Cat Bathing & Lion Cut Services

Cats are meticulous groomers, but there are times when professional grooming support is necessary for their health, comfort, and overall well-being. At Alpine Veterinary Hospital, we provide veterinary-supervised cat bathing and lion cut services designed to safely address coat, skin, and hygiene concerns in a calm medical environment.

Our team understands feline behavior and uses gentle, low-stress handling tailored to each cat’s individual needs.

When Professional Cat Grooming Is Beneficial

Professional cat grooming may be recommended for cats who:

  • Have long or dense coats that mat easily

  • Are unable to groom themselves due to age, obesity, or arthritis

  • Experience frequent hairballs

  • Have skin conditions requiring medicated bathing

  • Become stressed or defensive during at-home grooming

  • Have severe matting that causes discomfort or skin irritation

Providing these services within a veterinary hospital allows for added safety and medical oversight.

Cat Bathing Services

While many cats do not require routine bathing, there are situations where bathing is beneficial or medically necessary. Cat bathing services may be recommended for:

  • Skin infections or dermatitis

  • Allergies or excessive dandruff

  • Exposure to substances that cannot be safely removed at home

  • Poor coat condition related to illness or mobility limitations

Domestic shorthair tabby getting bath at groomer.

Our cat bathing services include:

  • Gentle, cat-specific or medicated shampoos as directed by our veterinary team

  • Careful handling to minimize stress

  • Appropriate drying methods based on your cat’s tolerance

Pricing for Cat Bathing

  • $85

Medicated & Specialty Cat Baths

For cats experiencing skin issues, our veterinary team may recommend a medicated or specialty bath. These baths are designed to help manage:

  • Skin allergies and itchiness

  • Irritated skin

  • Bacterial or fungal infections

  • Dry, flaky, or inflamed skin

All medicated baths are performed according to veterinary guidance to ensure safe and effective treatment.  Medicated baths and flea baths can be added to a standard bath for an additional cost ranging between $15 - $25.  

Optional Grooming Add On Services 

  • Nail Trim - $12

  • Clean ears - $12

Lion Cuts for Cats

Lion cuts for cats are available when medically or practically appropriate. A lion cut involves shaving the body while leaving fur on the head, legs, and tail tip.

Lion cuts may be recommended for:

  • Severely matted coats that cannot be brushed out safely

  • Long-haired cats prone to recurrent matting

  • Cats who struggle with self-grooming

  • Senior cats or cats with mobility limitations

  • Cats experiencing frequent hairballs

This grooming option can improve comfort, reduce matting, and make ongoing coat maintenance easier. Our veterinary team will evaluate your cat’s coat and overall health to determine if a lion cut is appropriate.

Pricing for Lion Cut 

  • $150

It is important to note that some cats may require sedation to safely and humanely perform a lion cut. Sedation is determined based on your cat’s temperament, coat condition, and overall health.  Sedation, if needed, is not included in the listed grooming price. 

Himalayan cat getting shaved down due to matting. 

Veterinary Oversight & Grooming Safety

All cat grooming services at Alpine Veterinary Hospital are supported by trained veterinary professionals. This allows us to:

  • Identify skin concerns, parasites, or abnormalities during grooming

  • Adjust grooming techniques for cats with medical conditions

  • Provide immediate veterinary care if a health concern is identified

For some cats, sedation or additional medical support may be discussed if grooming cannot be performed safely while awake. Any recommendations will be reviewed with you in advance.

A Calm, Cat-Focused Grooming Environment

Cats benefit from a controlled, low-stimulation environment. Our hospital provides:

  • A clean, sanitized grooming space

  • Reduced noise and distractions

  • Feline-appropriate handling and restraint techniques

We take a patient, individualized approach to every cat in our care.

Ready to schedule a kitty clean-up?

To schedule an appointment for cat bathing or a lion cut, or to speak with our team about your cat’s grooming needs, please give us a call at 925-825-8464.