Cat clipping in Berlin: When a clip really helps

A cat is clipped when they can no longer keep themselves clean. Typical reasons include old age, being overweight, or limited mobility after surgery. A clip without water takes 60 minutes and costs 129 €. We work without sedation, in stages and with breaks. Every cat gets their own quiet time slot with no dogs in the salon. We don't clip healthy, combable coats; regular brushing is enough for those.

When does it make sense to shave a cat?

Clipping makes sense when your cat can no longer groom itself properly over the long term. The Pdsa notes that older cats often struggle to reach difficult spots. They then need more frequent brushing. The Pdsa lists the armpits, legs, belly and tail as high-risk areas for matting. If solid mats form there despite brushing, clipping becomes a practical solution.

We see these three situations most often in the salon:

1. Senior cat: The cat grooms themselves less often, and the fur on their back and hind legs gets matted.
2. Limited mobility: After an operation or due to joint problems, the cat can't reach its torso.
3. Overweight: The cat can physically no longer reach its belly and hindquarters.

The Pdsa also advises checking older cats' paws weekly. Without enough scratching, their nails get too long. Nail clipping is included in every cat appointment at the salon.

What clipping options are available for cats?

Three options are common, and the shortest one definitely doesn't suit every cat. We don't clip right down to the skin, but leave a few millimetres of length depending on the coat's condition.

With a lion cut, the fur on the head and neck is intentionally left long, hence the name. How quickly the coat grows back depends on breed, age and skin condition. We therefore can't guarantee a specific length after twelve weeks.

How does shaving without anaesthesia work?

Without anaesthetic means the cat stays awake and we work in sections. Sedation is a veterinary decision and doesn't happen in our salon.

1. The cat arrives in its carrier. We open the box and let them come out on their own.
2. We feel the armpits, belly, trousers and tail. Then we show you the areas we'll be working on.
3. We then give you a binding price for the appointment before the clippers are turned on.
4. The shave is done using Aesculap clippers, guided flat and calmly along the body.
5. We take breaks in between as soon as the cat needs them.
6. Finally, we comb through the remaining coat and clip the nails.

If the cat is also being bathed and blow-dried, we use the Hydra tub and pH-neutral natural products. If the cat shows too much stress, we stop and discuss the next steps with you. Sometimes we just stick to a partial clip on the belly, armpits and trousers. You can find out what else is included in a cat appointment on the Cat Full Groom page.

How much does it cost to clip a cat in Berlin?

A clip without water costs 129 € and is scheduled for 60 minutes. With a bath, blow-dry and comb-through, we plan for 90 minutes and charge 149 €. The final amount can vary depending on coat condition and behaviour. That's why we assess the cat before starting and then give you a binding price. If there are solid mats, we charge for dematting at 15 € per started 15 minutes.

If a simple brush-out is enough, cat grooming starts at 99 €. All starting prices can be found on our price list. We've put together an overview of which cat package suits which coat in our cat groomer in Berlin guide. You pay on collection, in cash or by card, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. We don't take advance payments.

When do we advise against clipping?

If the coat is healthy and combable, we advise against clipping and prefer a thorough brush-out. There are four situations where we won't clip:

• Shorthair cat with a healthy coat: Clippers offer no advantage here; regular brushing is enough.
• Summer heat: Discuss clipping in warm weather with your vet. We don't make any promises regarding temperature and well-being.
• Cat resists strongly: We never force the cat and will only focus on the most essential areas.
• Unclear skin changes: Have it checked by a vet first, then groom.

How often you should brush depends on the coat type. The Pdsa provides the following guidelines:

According to the Pdsa, cats lose more hair in spring and autumn. Extra brushing sessions are helpful during this time. The Pdsa advises against tackling solid mats at home yourself. You can read how we remove mats in the salon in our article What to do if your cat is matted.

How to prepare for the appointment

Leave the carrier open in your cat's favourite room for a few days beforehand. This turns the box into a familiar piece of furniture. Put a towel inside that smells like home. On the day of the appointment, don't forcefully comb at mats; just bring your cat exactly as they are.

We are here for you from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 to 18, the address is Giesebrechtstraße 2, 10629 Berlin in Charlottenburg. Getting here: U7 Adenauerplatz (5 minutes on foot), U1 and U9 Kurfürstendamm (10 minutes). You can park in Giesebrechtstraße and Brandenburgische Straße. For a spot in our quiet cat slot, you can directly book an appointment online.