For total beginners who are curious about working with cats, this is a relaxed introduction to the basics. We focus on foundational handling, bathing, and drying so you can get a feel for the work without committing to a full training program.

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Come shadow me for a half-day of grooming in my cat only salon. A Shadow Day with me is 3 hours, starting at 9:00am, with 2-3 cats being groomed in a variety of services depending on the day.

This can include nail trims, nail caps, bathing, blow drying, sanitary/belly shaving, full body haircuts (Comb Cut/Lion Cut), mat removal, aggressive cat handling, etc. Specific grooming services are not guaranteed, however. Discussion and questions on grooming techniques, business, etc. can be done in-between grooming. Cost is $375 per day.

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Bath & Basics Days are for students looking to learn and practice their bathing and handling skills. These days are 4 hours, starting at either 9:00am or 11:00am, and includes 2-3 cats getting nails, bath, blow dry, and comb outs. These are beginner level cats and cost is $500 per day.

As a Certifier with the National Cat Groomers Institute, Lynn can proctor written and practical CFMG exams. Registration and exam fees are submitted to NCGI before the day of testing at nationalcatgroomers.com/exams.

Written Exams can be taken at Cat Naps Cattery New Jersey, with at least 1-2 weeks notice. There may also be opportunities at trade shows to meet up for written exams. There is no proctoring fee, just the NCGI exam fee (paid directly to them).

If you’re ready to complete your Practical Exams, you’re welcome to bring your own cats to my salon for evaluation. These sessions are typically scheduled on Mondays and there is no proctoring fee, just the NCGI exam fee (paid directly to them).

This option is ideal for students who have already done training with another Certifier and are ready for or finishing certification.

See the Coming to Cat Naps section below for details about bringing your cats here. Lynn will also provide more guidelines on which cats are good candidates for practical exam attempts.

These sessions are designed for Certified Feline Master Groomers and Certifiers who want to refine their skills, improve handling, or work through specific challenges.

Rather than a structured “class,” these are collaborative working sessions focused on:

• Fine-tuning technique

• Improving efficiency and confidence

• Troubleshooting real-world grooming situations

Available in 2–5 day blocks. Each day is 6 hours of full hands-on grooming, starting from 9:00am with 3-4 cats. The cats booked will be appropriate for your experience level & what you are looking to work on. After grooming wraps up, there is time for business discussions, client training, etc. Cost is $750 per day.

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Booking a single day of training (any type) requires payment in full. To schedule multiple consecutive days, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required with remaining balance due 30 days before training. Cancellations require 30 days for rescheduling.

I’m available to travel for hands-on instruction for:

• Groomers who are already grooming cats

• CFMG and Certifier-level training

• Certifier team or employee development

These are typically scheduled in 2–3 day blocks and can be tailored to you or your team’s needs.

Feel more comfortable grooming in your own space with cats you’ve practiced on at your salon. You’ll need to have the appropriate set-up for two people to work comfortably, the products and tools needed for the services you want to work or test on (for example, Comb Cuts need a Clipper Vac or similar system), and cats that you have groomed successfully in the last 4 months.

Cost includes a daily rate (based on training needs, listed below) and reimbursement of Lynn’s travel expenses.

Training Rates

For hosting Lynn at your grooming salon, costs are as follows:

• Hands-On Training Days are $850.00/day (1 student)

• Hands-On Training Days are $1350.00/day (2 students)

• CFMG Testing-Only Days* are $350.00/day

*Testing only days do not include instruction other than critique after each cat is completed. This is only appropriate for students that have done some hands-on instruction with a NCGI Certifier beforehand.

Travel Reimbursements

Within 2 hours of Princeton, NJ: These individual days have the most flexibility and are great for focused training or exam-only attempts. No overnight accommodations needed unless more than 1 consecutive day requested and no additional travel costs required.

Between 2-6 hours of Princeton, NJ: There is a $500 training minimum for salons at this distance and reimbursement for overnight accommodation starting the night before the first day of training.

Over 6-hours of Princeton, NJ: There is a $850 training minimum for salons at this distance and both overnight accommodation and flight reimbursement are required. As there are many variables including time of year to consider, a custom quote will be provided and a payment plan can be set up.

50% non-refundable deposit is required to book dates. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the first day of training. Cancellations require 30 days for rescheduling.

10 days to whip your cat grooming into shape! Join Certified Feline Master Groomers and NCGI Certifiers, Melissa Hall and Lynn Paolillo as they team up in Yuma, Arizona at Melissa’s cat exclusive Cat Hotel & Grooming Salon.

This immersive learning environment is limited to a small group of 4 groomers - perfect for visual or hands-on learners. You’ll get to work with a large variety of cat personalities and behaviors, covering all aspects of cat grooming including how to bathe and blow dry a new cat without them having a meltdown, safely shaving aggressive and/ elderly cats, handling cats confidently while preventing injuries and much more. During this session, you’ll have ample opportunity to practice for and take your CFMG written and practical exams. Plus, pick the brains of these 2 industry leaders to discover their secrets for successfully cat-only businesses.

Cost: $6800 USD per student

Cat School Dates:
- February 6-17, 2023 - FULL
- April 17-28, 2023 - FULL
- February 19- March 1, 2024 - FULL
- September 16-27, 2024 - FULL
- January 13-24, 2025 - FULL
- October 13-24, 2025 - FULL
- October 5 - 16, 2026 - FULL
- February 22 - March 5, 2027

To grab one of these limited spots, click here. A deposit of 50% is required to hold your spot, with the balance due 30 days before the first day. Deposits are nonrefundable, but can be transferred to another student with at least 30 days notice.

NCGI Exam Fees, Membership and Syllabus are not included and are payable directly to National Cat Groomers Institute.

Recommended hotels

• Hilton Garden Inn Hamilton

• Residence Inn Hamilton

• Homewood Suites Hamilton

The hotels above require a car, as they are about 10-15min from the salon. However, there is also an AirBNB right across the street (walking distance!) from Cat Naps.

Closest transportation:

• Hamilton Train Station

• Trenton Airport (TTN) - 15min

• Philadelphia Airport (PHL) - 1hr

• Newark Airport (EWR) - 1hr

Students will be responsible for their own hand tools and clothing worn. All large equipment, consumables and cats will be provided by Cat Naps Cattery. Student should plan on wearing grooming clothes and closed-toe, non-slip shoes (no sandals or dress shoes). Any questions regarding cat grooming services, techniques, CFMG exams/certification process, and/or running a cat grooming business can be discussed during the day. Students will need to bring:

• Air Muzzle

• Nail Trimmers

• Metal Combs (body and face/feet)

• Clipper with a #10 Blade (my favorites - Bravuras, KM Cordless, KM 10)

• Closed-toed shoes

• Appropriate clothing (like grooming smocks) that can get wet, hairy, etc.