Groomer to Groomer October 2022

PHOTO BY LEXI GOLDSMITH

CONTENTS |

by Lexie Goldsmith

@

Dumberth luke@barkleigh.com

Ryman cassidy@barkleigh.com

DIGITAL MARKETING

Evan Gummo Evan@barkleigh.com

MARKETING

Allison Smith allison@barkleigh.com

MANAGER/

ASSISTANT Karin Grottola karin@barkleigh.com

James Severs james@barkleigh.com

Oquendo: Cats Are Not Dogs (& Why They 6 Should Not be Groomed as Such)

Hosler: Pet Hair: Trash or Treasure? 12

Conner: Cat Bite Care 20

The Skinny on Social Media 24

Faver: Take it From a Vet...Cats Need 44 Grooming Too!

Cause for Concern: Recognizing Common 50 Medical Issues in Cats

David: Ancient Abyssinians: The "Miniature 56 Cougars" of the Cat World

Hansen: Sani Struggle Solutions 60

New Products 64 Show Schedule 66

ON THE COVER

Copyright October 2022. Groomer to Groomer is published monthly by Barkleigh Productions, Inc, 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. Postmaster: Send change of address to Groomer to Groomer c/o Barkleigh Productions, Inc., 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. Annual U.S. subscription rate $25. Outside U.S. $79. year, surface rates. Groomer to Groomer is free to current Barkleigh Productions, Inc. customers. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Editorial offices: 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. (717) 691–3388 FAX: (717) 691–3381 Email: info@barkleigh.com

PHOTO BY LEXIE GOLDSMITH

Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins

Hernandez

Mary’s Musings

ARE NOT

(& Why They Should Not be Groomed as Such)

by Mary Oquendo

Did you know that cats have been pets for over 9,000 years? They are muchloved companions, and one cat was even Mayor of a small Alaskan town. In fact, this cat beat out many human challengers in his local mayoral race. Cats are a lot of things, but what they are not, is a dog.

As a different species, there are behavioral and physical differences groomers need to be aware of before working with cats:

1. They are less domesticated than dogs. Cats are hyper aware of their surroundings, and what may not be too much for a dog can send a cat into overwhelm. Calmer environments are best.

2. Cats lack certain enzymes that dogs have in their livers. This means they can’t

metabolize certain substances out of their bodies. Instead, the substances are stored in their livers and, over time, can cause organ failure. Problematic substances include certain essential oils, botanicals and alcohol in topical products. Two other concerns include triple antibiotic and a chlorohexidine wound rinse stabilized with citric acid. While an allergy to triple antibiotic is rare, if a cat is allergic to the combination of the three ingredients, it’s fatal.

3. Their skin is not attached to muscle. They basically wear a skin suit. If the cat is nicked, it could turn into a tear easily. It’s also the reason that scruffing isn’t a good idea. You put pressure on internal organs when you

Dispel the notion that cats are self-cleaning. Owners need to understand that what cats do with their barbed tongue is licking.

tighten up the skin by scruffing so it is best to use alternative methods.

4. Whiskers, or “Vibrassae,” as they are known, are a sensory organ, and one that is well developed in cats. They need them for balance, as well as for knowing if they will fit into small openings. Don’t shave them off.

5. Like dogs, cats clearly telegraph their moods, though the behavioral cues are different. Swishy tails and ears flat against their heads mean danger for you from a cat, but these same signs can mean a dog is

off a table, they could snap their neck. Instead, use a figure-eight harness or a TrachSaver. Sustained weight on a cat’s fragile neck bones should not exceed 11 ounces. The round muzzle that looks like a hamster ball weighs in at 14 ounces. The half air muzzle, e-collars and happy hoodies are better options.

I have three secret weapons for cat grooming:

1. Towels. Lots of them. Cats need something soft to grip, so those towels go in the tub and on top of the table. Cats also like boundaries. I create a “box” and surround the cat with towels.

Cats

should never be looped. If they jump

2. Acclimate the cat to grooming. I am never “set up” for the cat. I bring the cat in and open up the carrier. Yes, this is done in an enclosed space. Then I start gathering what I need. It gives the cat an opportunity to adjust to their surroundings.

3. Leave the carrier door open. Cats are pretty smart. They know the way home is through the carrier. By leaving the carrier door open, if the cat bolts, it is more likely to run into the carrier than to hide in my work space.

Now that you understand the differences in cats and dogs and are in possession of my top three tips, how do you talk to owners about why their cat needs to be groomed?

