top of page
Looking to enhance your cat grooming skills?
Join Sandy for personalized training sessions tailored to your specific needs. With a focus on respectful and professional care for cats, you can refine your techniques and achieve your grooming goals.
 
Explore our available options below to find the perfect fit for your education!

New  to cat grooming ?

Discover the world of cat grooming at my Cat Spa.

Join me for a Shadow Day, where you'll spend three hours observing and learning about various grooming services like trims, bathing, and full-body haircuts.

You'll have the chance to observe, interact, ask questions, and gain insights, grooming techniques and business practices.

Reserve your spot for just $375 and delve into the fascinating realm of cat grooming!

Join us for Bath & Basics, a hands-on learning

This experience is designed for beginners in cat grooming! In this 4-hour session starting at 9:00 AM, you'll develop skills in bathing and handling while working with 2–3 beginner-level cats.

You’ll gain practical experience with nail trims, baths, blow drying and comb-outs.

The cost for this enriching day is $500, offering valuable insights into the world of cat grooming.

Set Your Goals!

Overview of Personalized Private Instruction (PPI)  

Sandra L Porter-Gonyea, CFMG, NCGI Certifier 
 
Thank you for your interest in working with me to uplevel your cat grooming skills. 
 
I am committed to personalizing each day's instruction to meet the unique needs of each trainee. This includes engaging, hands-on grooming of various cat breeds, as well as tailored instruction on additional topics, whether they are listed below or specifically requested by the trainee.  
 
Services Available: 
2-4 day workshops in Victor, NY (Finger Lakes area) 
PPI at The Cat Spa, 310 Phoenix Mills Plaza, Rt 96, Victor, NY14564 (east of Rochester, NY) Hours for PPI are 9 am - 3:30 pm with a 1/2 hr break for lunch. I will schedule 3-4 cats for the day. You may also use some of the time for taking any written exams, if you wish. 
 
Fees are $700/day. Payable by check, credit card, or Venmo 
 
All fees are non-refundable. If given 30 days' notice, these fees may be applied to a later date A 50 % non-refundable deposit is required, with the remaining balance due 30 days before training. 
Topics that can be covered 
CFMG training and exam prep 
Cat clipping skills ( Lion Clips, Comb Clips) 
Cat Bathing 
Understanding Cat Temperaments and Handling 
Growing Your Cat Grooming Business 
Client Relations 
Cat Breeds and Colors 
Grooming for Cat Shows 
 
PPI is suitable for cat groomers at all skill levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced. No prior experience is necessary to participate. 
 
Requirements for scheduling PPI to earn CFMG Certification: 
1.    Complete 90% of the Complete Cat Groomer Training Syllabus. 
          (Use code SANDRA to save $200 if you do not yet have the syllabus.) 
2.    Send proof of passing at least 2 of the written exams (Temperament/Handling and Breeds, Colors, Coat Types). 
3.    Fill out the linked form so I may assess your skill level and goals:
https://forms.gle/VWvK844gz6VfHR8G7

Pay PPI deposit to reserve your PPI dates 
 
While scheduling PPI, I will request information from you to assess your current skill level and goals. Based on that, you will be given an estimated number of PPI days that are recommended to achieve your goals. The average number of days needed to earn CFMG Certification is 5 days for students who are dedicated to learning and practicing what is contained in the Syllabus program. But this varies depending upon a student’s ability, determination level, amount of experience and practice prior to PPI, and the level of willingness to listen to instruction. 
 
 
Requirements for scheduling non-certification PPI 
1.    Fill out the linked form so I may assess your skill level and goals:
https://forms.gle/zpGrVKqK9MqecTQC8
2.    Pay PPI deposit to reserve your PPI dates 
Register 
Email Sandra Gonyea CFMG at thecatspa4@gmail.com or

call 518-322-0098 to set a date or make a payment. 
 
For detailed testing information and requirements, please visit the NCGI website. https://nationalcatgroomers.com/certification-process/ 
 
Tools Required ( these items are mandatory) 
___ Air Muzzle  made by https://www.smartpractice.com/ 
___Green E Collar, also by Smart Practice 
___Metal Greyhound types of combs ( Chris Christenson aka CC), Face/Feet comb, CC,    Cat        
Comb, CC Fine Course Greyhound Comb, Resco Corse Comb with handle 
___Feline appropriate nail clippers 
___Clipper with a 10 and a 30 blade. My favorites are Wahl KM 10, Andis eMerge, Wahl 
Bravura, Artero Spectra 
___4.5” blunt tipped scissors 
___extra blades 
___Paw Brothers Course Comb with Handle 
___Proper grooming attire 
___Closed-toed shoes 
 
The Cat Spa will provide 2-4 cats/day to groom, all grooming products, and essential grooming equipment ( other than what is listed above for you to bring with you) for completing the grooms. 
● Please note…if you fail to bring all of the required tools, I require that they be purchased from me the first day or use mine for a rental fee. 
 
 
Places to Stay 
The Finger Lakes area of New York State is a very touristy area and has many hotels and Air BnB’s https://www.airbnb.com/ and Vyrbo https://www.vrbo.com/  sites to book locally. Here are some local hotels. 
 
Microtel Inn, Victor & Farmington, NY          Hampton Inn & Suites, Victor, NY 
 
Best Western, Victor, NY                         Comfort Inn, Farmington, NY 
 
The closest airport is Greater Rochester International Airport  (ROC) approximately 28 miles away 
 










 







 

 

 

 

 

 





 

 

___

Looking for a flexible learning or testing option? Experience the comfort of grooming in your own space with familiar cats you've practiced on at your salon.

To get started, ensure you have a suitable setup for two groomers, the necessary products and tools, and that you've successfully groomed in the last four months
.
Training rates for hosting at your grooming salon are as follows:

Hands-On Training Days are $800.00 for one student and $1300.00 for two students, 

CFMG Testing-Only are available at $350.00, but please note that these do not include instruction beyond a critique after each cat is completed.

If interested in this option   

Host in your own salon

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

©2025 by The Cat Spa.

bottom of page