As a Certifier with the National Cat Groomers Institute, Lynn can proctor and help you prepare for your 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).

Practical Exams are administered in-person with Lynn. The following options are available:

Option 1 - Your Cats
Bring your own cat(s) to Cat Naps Cattery at no cost. Use of our tub, table, dryer, towels, and consumables are available, however you should bring your own hand tools (clippers, combs, etc.). Travel exam testing is also available, see the Host At Your Salon section below.

Option 2 - My Cats
PPI (Personalized Private Instruction) days may be used for practical exams attempts if you already have purchased the Complete Cat Groomer Training Syllabus and completed at least 2 written CFMG exams. Cats are provided for you during PPI days at Cat Naps Cattery. See the Host At Your Salon and Hands-On at Cat Naps sections below for details regarding instruction days with Lynn.

All exams must be scheduled with advanced notice. Email hello@catnapscattery.com for exam proctoring availability and scheduling.

Want a more flexible learning or testing option? 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)

• Workshops are $1350.00/day

• 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.

Workshop details are available here.

For hosting Lynn for Workshops or PPI at your salon:

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.

Email Lynn for availability, to schedule dates or with any questions.

Lynn’s training cost at Cat Naps Cattery is $125 per hour.

Types of Training Days

Not sure if cat grooming is right for you? 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.

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PPI Days are 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 CFMG written exam(s), business discussions, client training, etc. Cost is $750 per day.

PPI Days may be used for practical exams attempts if you already have purchased the Complete Cat Groomer Training Syllabus and completed at least 2 written CFMG exams.

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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.

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.

Come join me for an immersive 2-week session that will include 10 days of hands- on cat grooming instruction, business review and mentoring. We’ll take your cat grooming to the next level and we can do a deep dive into opening or growing your cat-specialty business. Cost is $7,500 and a payment plan is available.

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.

Email Lynn for availability, to schedule or with any questions.

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

To grab one of these limited spots, reach out to Melissa or Lynn on Facebook. 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.