First, you dispel the notion that cats are self-cleaning. Owners need to understand that what cats do with their barbed tongue is licking. The cat is trying to remove excessive hair. Licking is not bathing any more than using your own tongue to take a bath is. Ask the owner to lick something like peanut butter off their arm. No matter how long they

lick, it won’t be clean. I find that using references to a situation that personally impact an owner is the best way to explain something.

Ask if they are they dealing with hairballs. When excessive coat is not removed via combing and brushing, the cat swallows the hair, leading to hairballs which either get vomited up in the client’s home or cause health issues for their cats.

Inform them that regular professional grooming prevents matting. When excessive coat is not removed by combing and brushing, the hair begins to interweave and form mats which become tighter and tighter as time goes by. These mats may cause skin irritations and even open sores, especially if the cat gets wet. Ask the

client how they would feel if they wore clothes two sizes too small over the course of the day.

One last thing, in addition to my regular Terms of Service, I had an extra signed and dated “Cat Addendum.”

Cats have what I like to refer to as a “turkey timer.” When it pops up, the groom (turkey) is over (done), regardless of completion. When I went over this with first-time clients, I made sure to start with what was most important to the owner to get completed as the amount of time I had with their cat was unknown.

I made sure my forms included the following statements:

• As cats are physiologically more sensitive to grooming, Pawsitively Pretty Mobile

Grooming Salon LLC will cease grooming when it becomes detrimental to the health of the cat or dangerous to the groomer.

• Minimum charges will apply regardless of completion of grooming.

• In the event of matting or coat removal, Pawsitively Pretty Mobile Grooming Salon LLC will not be financially responsible for condition of skin or injury due to the stripping process.

With an estimated equal number of cats as there are dogs in the U.S., cat grooming is an underutilized market. In addition, it is quite feasible for the knowledgeable cat groomer to not only groom cats, but to consider being cat exclusive. You can work smarter with less stress on your body by grooming cats. &

by Kathy Hosler

How often have we all heard the words "Reduce, reuse, recycle?" In our “throw-away” society, there is now a steadily growing movement to thwart wastefulness by getting as much use as possible from the things we use.

We groomers are faced with bag after bag of clipped pet hair, and most of us pay to have it hauled away with the trash. Wouldn't it be great if there was a way to make something useful from it? What if that discarded hair could be turned into a resource instead of a waste product? Repurposing that endless supply of pet hair could benefit your business, our industry and the environment in the long run.

You may already know some of the uses for the hair that you clip every day, but I'm pretty sure you don't know all of them...

1. A common use is to put some of the excess hair outside on bushes or near birdfeeders for the birds to use as nesting material.

2. Pet hair can be added to your compost pile or garden soil. The hair is

biodegradable, but it takes about two years to degrade. However, it helps the soil retain moisture even before it decomposes. Hair is rich in nitrogen and it is slowly released into the soil as it breaks down.

3. Many people use unwashed pet hair as a deer and rabbit repellant. They stuff it into pantyhose and place it all around the plants they want to protect.

4. People who hand-tie fishing flies have found that pet hair is ideal for their craft. It's not only a fascinating hobby, but they make extra income from their sales as well.

5. Hair can be used for waterway cleanup. It absorbs oil and pollutants, and can be made into absorbent mats by a process called “felting.” These hair mats can be

used to cover storm drains or help clean up oil spills from waterways.

6. Experiments are underway to see if small pads of “potting felt,” a product for house plants made from waste pet hair, will save water, deter pests and release nitrogen into the soil.

7. Chiengora ("chien" is the French word for dog) is yarn or wool made from dog hair. It can be spun into beautiful, warm yarn and made into scarves and other items. There are books available that tell you how to collect, spin and use the hair for knitting projects. Artisans who master this craft can make a substantial amount of money from owners who collect hair from their own pets and commission them to create specialty products from that hair.

8. Pet hair can now be used in the construction industry. At a Londonbased regenerative biomanufacturer, pet hair is being combined with a unique organic binding material called “orb” to create particle board-like sheets.

9. They are also using mycelium, the branching root-like structure of fungi, to grow around hair to create insulation panels and other 3D objects.

10. A search of the internet revealed that pet hair is also being used to make crafts, the brush tip on paintbrushes and wigs for humans.

11. It was even suggested that pet hair can be used as a substitute for toilet paper. Eww! I checked with a master plumber and he said emphatically, “I would not recommend it for many reasons, but if you do use it, you better be prepared to call a plumber. Pet hair does not break down like toilet paper does. It can cause serious problems in your pipes, sewer lines, or your septic system.” File this suggestion under “Don't believe everything you see on the internet!” and “Don't try this at home!”

