Bentley & Bear Holistic Dog and Cat Grooming

24/02/2026

As I’ve just gained a lot of new followers from the world of dogs - who can recommend a comfortable dog bed that’s indestructible?

I have the K9 beds that sit off the ground and plenty of blankets which do last but give him anything spongy and comfortable he just rips it open!

Today was a new record, bought a lovely bed from TK Maxx, popped it down and turned my back for no more than 5 mins and lo and behold an explosion of foam pieces covered the room! I give up!

I have 3 dogs but because Stan is a menace to society it means none of them can have a nice squishy bed.

Any ideas?

21/02/2026

20/02/2026

✨ I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with the lovely team at about something very close to my heart… holistic, behaviour-led grooming.

Even more special, I was interviewed by Kat — who actually did work experience with me last year and has since gone on to begin her own journey in the dog training world. Watching passionate people grow in this industry is honestly one of the best parts of what I do 💗

A big thank you to PupClub for creating space for conversations like this within the pet industry — it was such a warm and thoughtful experience to be part of.

I’ve done podcasts before, but being on camera was definitely a first for me (and Kat). Nervous much! 🙈

During our chat we touched on how elements of kind, reward-based training naturally weave into the grooming environment. There is such value in groomers, trainers and behaviourists working alongside one another to support each animal’s emotional wellbeing — something I care deeply about within my work at Bentley & Bear.

In the interview, I share a little about my journey, why emotional wellbeing matters so much during grooming, and how a low-stress approach can make such a difference for our pets.

Yes… I do waffle a bit 🙈 that’s just me and the nerves but I hope it gives a gentle insight into the heart behind Bentley & Bear.

If you’d like to watch, the link is below 💗 Please give it a nice 👍🏻 if you like it.

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At PupClub, we believe calm always comes before compliance — and that philosophy extends far beyond training.In this video, we sit down with Bentley & Bear, ...

19/02/2026

🐾 Not every cat who visits me needs a full groom… and that’s a good thing. 🐾

This is Bell — a very handsome tabby-and-white longhaired young man who came in for his first visit recently. 💛

(Fun little backstory — Bell was originally thought to be a girl and named Belle… until it was discovered he was in fact a boy! 💙)

After a full assessment, the lovely news was that Bell’s coat and skin were in beautiful condition.

✨ What I found:
• Clean, well-maintained long coat
• Healthy skin
• No loose undercoat or topcoat to remove
• As a young outdoor boy, his nails did not need clipping

So his appointment became much more about gentle introduction and positive experience than active grooming.

💫 What we did do:
• Gentle ear wipe
• Small tidy of his ruff to stop it catching in his mouth when self-grooming
• Calm, low-stress handling to help build confidence

Bell coped so well for a slightly nervous boy on his first visit — I was very proud of him. 🥹

Getting cats familiar with the grooming environment when they are young can make a huge difference later in life, when they may genuinely need help with knots, claw care or bathing.

Sometimes the best appointment is simply reassurance that everything is just as it should be. 💛

18/02/2026

Meet Star ⭐

A very sweet little lop who needed a bit of extra support.

Recently, Star had stopped grooming herself. Mum did absolutely the right thing and had her vet checked first. Once medical causes were ruled out, it became clear she simply wasn’t managing her coat — particularly around her hindquarters (those fluffy rear legs).

And when rabbits don’t self-groom, things can escalate quickly.

The second photo shows just how much impacted undercoat was sitting there. Not just loose fluff — but compacted, felted areas that can pull at the skin and restrict movement.

Mum couldn’t safely brush her at home — Star wasn’t having it — so the professional stepped in.

Because she’s a bit of a jumper, we worked on the floor.
Low level.
Secure positioning.
Careful, considered handling.

Rabbits are incredibly delicate. Their spine and hind legs must always be protected. Safety isn’t optional — it’s everything.

Star had a thorough deshed, gentle mat removal around her hindquarters, and a neat claw clip to finish. No rush, no force — just steady, calm support.

She left lighter, freer, and much more comfortable.

Grooming isn’t about making them look pretty.
It’s about helping them feel able to move, stretch, and behave like a rabbit again.

And sometimes that means sitting on the floor in pink with a very fluffy assistant. 🐰💗



📲 WhatsApp me to book 07980 676897

🛍️ Use Code: bentleyand25
For 25% off the fabulous Pet Remedy range
https://petremedy.co.uk/shop/

11/02/2026

✨ It has been a sad time losing my beautiful boy Bear but it was nice to receive this today ✨

So I am pleased to share that I am now an official member of the Association of Holistic Feline Specialists and recognised as a Holistic Feline Professional in Good Standing.

For me, holistic cat grooming isn’t about trends or aesthetics. It’s about understanding the whole cat — behaviour, emotional wellbeing, environment, health history and individual thresholds — and working in a way that protects trust.

Cats are not small dogs.
They require a different skill set, different pacing, and a deep respect for consent and stress signals.

Being part of a professional body that upholds clear standards and a code of ethics matters to me. It means accountability. It means ongoing education. And it means your cat is in the hands of someone committed to doing this work properly.

As always, emotional wellbeing comes first.
The haircut is secondary.

Thank you to my wonderful cat clients (and their humans) who trust me with such sensitive souls 🐾

09/02/2026

This morning we said goodbye to my beautiful boy Bear 🐾🤍

Anyone who knows me knew Bear. He was part of my world, my routines, my heart. I even named my business after him 🤍

Dogs teach us so much. Bear taught me about patience, presence, and unconditional love — especially in his later years with dementia. Lessons that will stay with me forever.

He was always a gentle soul, a bulldog through and through. Stoic to the end, my little soldier.

Today I’m hurting and feeling a bit lost, so I’m taking this afternoon away from grooming to grieve and remember him with kindness. Thank you so much for your understanding — especially to those of you I’ve had to cancel this afternoon, and to those who’ve messaged recently that I haven’t yet replied to. I will be in touch.

Thank you, my darling Bear, for everything you brought to my life.
I will love you forever 🌈

05/02/2026

I’ve been busy updating all my Client Policies in preparation for a new website.

Clear communication helps for both pets and their people. Yes that’s you. ☺️

My client policies explain how I work, how I prioritise emotional wellbeing, and what you can expect from appointments at Bentley & Bear.

You’re welcome to read them anytime here:

05/02/2026

This tickled me 😂

29/01/2026

🤩
So who wants to be my 100th reviewer on Google?
🤩

https://g.page/r/CdCDB7jg4rAjEAE/review

Thank you in advance 🩷

Caroline x

Post a review to our profile on Google