About Us

Maine coon cat Topaz is sporting a modified lion cut with full tail and bib.  This cut is typically referred to as a bolero.

After being partially shaved for an ultrasound and a biopsy, Topaz was looking moth eaten. To create a nicer look, Ellen gave her a modified lion cut leaving her front legs and bib long.

Trilling Cat is the only cat exclusive boarding and grooming facility in the Triangle with team members trained in grooming with the National Cat Groomers Institute. All team member are also  Certified Fear Free Professionals. We strive to provide individualized service to every cat and client. Trilling Cat started as a small grooming salon tailored to the specific needs of cats. In 2023 we expanded and were licensed by both Durham and the state of North Carolina for boarding cats only.

Ellen has been grooming cats since 2007. Her goal is to bring you the joy of a clean, well groomed cat prancing by, showing off their natural beauty. She is currently studying with the National Cat Groomers Institute with the goal of earning her Certified Feline Master Groomer title.

Ellen is both an Elite FFCP (Groomer, Veterinary) (Elite Fear Free Certified Professional) and a Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional. These certifications require training in low stress cat handling. We want your cat to have the best experience possible with the least amount of fear.

Ellen has been a speaker at both veterinary clinics and shelters on Cat Care, educating owners in the basics of caring for cats. She has also trained veterinary staff and shelter staff on information they should be teaching cat owners. She was interviewed on a Pet Partners Facebook Live event on animal assisted interventions with cats, answering questions about her volunteer work with her therapy cats.

Devin joined Trilling Cat in the fall of 2022. Her love of animals and cats in particular led her to a career working with them. She has already completed her Fear Free Groomer Certification and quickly put her new skills to work. One of Devin's goals at Trilling Cat is to find each cat's favorite spot to be scratched. She tests all of the toys with our boarders to find what each cat will have the most fun playing with. Devin is also studying to become a Certified Feline Master Groomer

We are conveniently located near the intersection of Hope Valley Road/NC Highway 751 and NC Highway 54 in south Durham, at 5018 Dresden Drive, Durham, NC. We are just a few miles from Southpoint Mall. Our location provides easy access from Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and the rest of the triangle. Please visit our Contact Us page for directions.

To schedule a spa appointment for your cat, please read our Appointment Instructions.To schedule an inn reservation for your cat, please read our Inn Reservation Instructions.

What Some Of Our Clients Say

"A great experience for Louis and us. We are thrilled with your expertise, gentle & caring attention to Louis and good advice for us! Thank you!"

"If you have cats, I would highly recommend Ellen as their groomer!"

"She looks AMAZING! ...She was so happy she was rolling on her belly and sassy all afternoon."

"I just wanted to thank you again for the amazing work you did with [my cat]. This sweet kitty has already come out of his shell since he saw you and he truly brings me so much joy!"

"We are so pleased with Oliver's groom!! You were so great with Oliver. I am so happy to have found you! Thanks again Ellen!"

Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional through the American Association of Feline Practitioners Cat Friendly program.
Certified Fear Free Elite Professional.
5018 Dresden Dr.
Durham, NC 27707
919-536-8920
By Appointment Only
Grooming Hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
For instructions on booking an appointment or reservation, see the instructions on our Contact Us Page.

Copyright 2022 Trilling Cat LLC