One often-used phrase in our industry is, “I'm a groomer, not a magician.” While that is true, I found out that some groomers have learned how to turn dirty cat hair into money. Amanda McGrath, CFMG (Certified Feline Master Groomer) sells her dirty cat hair to ALK. net/us, a company that makes human allergy vaccines.

“When I signed up to be in their program years ago, I had to pass an in-person inspection of my salon, a written test pertaining to animal health, and a phone interview with one of their doctors,” Amanda says. “The hair needs to be kept frozen in large ziplock bags, and there is a minimum of pounds you need before it can be shipped.

“The only downside is that it needs to be dirty hair, so all hair has to be clipped

Many groomers who supply the cat hair to these companies have commented that they love being able to help so many people live normal lives with their cats, keep the hair out of the trash and make money at the same time.

prior to the bath,” Amanda continues. “The upside is helping to provide a use for something that would normally be thrown in the garbage and getting some money from it. We use the extra money made from dirty hair for staff group activities, and over the years have done fun things such as paint and sips, ax throwing, escape rooms, and hibachi dinners!”

Stallergenesgreer.com also has a program for groomers to purchase their dirty cat hair. Previously known as Greer Laboratories, they provide allergenic extracts to the human and veterinary market. Their products help treat millions of allergy sufferers

worldwide, as well as their pets.

Many groomers who supply the cat hair to these companies have commented that they love being able to help so many people live normal lives with their cats, keep the hair out of the trash and make money at the same time.

Greengroomerscollective.com, based in the United Kingdom, has launched the Green Salon Collective program. Groomers who enroll in their pet hair recycling program collect their clipped pet hair in bags and place the bags in the return box provided by Green Salon Collective. The hair each salon sends in is totaled to let them and their clients

know the amount of waste hair that has been recycled.

The groomers do not make money by recycling the hair, but they and their clients have the satisfaction of knowing that the pet hair is being repurposed and will benefit the industry, community and the environment. To cover the costs associated with recycling the hair, many of the groomers in the Green Salon Collective program are charging a “Green Fee” to their clients.

Think of the possibilities! New and better ways to recycle and repurpose the hair you see as trash today may turn it into a profitable treasure tomorrow. &

by Lexie Goldsmith

When I first started cat grooming, there were only two ways to learn techniques for grooming a cat, and that was either an online forum or going to a school in America. In the online forums, there were all types of shockingly horrible and inappropriate handling ideas, such as using vet wrap on paws, cage/bag bathing, scruffing all cats and more!

Thankfully, these days, groomers are looking for more holistic and low-stress approaches for cat grooming, and these modern and far kinder techniques are the future for cat grooming—which is a great thing for cats!

What is Scruffing?

Scruffing includes using a hand behind the cat’s neck to hold a large amount of skin, aiming to imitate the way a kitten’s mother transports its kittens, causing a cat to relax their limbs.  Scruffing is also used by tom cats when mating with queens and during fighting. This is no longer a positive hold after a few weeks of age, as the reflex that causes relaxation disappears. It should not be mimicked in a grooming salon unless there are extreme circumstances, such as where a cat needs to be removed from a high-risk situation to avoid injury to itself or the groomer.

Some of the reasons scruffing is not recommended include:

• It can cause discomfort or pain for the cat, and therefore elevate aggression or increase sensitivity.

• It is interpreted by a cat as a negative association to grooming, especially if used previously.

• It can increase the likelihood of the groomer being injured while attempting to scruff.

• It may exaggerate feelings of fear, stress, frustration or loss of control, and this will affect future grooms.

• Increased stress also means increased cortisol, heart rate and body temperature, which can have adverse medical effects.

• It can cause the cat to become aggressive, from a fearful state.

• It will hurt the relationship between cat and groomer, where trust is not just important but essential.

Why do we Need to Reduce Stress?

Even if not showing any signs of stress, every cat will have some level of stress going through their body during grooming. A neutral level of relaxation is in their bed asleep, and they are far from that level when being groomed.

Stress has effects on the feline body that you cannot see with the eye. Stress sends proteins to the kidneys, increases blood sugar levels and can cause long-term effects on a cat in renal failure. Stress can cause urinary tract blockages, and even cause severe tachycardia or respiratory distress resulting in death.

