Feline first aid

None of us want to think about what would happen if a cat starts to experience medical distress while being groomed or in your care, but it is a good idea to be prepared in case this ever does happen. Would you know what to do if a cat started choking? Started showing signs of major distress? If they collapsed or became unconscious? It’s always better to be ready for anything like this just in case and hope nothing ever comes up. By iPET

Network Cat Grooming Tutor Katie Gwilt.

The iPet Network do an inperson emergency first aid level 3 course that is OFQUAL regulated and veterinarian

Sophie Bell at Animal Love Pet First Aid does a selection of courses.

Here are five feline first-aid tips to give you some food for thought.

Check for danger

If you see a cat in distress, check the area before rushing in. Is there anything near the cat that has triggered their health issue such as an electric cable they have bitten or a chemical that could be poisonous?

If you are out and about and see a cat hit by a car, before helping them is it safe to cross the road or are you putting yourself at risk as well? There is no point in running into a problem and getting yourself injured as well and not being able to help anyone. Take a moment to assess the situation first.

Don’t panic

Try to keep your calm in an emergency. Panicking will only make others around you panic as well. Cats in particular are able to sense our emotions.

Keeping panic at bay will help you also be more logical in dealing with any emergencies and be much more able to help the cat. If people around you are panicking a great way to help is to give them one simple task to help them focus. Ask them to find a towel, get a bowl of water, clear the area of other people etc.

Check for a response and breathing

If the cat is conscious this is much easier. I don’t recommend shouting at the cat or shaking them at all.

Try moving a finger and seeing if their eyes track it, tap near them to see if they register the sound or movement and if not try tapping the back of your hand in a clapping motion that isn’t as loud as actually clapping your palms.

If the cat is unconscious and doesn’t react to these then check to see if they are breathing. I don’t recommend touching an apparently unconscious animal just in case they come to suddenly and lash out in confusion.

Hold a mobile phone or mirror in front of their mouth to see if you can see their breath steam it up. Watch their chest to see if it rises and falls.

If not and you know how to give chest compressions then move on to this whilst on the way to an emergency vet. If you know the recovery position and it is safe to do so, lie the cat on its left-hand side to do this giving you better access to the heart which is on the left.

Scan the cat’s head and body

Check the pupils and for any discharge from the nose, mouth or ears. Are there any bones visible or limbs in unusual positions? Can you see any obvious wounds without touching the cat?

There can be internal problems so it’s usually wise to avoid moving the cat more than necessary. If there has been physical trauma then always take for a vet check to see if there are any internal injuries.

If possible look at stemming any bleeding with pressure on the wound and try to gently wrap the cat to keep them warm. Losing bodily fluids and going into shock all cause a drop in temperature so do your best to help with this.

Get to the vet ASAP

It is always best to contact your local vet for a proper health check. There may be internal complications you are unaware of. Keep the details of the closest one to your salon in an easy-to-find place and include details of your nearest out-ofhours vets too.

Always check with clients before starting grooming if the cat has any known health conditions and is on any medication and keep this information updated. If the situation is serious then head straight to the vet and contact the client on the way to let them know what is going on

If you suspect poison (remember cats have different toxins than dogs) and have an idea of the cause, take a photo of the cause or take it with you in a bag. Anything that touches a cat’s paws or fur will be licked and groomed so take extra care with any products, cleaning supplies and plants in your salon.

I highly recommend doing a first aid course and topping up your knowledge every two years.

Visit www.ipetnetwork.co.uk/ipetnetwork-canine-and-feline-qualifications/ ipet-network-level-3-award-in-felineemergency-first-aid/

Animal Talent & Casting Agency

Urban Paws UK

Urban Paws UK are the leading and award-winning animal talent and casting agency. We have a team of knowledgeable and experienced bookers with over 40 year’s experience in the pet industry who work with film producers, TV studios, PR agencies and in-house marketing companies to provide the perfect animal talent for any media brief. We are always looking for well-groomed pets for media briefs so get in touch today.

London: 020 8161 6556

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Grooming Supplies

Artero

Artero has specialized in dog grooming and hairdressing products since 1909. With 113 years of experience, Artero has become a reference in both the Grooming and the Hairdressing worlds, Artero is now present in over 72 countries all over the world.

W: www.artero.co.uk/dog-grooming

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Petcetera

Petcetera have been supplying the nation’s professional dog people with new and innovative products for over 50 years! We pride ourselves on being a one-stopshop for all your pet, showing, grooming & breeding requirements. Request your FREE catalogue today!

T: 01948 668100

E: info@petcetera.co.uk

W: www.petcetera.co.uk

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Industry Services

Pet Industry Federation

Open to all pet businesses in the UK, PIF is the membership association for the pet industry with a wide range of member benefits to support business growth and development.

