appearance by shaving close to the skin, the hair will grow back. Growth rates can vary across different areas, but rest assured, shaving does not damage the hair.

Many owners notice that their cats strut around confidently after a lion cut, enjoying the feeling of being light and free!

For non-essential, cosmetic trims, we do not guarantee a lion cut during the first visit. Instead, we’ll begin with a small step, such as a sanitary trim, to assess your cat's tolerance to clippers. This approach allows us to gauge your cat's comfort level and ensure their safety.

Our priority is to carefully evaluate your cat's temperament and tolerance to clipping services without rushing or causing unnecessary stress.

Our goal is to ensure that your cat has a positive grooming experience, leaving them happy, healthy, and ready to come back for their next appointment.

Some cats benefit from medications from their vet to best tolerate the shaving process.

Nail caps are small, flexible vinyl coverings that fit over your cat’s claws and come in a variety of fun colors. We love matching nail cap colors to seasons, holidays, or even sports teams—the choice is yours! These caps help prevent your cat from scratching furniture, other pets, or you. They are especially useful for polydactyl cats, preventing them from inadvertently scratching themselves.

Nail caps are a humane alternative to declawing, which can cause physical, emotional, and behavioral issues in cats. Using nail caps can save both you and your cat from a lot of stress. Contrary to some myths, nail caps do not prevent cats from retracting their claws. The brand we use, developed by a veterinarian, allows your cat to use their claws normally.

Sometimes, when cats leave their home, they can experience some stress. That is why we designed our home-salon to be comfortable, cozy, and dog free! We are also working with your cat one-on-one, ensuring that they get the individual care and attention that they deserve. We will monitor your cat for signs of stress and will not push your cat past their limits. We groom for the cat’s comfort and safety, not for vanity. This means we take things slowly and calmly and will not force grooming services on a stressed cat. We’d rather take a break, and pause grooming services, than risk the safety of your cat. We may also limit non-essential or cosmetic shaving options for cats who do not tolerate clipping well. We always recommend that you follow up with your vet regarding any concerns about stress related conditions.

We know what it’s like to try to find a groomer, but you have no idea what to expect in terms of pricing. That is why we strive to be transparent about our prices and services. Prices vary based on your cat’s needs and situation. We offer feline-exclusive, one-on-one services for your beloved cat. We are specialists in cat grooming and have training on the unique skills it takes to groom a cat safely and effectively. See our Pricing and Services page for a full list and description.

Rabies is a serious and deadly disease that can be transmitted through bites. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Ensuring all animals are vaccinated minimizes the risk of transmission to groomers and other pets. We also comply with legal and insurance requirements regarding rabies vaccination. Requiring proof of vaccination is part of maintaining high professional standards. Our grooming facility is committed to providing a safe environment for both pets and staff.

If you have repeat no-shows or cancellations, we may require a deposit, up to the full cost of the groom. The deposit is non-refundable. If you reschedule your appointment prior to 48 hours before the appointment, you may use your deposit toward the rescheduled appointment. If you cancel within the 48 hour period or no-show, you will not be reimbursed your deposit amount and a new deposit will be required to re-book.

Groom Packages offered bundled services at an affordable price. Includes: nail trim, de-greasing, eye & ear cleaning, bath, blow-dry, brush-out, & de-shed (unless cat is a hairless breed).

Add-On Services are ONLY available with the purchase of a Groom Package. These services are offered at a discounted price as opposed to A la carte services.

Shaving Add-Ons for first time clients is offered, pending an assessment of your cat’s tolerance to clippers.

Here is a brief description of each of the services offered:

Mini-Sanitary - fur is shaved down, short, just under the tail and around the genitals.

Sanitary Trim - fur is shaved down, short, under the tail, around the genitals, and between the back legs.

Half-Belly Trim- fur is shaved down, short, under the tail, around the genitals, between the back legs, and up just past their belly button.

Full-Belly Trim - fur is shaved down, short, under the tail, around the genitals, between the back legs, through the belly, and between the front legs.

Lion Cut -Lion Cut and Lion Cut variations include shaving the cat, very close to the skin. The head, legs, and part (or all of the tail) are left long.

Toe-Tuft Trim - for long-haired cats. The fur between the toes is clipped.

Face-Trim - for long-haired cats, such as Persians. The face is trimmed and rounded.

À la carte services are standalone, single-service options that can be booked individually. They’re perfect for maintaining your cat between regular full grooming sessions.

Available à la carte services:

• Nail Trim (4 Paws)

• Nail Caps (2 Paws)

• Nail Caps (4 Paws)

• Sanitary Trim

• Belly Trim

• Brush Out
  (Please note: we do not brush out mats. This service is intended for general de-shedding and coat maintenance.)

Some fees and surcharges may apply during your visit. You will be given paperwork that goes over each of these fees, in detail, prior to your appointment. Late cancelations and no-shows greatly affect our small business. Late pick-up times are also significant, since we must adhere to strict opening and closing times in our residential neighborhood. Matting and pelting are painful to cats and require time and care to remove. If your cat is matted or pelted, we will work with you to come up with a prevention plan for the future, to help avoid repeat charges. Potential Surcharges: Knots/Tangles/Mats/Pelts: $15.00 + tax per quarter hour (depending on severity. Fecal Removal: $10.00 + tax. Fleas: $45.00 + tax WE DO NOT GROOM CATS WITH FLEAS. No Show or Late Cancellation: (48 hours): Multiple cancellations may result in need to pay groom in full prior to scheduling, with loss of deposit for subsequent late cancellations/no-shows. Late Drop Off: after 15+ minutes late, appointment may be cancelled with loss of non-refundable deposit, if applicable Late Pick Up: $20.00 + tax (when 15+ mins late with non-communication). Additional $1.00 + tax per minute if 30+ minutes late. Abandonment Fee: $100 + tax per night (up $300 + tax*). Pet will be surrendered to shelter/animal control after 72 hours of owner non-response.

We accept card and cash. No checks, please.

We are licensed as a Commercial Animal Care Provider through the city of Minneapolis. We have been inspected and approved by Minneapolis Animal Care and Control to provide services. #LIC417044

To enter the salon, you must navigate a narrow sidewalk and climb a few steps. If you have concerns about this, that is not a problem. Just call us when you arrive for your appointment and we will come out to your vehicle to get your cat.