Low Stress Alternative Methods

There are many far more suitable alternatives for handling cats such as using light pressure or a towel for instance.

Light Pressure

Using light pressure on certain areas of a cat can reassure the cat of where you would like them to be, instead of using a scruff.

Fig 1) Chin Hold: Use your thumb between the bones of the jaw and place the other four fingers around or on top of the head.  You may also reverse this using the thumb at the top of the head, and fingers between the jaw bones.  This prevents the cat from biting and sudden head movements. It is great for washing around the neck, and clipping and blowdrying the head.

Bio-Groom’s 5 gallon pails are priced at the same cost as

individual gallons. It’s the same as getting a GALLON FREE! Available in our most popular shampoos; Natural Oatmeal, Super White, Econo-Groom, So-Dirty, Protein Lanolin,

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& Tick,

Photos provided by Lexie Goldsmith

FIG 1

FIG 2

Fig 2) Nail Clipping Wrist Hold: This uses a gentle pressure hold and gives you control of the head by simply using your wrist over the cat’s head when holding the paw.

Fig 3) Snake Hold: Use your fingers in a “V” shape to apply pressure and have control over the cat’s head when clipping, combing or wrapping the cat.

Fig 4) Snake Hold Armpit: To clip the armpit of a cat, you can use your snake hold and then use your thumb to hold the paw out of the way.

Fig 5) Football/Underarm Hold: Hold the cat under your underarm/body and roll the cat to clip the groin and belly area. This hold is great for the sanitary clip and blow-drying.

Using Towels

In additon to using ligtht pressure, you can also use towels to protect

FIG 3

FIG 4

yourself and comfort-wrap the kitty.

Fig 6) Wrap the back legs to get to the front legs, or, wrap the front legs to clip the back legs.

Fig 7 & 8) A towel can also be used as an alternative to scruffing or using an elizabethan collar. Roll the towel up longways, wrap the towel around the neck, and hold or secure it with a clip, avoiding the skin.

There is more than one way to groom a cat and, as you can see, there are also many alternative and lowstress ways to handle a cat that don’t involve scruffing. Thankfully, with up-to-date training and research into feline health and behavior, we know better than to scruff. There are more opportunities to gain experience in the correct way to groom cats and reduce their stress in the grooming salon, and we should never stop

learning and discovering ways to improve on our techniques to make things better for them. &

Lexie Goldsmith, Qualified Veterinary Nurse and award-winning Certified Master Cat Groomer of over 15 years, teaches low-stress handling for the absolute best results in her courses worldwide on just how easy (and enjoyable!) cat grooming can be using the methods she has developed and perfected over the years. From “Bathing the Feline, Clipping the Feline,” to feline-behaviorist-written “Behavior for the Cat Groomer,” her courses are available to start at any time, and are exclusively online at www. learncatgrooming.com.au

LEARN TO GROOM

BY SLOW INTRODUCTION & LOW STRESS HANDLING

FIG 5

FIG 7

FIG 6

FIG 8

LEARNCATGROOMING.COM.AU

CAT BITE CARE

by Daryl Conner

had just finished grooming a large orange tabby cat who had been a pleasant, mellow guy to work on from start to finish. I had his carrier ready and was going over him with a comb one last time before sending him home. At that moment, he decided he had enough of me and, with a speed that belied his rotund form, spun and sank his teeth deep into my knuckle. I knew instantly that this was not a minor bite…and it is possible that I uttered an unladylike word or two. After tucking him safely in his carrier, I proceeded to perform the best first aid that I knew how.

If a cat should bite you, here is how you should take care of your injury:

• Encourage a little blood to flow from the wound, which will hopefully carry some of the bacteria out with it.

• Flush the wound with tepid running water for several minutes.

• Wash the wound with hand soap, then

rinse well. (Do not pour alcohol or any harsh cleanser into the injury. This can cause cellular damage.)

• Pat the area dry with a clean cloth.

• Apply antibiotic cream to the wound.

• Bandage the injury with a sterile bandage.

• Call your health care provider.

True confession here; I loathe going to the doctor. I didn't want to do that last part, but I knew this was an intense bite and it was right over my knuckle, so I called, and they had me come right over.

The doctor examined the wound, rebandaged it and prescribed antibiotics. He told me not to go to work the next day. I was instructed to keep the injured area wrapped in a warm cloth and a heating pad, and to keep it elevated over my heart as much as possible.