T: 01234 273933

E: info@petfederation.co.uk

W: www.petfederation.co.uk

Facebook: petindustryfederation

Twitter: @PetFedUK

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LinkedIn: Pet Industry Federation (PIF)

Natural Pet Treats

Monty’s Natural Treats & Wholesale

Looking for extra income? Give our Natural Treats, Foods & Supplements a New Brand. Wholesale Products at low prices & Free White Label Services. 5% OFF your first order with Code: TGM23

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Pet Food

Burns Pet Nutrition

Founded by veterinary surgeon John Burns in 1993, pioneering pet food brand Burns specialises in using simple, healthy and wholesome ingredients to create award-winning recipes that pets love.

T: 0800 0181890

E: sales@burnspet.co.uk

W: www.burnspet.co.uk

Facebook: burnspet

Instagram: @burnset

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Raw Feeding

Natural Instinct

At Natural Instinct, we are all passionate about pets. We believe raw food is the best natural option, feeding as nature intended, free from artificial additives, colours, preservatives and fillers.

T: 01276 608500

W: www.naturalinstinct.com

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Shampoo

For All Dogkind

Award-winning grooming and wellbeing range for all skin & coat types. Delivering natural, healthy and healing products that are ethically sourced and luxuriously kind to hounds & humans. (Trade discounts available)

T:. 020 7148 0316

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Secret Weapon UK

Our unrivalled range of top quality dematting products, shampoos and conditioners are suitable for all coat and skin types. Organic and hypoallergenic our ethically sourced products make grooming easier, kinder and faster. Award winning and successfully selling worldwide for 8 years.

T: 07923 368137

W: www.secretweaponuk.com

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Skincare

Leucillin

Healthy skin makes for a happy pet!

Leucillin keeps skin clean and clear tackling irritation, sore, itchy or smelly skin, safe for ears and eyes.

T: 0345 548 9800

E: info@leucillin.co.uk

W: www.leucillin.co.uk

Facebook: leucillin

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Sharpening

Shear Ease

Shear Ease specialise in clipper blade sharpening, scissor/instrument sharpening and clipper service & repair blades and scissors sharpened and back in the post in one working day!

T: 01407 832 800

E: office@sheareaseltd.com

W: www.sheareaseltd.com

Training and Education

Capel Manor College

Train to become a qualified dog groomer; choose from full and part-time courses with free tuition for 16 to 18 year olds.

T: 0303 003 1234

E: study@capel.ac.uk

W: www.capel.ac.uk

Facebook: capelmanorcollege

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Four Paws Groom School

Dog and Cat Grooming Training Courses and regulated Qualifications. Our friendly and knowledgeable Tutors will support you every step of the way. Locations in Cheshire, Kent, Herefordshire and Greater Manchester.

T: 01606 333765

E: info@fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk

W: www.fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk

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Haddon Training

Established in 1997, Haddon Training are an award-winning training provider specialising in dog grooming, animal care and equine. We offer qualifications which are all supported by our team of expert Trainer-Coaches.

T: 01672 519977

E: enquiries@haddontraining.co.uk

W: www.haddontraining.co.uk

Facebook: HaddonTrainingLtd

Instagram: @haddontraining iPET Network

International Awarding Organisation, creating regulated qualifications for the Animal Care and Veterinary Science sector. We aim to improve animal welfare through education, successfully winning awards for our Dog and Cat Grooming qualifications.

T: 0800 433 4700

E: info@ipetnetwork.co.uk

W: www.ipetnetwork.co.uk

Facebook: @ipetnetwork

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KD Grooming Studio

KD Grooming Studio, a multi-awardwinning pet grooming Studio, delivers flexible C&G/National Pet College & vocational courses. Train with Britain’s Best Groomer, Kelly Davis (BBC) and her highly skilled team. Enrol year round.

T: 01963 34110

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W: www.kdgroomingstudio.co.uk

W: www.kellydavis.uk

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National Pet College

Offering City & Guilds dog grooming qualifications via our approved training centres around the UK. Also, Higher Diploma in Dog Grooming, teacher training and short courses including canine first aid.

T: 01234 984450

E: info@nationalpetcollege.co.uk

W www.nationalpetcollege.co.uk

Facebook: nationalpetcollege

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Pet Passion to Profit

Pet Passion to Profit is a business training company. We enable grooming businesses to grow their businesses giving greater income, confidence and satisfaction.

T: 07969 990086

E: info@petpassiontoprofit.com

W: www.petpassiontoprofit.com

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Instagram: @pet_passion_to_profit1

YouTube: www.youtube.com/ channel/UC5qrF8sc0XQSlgmwzqFBn-g

Rob Fellows Reiki

Help calm the dogs in your salon and make your job easier too.

Easy to learn and simple to do Reiki training courses especially for groomers. Home Learning or Live Training and Qualification Day.

E: rob@RobFellowsReiki.com

W: RobFellowsReiki.com/reiki-fordog-groomers

Facebook: RobFellowsReiki

FB group: Reiki for Dog Groomers

Instagram: @reikirobfellows

Summit Groomer Training Group

Summit works with dog grooming training centres delivering quality tuition and City & Guilds qualifications. With centres across the UK there is one near you. See our website for details.

T: 01535 661776

E: enquiries@summitgroomer traininggroup.co.uk

W: www.summitgroomer traininggroup.co.uk