If a cat has claimed you, moved into your home, and allowed you to feed it, then you know these ancient descendants of Bastet – the ancient Egyptian cat-headed goddess – deserve to be pampered as such. Fancy Felines, Sarasota’s first cat-only grooming salon, takes it seriously.
The salon offers grooming services while being gentle and patient with hairy divas with sharp claws.
“Cats can be crazy and unpredictable, but so can I,” says Aubrey Bird, owner of Fancy Felines, which opened the salon in late July.
After working as a professional groomer for more than 12 years with dogs and cats, she wanted to direct her skills towards a clientele of kittens. “I’ve had cats growing up all my life,” says Bird. “I’ve always been more comfortable with cats.”
The Bird’s Lounge is designed with feline sensibilities in mind. Unlike typical pet grooming tubs, which make a loud noise when water hits metal, which can make cats nervous, Fancy Felines has a specially designed plastic tub that makes it quieter and more soothing for cat bath. Each feline has two people to look after their grooming needs, and Bird works with clients by appointment to accommodate the schedules of those who might need weekend grooming.
“It’s super beneficial to have another person when grooming so they can hold the cat if he’s grumpy, or who might give him little scratches on his chin,” says Bird. “Plus, there’s no dog smell. We have feline pheromone diffusers and it instantly makes it a more calming space for them.”
Fancy Felines is located at 7620 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota. To make an appointment, call (941) 279-5902 or visit their website.