I am not the kind of person who misses work, and I blithely told him so. He looked

me in the eye and said, “You will be missing a lot of work if you are in the hospital on IV antibiotics. Cat bites are serious, and you need to treat this seriously.” So, I called in sick for the first time in years, followed his instructions exactly and am thankful that I made a full recovery.

But why are cat bites so dangerous? Statistically, cat bites result in infection 30-50% of the time. Unfortunately, many victims wait hours or days before seeking medical treatment, not understanding the potential danger. Usually the injury does not look like much more than a pinprick.

The trouble is primarily due to cats’ cone-shaped, super-sharp canine teeth. Those teeth boast narrow points at the tip which are able to pierce deeply into the skin. Even healthy cats will have several types of bacteria in their saliva that could cause problems. The one that most commonly causes infections in human victims is Pasteurella multocida.

Because cat teeth are small, the human body typically seals the puncture rather quickly. This leaves a nice warm place for that bacteria to multiply. If a bite becomes infected and is left untreated, the infection can become serious, causing cellulitis or even blood poisoning to occur. Cat bites, like any puncture wound, can also carry the potential for tetanus.

As pet groomers, most cat bites we receive are on our hands. According to the Mayo Clinic, one in three

cat bites on the hand will require hospitalization. The study also noted that a bite on any joint in the hand was more likely to require a hospital stay than soft tissue injuries.

Beyond these rather frightening statistics, it will be essential to check and ensure that the cat who delivered the bite is up to date on its rabies vaccine. If the cat has an unknown history or is overdue for having its rabies vaccine, anti-rabies treatment may be recommended. In addition, cat bites should be reported to the local health department.

I have been safely grooming cats for almost 40 years, and am happy to report that I have suffered very few injuries.

However, I believe it is imperative for groomers who choose to work on cats to become educated on how to safely, kindly and compassionately handle felines so that both the pet and the groomer will be unscathed during the process. &

Resources: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ wounds-cat-bite-injuries-to-humans https://health.clevelandclinic.org/catbites-scratches/

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/ discussion/when-cats-bite-1-in-3patients-bitten-in-hand-hospitalizedinfections-common/

https://www.preventivevet.com/cats/whatto-do-if-youre-bitten-by-a-cat

If the cat has an unknown history or is overdue for having its rabies vaccine, anti-rabies treatment may be recommended.

approx.

handle (8.6oz)

(17cm)

spms (fastest trimmer)

The Ski yon Social Media The Ski yon Social Media

by Lynn Paolillo, CFMG & Certifier

Every day, there seems to be a new trend, app or website that gets touted as the “next big thing.” Honestly, it’s exhausting to spend a full day grooming only to come home and navigate multiple platforms, responding to messages and figuring out how to get your perfectly fluffed grooming pictures seen by the masses.

Do you have time to have a website and Facebook and Instagram and Twitter and Nextdoor and YouTube and TikTok? Probably not! But that doesn’t mean that social media is a lost cause—even for those of us that are less tech savvy!

Culling the Herd

Before picking a platform, let’s address whether you should be on social media at all. If you are winding down your business, have stopped taking new clients for some time (with no plans for expansion) and haven’t already used social media actively up until this point, then it’s most likely not necessary to start. However, groomers looking to grow a following, businesses wanting to attract new clients and those that want to encourage a more robust relationship with current pet owners should absolutely look into creating a social media plan that fits their needs.

According to the Pew Research Center, a staggering 72% of Americans say they’ve used social media in 2021. So, most likely, your potential clients are lurking behind a screen of at least one of the bigger social media sites.

Luckily, juggling multiple social media platforms isn’t necessary for the average groomer to reach their goals. Demographics of who is using what should greatly influence which platforms make the most sense for you and your business. While this can be studied in great depth, I’ve broken down the most popular platforms and some key things to remember about each.

YouTube

Statistically speaking, this is the mostused social media site by far, being used by 81% of U.S. adults, and it is the secondmost-visited website in the world behind Google. While the potential reach is massive, the time commitment is too. It is much more time consuming to film, edit and create both short and longer videos as opposed to a picture and caption.

Facebook

While slowing down in recent years, Facebook is still the biggest of the shortform social media platforms. However, your target demographic may change depending on where you set your focus. The under-30 crowd is moving away from Facebook, but it is still very heavily used by those aged 30-64. If your goal is for your

posts, pictures and business to be seen by new, potential clients that don’t already follow you, then Facebook doesn’t fare as well on this aspect.

