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Train to a Higher Standard

Designed for individuals who want to work with cats responsibly and ethically, our professional cat grooming courses build a deep understanding of feline handling, care, and observation. We recognise that grooming carries real responsibility, where poor handling or rushed techniques can lead to stress, injury, or long-term behavioural impact. 

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These courses are for...

Individuals considering a career in cat grooming

These courses are ideal if you are looking to enter the cat grooming field with the right foundations. We focus on correct handling, safety, and understanding feline behaviour so you can build skills responsibly from the start.

Assistants or handlers seeking stronger foundations

For those already working with cats, these classes help refine technique, improve confidence with tools, and address common challenges seen in real grooming environments. The emphasis is on precision, control, and low-stress outcomes.

Budding groomers preparing for professional certification

If you are working towards recognised grooming certifications, our courses help you prepare through structured practice, proper etiquette, and guidance on working with models and assistants in a examination setting.

Practising groomers looking to deepen technical skills

These classes are suited for groomers who believe that good grooming should never come at the expense of a cat’s physical or emotional wellbeing. We emphasise ethical decision-making, stress awareness, and knowing when not to proceed.

Grooming with Care, Skill, and Safety

Good grooming comes from balance. We support feline wellbeing, handler safety, and practical skill, helping learners work gently and confidently with cats.

Built for Long-Term Confidence

Our approach helps learners grow steadily and safely, whether they’re caring for their own cat or exploring grooming as a professional path.

Learning Beyond Technique

We teach more than grooming steps. Learners gain an understanding of cat behaviour, decision-making, and how to respond thoughtfully in real situations.

Grounded in Real Cats and Experiences

Classes are built around real grooming scenarios, giving learners space to observe, ask questions, and learn at a comfortable, supportive pace.

Our Professional Instructors

Limited-time Guest Instructor

Lene Tan

Guest Instructor & ISFC Judge

An internationally accredited cat competition judge and a multiple award-winning pet groomer, Lene is a Certified Feline Master Groomer with over 28 years of professional grooming experience. She is a recognised professional, holding demonstrated technical expertise and dedication to the art of cat grooming. 

 

Passionate about nurturing the next generation of groomers, Lene takes pride in guiding her students, many of whom achieve high passing rates and receive awards for their outstanding performance. She actively continues her professional development, having conducted and attended overseas seminars in Kuala Lumpur in 2024, as well as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in 2025.

Achievements

Cat Grooming Awards

ISFC Championship (Master) 2025

Show groom - 1st Place

ISFC Championship (Master) 2025

Scissoring - 2nd Place

ISFC Open Class (Class A) 2024

Scissoring - 1st Place

ISFC Open Class (Class A) 2024

Best In Show - 2nd Place

Dog Grooming Awards

KCT Class B 2011

3rd Place

TGA Class B 2011

KCT Class C  2010

SKC Class A 2009

3rd Place (Taiwan)

SKC Class B 2008

SKC Class C 2007

Our Professional Cat Courses

At Neko Neko Academy, we believe good grooming sits at the balance between cat welfare, handler safety, and professional skill, combining respect and sensitivity with structured techniques and sound judgment. Our courses exist to raise the standard of how cat grooming is taught and practised, with the cat’s wellbeing as a non-negotiable priority.

Professional Cat Grooming Programme

Designed as a starting point, this course focuses on the essential skills every cat groomer needs before progressing to advanced techniques. It covers safe handling, bathing, drying, and core grooming practices, with a strong emphasis on welfare, observation, and proper preparation.

 

Best for: Aspiring cat groomers, hobbyists interested in learning correct cat grooming practices, and beginners who want to establish strong foundations in the cat grooming craft.

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Advanced Cat Grooming Course

A deeper dive into advanced techniques, styling, and handling for cats with more complex needs. This course focuses on precision, decision-making, and refining skills in real-world grooming scenarios.

 

Best for: Experienced groomers looking to improve technical confidence and expand their professional capabilities.

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Certification Preparation Course

Structured preparation for professional grooming assessments, focusing on exam expectations, model preparation, etiquette, and working smoothly with assistants. Run only when certification bodies announce exam dates.

 

Best for: Groomers preparing for formal certification who want focused guidance and practical readiness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who are these courses designed for?

These courses are designed for individuals who want to enter the cat care industry responsibly, as well as those already working with cats who want to strengthen their foundations. This includes aspiring groomers, assistants, and career switchers who are serious about learning cat-only grooming.

Do I need prior grooming or animal experience to start?

No prior professional grooming experience is required for the Professional Cat Grooming Programme. However, students should be comfortable handling cats and be prepared for hands-on learning. More advanced courses require completion of earlier stages or equivalent experience.

Will I be a “qualified groomer” after completing the Professional Cat Grooming Programme?

The programme is designed to prepare students for entry-level and progression roles, typically starting with assistant-level work. At this stage, the focus is on safe handling, basic grooming processes, and professional judgement. Progression toward performing full grooming independently happens over time and with experience. Students who wish to advance their skills further are expected to move on to our Advanced Grooming Course, which focuses on higher-level scissoring, finishing quality, efficiency, and consistency.

 

Becoming a competent cat groomer is a gradual process that involves hands-on experience, continued training, and responsible progression, rather than a single course.

Is the Professional Cat Grooming Programme the same as SKC / ISFC certification?

No. The certificate awarded by Neko Academy is not an SKC or ISFC certification. External certifications are issued only by their respective organisations and require candidates to sit for official exams under their rules. Our courses are structured to prepare and support students toward that pathway, for those who choose to pursue external certification.

Will I be supported if I want to pursue SKC / ISFC certification later?

Yes. Students who wish to pursue external certification can progress into our Certificate Preparation Course, which focuses specifically on exam rules, etiquette, model preparation, time management, and mock exams when official exam dates are announced.

Will I get hands-on practice with real cats?

Yes. Hands-on learning is a core part of our training. All practical sessions are supervised closely, and techniques are taught progressively, with feline comfort and safety as the priority.

Is this course suitable if I only want to groom my own cat?

These courses are structured as professional-level training, with a strong focus on handling, judgement, and responsibility. While they are designed for those entering or progressing in the cat care industry, cat owners who want a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of grooming are also welcome!