Instructions
Ask your friends or those you trust for advice. Chances are, if they were dissatisfied with the final outcome, the groomer's demeanor or cat's reaction to the groomer, you will be, too.
Find out what type of training the groomer received. Cat grooming is not covered at the average grooming school, convention or expo. The National Cat Groomers' Institute of America offers week-long training, workshops, seminars, videos and study packets.
Check to see if your groomer is professionally certified. A Certified Feline Master Groomer has passed nine exams and received certification in CPR specific to felines. Wannabe master groomers are tested on such elements as anatomy and breeds, and practical skills, such as long-hair full coat groom and standard lion cut.
Ask your veterinarian for advice. Some veterinary offices also offer grooming, though your results may still be mixed (depending on the feline-specific training that groomer has received). If you feel the vet is an objective source, and they are actually willing to provide an opinion, that is a good start in your quest for a feline grooming professional.
Don't go to a groomer who rarely grooms cats. Not all groomers are created equal. You cannot take techniques used for dog grooming and apply them to cats. In addition, these groomers are accustomed to dealing with dog behavior, not often finicky cats. They may not respond well to a cat's scratching or lashing out, and the cat in turn will only become more upset. You will not get the desired results and, at worst, this could result in injury to your pet.
Keep up with home grooming. Your cat may not like it, but if you regularly brush, bathe and trim your cat's nails, you can reduce the number of trips you make to the groomer, though this is no substitute for a professional groomer when the cat really needs it (and impossible mats in tricky spots are among the give-aways).
How to Find a Cat Groomer
You wouldn't go to your dentist to get an eye exam, so why take your cat to a dog groomer? It's important to find a groomer professionally trained in feline techniques, and with an understanding of cat behavior and physiology. Not all cat groomers are created equal, either. Do your homework, so your furball looks polished and isn't traumatized by the experience.