Recently, Facebook confirmed that only 15% of the content shown in a user’s feed falls into the “suggested” category, meaning not from friends, family or pages the person already follows. This doesn’t bode well for trying to attract new clients organically (aka without paying to boost posts or for running ads).

Instagram

Very popular with the youngest adult demographic (18-29), Instagram has the potential to be an excellent platform for creating a grooming portfolio that shows off your best work. Unlike Facebook, hashtags can play a big factor, but eyecatching pictures are what seals the deal.

A downside to Instagram is being limited with URLs not being functional if you add them to captions or comments. Locations can sometimes be hit or miss unless you're in an area where location hashtags are popular. If this platform interests you, then make sure to brush the hair off the table, set up some additional lighting and snap away on a good-quality camera (like your smartphone).

Twitter

While remaining an active and popular site, the demographics are pretty interesting with over 60% of users being male. One-third are college educated and making over $75k annually, which many groomers may find an attractive demographic to target, as they may be more likely to have the disposable income to afford higher grooming prices.

However, Twitter tends to primarily be a place to discuss current events, politics and breaking news, with photos being much less important. A definite negative for a visual industry like pet grooming.

LinkedIn

If the demographics of Twitter are a good fit for your business, then LinkedIn may be a better platform if you are a strong writer. Posting blogstyle posts and articles keeps your page active and connecting with other users, not just pet professionals, which is a good way to network.

TikTok

This is one of the newest platforms, but is steadily growing. The demographics tend to skew to a

lower age bracket, but users seem very interested in what happens “behind the scenes” in the pet grooming sphere. My own TikTok account has attracted several hundred new grooming inquiries in just a few months’ time, and has built a tremendous amount of trust with my existing clientele. While not every video or account goes “viral,” a small following of viewers-turned-customers is incredibly valuable.

What to Post

The beauty of social media is that almost everything is fair game when it comes to what can be posted. However, eye-catching photos and video clips that

in, and even time-sensitive posts, like for filling last-minute appointment openings.

If you get stumped on what caption to write or photo to share, always keep conversations you have with your great clients in mind. What questions do they ask? What information have you shared that they found interesting? Keep a notepad near your phone or front desk to jot down ideas for content based on your interactions over the week.

I try to keep the overall tone of my TikTok content upbeat and nonjudgmental. Besides upsetting the client who owns the cat I’m posting about (who all have given me permission beforehand), it can turn off a lot of viewers that don’t know you very well yet. On the flip side, controversial topics can lead to a lot more comments, shares and engagement; however, it may not be the kind of interaction you want on your business page.

Before diving into one or more social media platforms, it is important to have a clear idea of what the accounts

are for. Growing a large following may not necessarily translate to more appointments with clients that you actually want.

To have your posts be seen by existing clients, you’ll need to make sure that you are creating posts and material that encourage them to engage with your business account. Think of each social media platform like a credit score; followers, views, likes, comments and/or shares are the engagement that you want. A higher score means more people see your post because the

algorithm wants to show users content they are interested in.

Unfortunately though, each social media platform has its own way of evaluating accounts and posts, and it changes regularly. The details of algorithms remain a closely guarded secret of the individual platforms. In some instances, boosting a post or paying for an ad can help your overall account be seen by individuals that don’t already follow you (which is what you’ll need if your goal is to attract new clients).

The newer platforms, including Instagram and TikTok, put a large emphasis on showing users content from accounts they don’t follow. For example, when logging into TikTok, the default view is the “For You” tab instead of the “Following” tab. Facebook has also recently announced in a 2022 shareholders call that they will be implementing a similar tactic in their feeds.

This shift towards showing new content is great for trying to attract new clients, but it will depend more heavily on making sure that the content

I typically set aside a few days a month as “content gathering” days. I make an effort to snap pictures, video clips, film full grooms, etc. on those days.

you create is interesting and visually appealing to your targeted audience.

It sounds like a lot of work, and in some ways it is. While social media is notoriously known as “free advertising,” there is time and effort that need to be put forth if you want it to pay off. However, there is absolutely room in the sea of posts and content for everyone. With a short life expectancy of posts, an ever-changing algorithm wanting new content to push to users and a variety of platforms to choose from, there is a space for every type of business and individual to take advantage of it.

To get started, use your smartphone to take photos and some short video clips throughout the day. I typically set

aside a few days a month as “content gathering” days. This means I make an effort to snap pictures, video clips, film full grooms, etc. on those days. Don’t worry about taking the perfect picture or thinking of what caption you need to write. Just take a bunch! Then, at the end of the day, go through and pick out your favorites and set them aside in a separate folder. Over time, you’ll grow your library of raw materials that you can pull from when you have an idea for a post.

Many of the platforms let you schedule posts ahead of time. This allows you to schedule a few posts at a time instead of stressing about what to post every day while you’re in the middle of a busy workload.

Lastly, whichever platform you decide to use, make sure to spend

time on that platform as a user first. This will help you see what others are posting, and you’ll learn how to best use the platform itself. Make sure to follow accounts that are not just other groomers. I constantly get inspiration from all different fields and interests.

Take advantage of fun enhancements like filters, stickers, music, etc., but don’t worry about going overboard. Try out different trends, links, types of photos, hashtags and captions. Share things you are proud of—beautiful grooms, happy clients and reviews, new information you’ve learned, resources for clients or success stories from your business.

With each post you make, you’ll learn more and more, which will only add to your credibility online and help you grow the following you want. &

An Unexpected Cat Grooming Success Story

by Jen Phillips April Photos by Aristocats Feline Day Spa

ne day, Sarah Warner was busy working in her mobile dog grooming business in Sydney, Australia when a client asked her to groom their cat. “I was naive and thought, ‘What's the worst that could happen?’ And that was the beginning of my cat grooming journey,” Sarah shares.

One of Sarah’s dear friends owned Aristocats Feline Day Spa and suggested she buy her business and carry it on. The timing was right, and six months later, Sarah sold her mobile business, moved 1,000 miles from Sydney NSW north to Brisbane QLD and began running Aristocats Feline Day Spa. She says her journey

from mobile dog grooming to a cat-only grooming business was serendipitous.

Sarah took the business from five hours a day, three to four days a week to eight hours a day, five days a week within six months. However, pretty quickly, she realized that was too much, so she dialed her hours back to find a happy medium.

“It was only after a couple of years that I found that I was swamped with clients that wanted to see me on an irregular schedule. That made it hard to squeeze in the ones that wanted to attend more frequently,” Sarah shares.

Realizing the less-frequent clients left less room in her schedule for those who wanted regular appointments, Sarah decided to prioritize those few clients

who come in more frequently over the many that come in less often. So, in 2019, she reduced her client numbers significantly. Additionally, she added a membership that put all her cats on a monthly or bi-monthly schedule.

“I have space for 200 cats per month, and no cat ever attends their appointment ‘overdue’ or in a mess,” she adds. “Another bonus of having cats attend regularly,” Sarah continues, “is that they are all very

used to being groomed, which helps significantly with efficiency.”

That efficiency also allows her to juggle appointments easily: “If a client needs to reschedule their appointment at the last minute, it's often not an issue to add the additional cat to the day. While we wouldn't want to do it every day of the week, the salon can accommodate up to 15 cats rather than the ten we usually groom,” she says.

Sarah also expressed the importance

of setting her first-time clients up for success: “Many clients are concerned for both the welfare of the cat and the groomer. They’ve heard all the horror stories about cats and water,” she continues. “Some have even tried to groom their cats themselves with traumatic results for all involved. I remind clients that every cat I have ever groomed started with a first groom. We don’t know how it will go until we try it.”

Sarah books her first-time cats in for the end of the day, and they make sure the dryers on when the cats arrive so they aren't startled by sudden loud noises. They also have warm water, shampoo, and fluffy towels ready and waiting for them.

Next, she considers the cat’s health, temperament, coat type and condition, as well as age and past grooming experience. This way, she can advise on an appropriate groom.

“This leads to far better outcomes and a more trusting relationship between cat and groomer than simply asking the owner what they would like the cat to have done,” Sarah shares.

“My favorite part of cat grooming is sending a cat home looking and feeling its best,” she continues. “My clients keep coming back because their cats are happier at home when they are clean. Would you rather give your cat pats and cuddles, let them sit on your lap, invite them onto your bed, and share space and time with them more if they were clean or greasy, shedding hair and have a dirty bottom? It's not that dirty cats aren't loved or shown physical affection, but who wouldn't prefer a clean, soft, sweetsmelling cat? That’s why I love what I do.”

The mission of Aristocats Feline Day Spa is to create happy and healthy relationships between cats and their people through regular, preventative skin and coat maintenance. The name of the salon itself evokes relaxation.

Sarah says, “The previous owner modeled the salon after day spas that people enjoy spending time in and wanted to show clients that we provide the same philosophy of relaxation, care, and skin and hair maintenance for their cats as they would want for themselves. We keep this in mind when making decisions for our cats, clients, and the business as a whole.

“As a cat groomer,” Sarah continues, “I can only do what I do if the cat and owner trust me. Making thoughtful and compassionate decisions daily helps build that trust and leads to positive outcomes for all.”

While Sarah is the only groomer in her salon, she expresses that her support staff make all the difference. Her assistants help with client

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inquiries, check-in and check-out, wash towels and sweep the floor.

“I have two support staff, and they are like a Formula One pit crew. They help me to do what I do best. By outsourcing the administration and housekeeping tasks, I have more time in the day for grooming, and find that I am far more efficient when I'm not interrupted by the phone or in-person inquiries,” She shares.

Sarah also enjoys spreading her grooming knowledge to others: “I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to teach many cat grooming students in my salon. Whether in my salon or theirs, sharing the knowledge I've gained over the last 20 years is something I will always consider myself so lucky to have the opportunity to do,” she concludes. &

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by Dr. Cliff Faver

As a veterinarian, when dealing with passionate cat clients, their hope is for us to recognize that cats have unique qualities, very different from their drooling canine counterparts.

One of the most striking differences between cats and other animals is their barbed tongue which allows them to efficiently self-groom. Also, a normal, healthy cat can get by with minimum groomer intervention, but this doesn’t mean that grooming isn’t necessary. It simply means that if the cat is healthy and able to groom, then it can do parts of its grooming independently.

However, due to the fact that the skin turns over every 21 days (keratinization cycle), it is always a good idea that we assist by bathing monthly to help remove the dead and dying cells from the skin. Even though cats can groom and remove the dead hair by themselves, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is best for their wellbeing.

Good self-grooming will sometimes lead to hairballs and vomiting, which can cause dehydration and secondary urinary tract infections, especially in the major shedding cycle times. With a long-haired cat, this is usually anticipated, but it also occurs with short-haired cats. If you understand the process, then it can usually be prevented, or at least dealt with to avoid major health issues.

When a cat licks and swallows the hair, it accumulates in the stomach. The stomach, as it contracts, will cause the hair to matt just like a friction area on a dog. Once this forms, the cat either has to vomit it up or it is going to pass through the digestive tract. Both can create health issues. If vomited up easily, all is good. If the cat vomits multiple times and is unable to get it up, then often the cat will get dehydrated. In the same token, if it passes through the intestines, it can constipate the cat, and they either stop eating/drinking, or vomit

as a response. Once again, creating a dehydration situation.

Due to the dehydration, many of these cats will not produce as much urine and then get secondary urinary tract infections. This is especially a problem with a lot of indoor, obese male cats. They often form stones and become blocked (unable to urinate). Good grooming and home care can play a big role in the prevention of these issues. If

they are already in this cycle, fluids given by the veterinarian may help avoid issues and make the groom easier.

Cats can also experience health issues that minimize or eliminate their ability to groom, thus creating a situation that leads to the need to shave a cat down. Recognizing the issue and dealing with it early is very important for the prevention of shavedowns. If a cat stops grooming, that is something that needs to be addressed

Problems?

Some of the issues that we see are metabolic or hormonal, arthritis, poor conditioning after we groom, allergies, and dry hair and skin secondary to environmental factors. If the cat is over seven years of age (although issues can occur at any age), we need to consider bloodwork to make sure that there isn’t something health-wise going on. Typically what is observed, is a dry coat, often with a color change

The greasy skin is the body’s way of trying to compensate for the fact that the skin is irritated. Try to avoid the temptation to “degrease” these cats, because by doing so, you send the cat’s body into shock and they will just produce more grease as a response. What we really need to do is to confirm that there are no underlying health issues and then condition (hydrate) these coats to soothe the irritation versus making it worse.

Cats with greasy skin are prime cases for a condition-shampoo-condition technique. The first condition will break down the oils and start the hydration process. The shampoo will clean off the excess oils. And then, by using a very hydrating conditioner, you will calm and soothe the skin.

These are prime cases for a condition-shampoo-condition technique. The first condition will break down the oils and start the hydration process. The shampoo will clean off the excess oils. And then, by using a very hydrating conditioner, you will calm and soothe the skin. Correctly done, many of these cats will return to grooming normally which minimizes future issues.

Areas that are common issues with many of our older cats are arthritis and obesity. They get to the point where they physically can no longer groom. This is where it becomes very important for the groomer to assist in the process. These cats are typically older, and similar to older people, they don’t have the ability to control their

temperature well so shaving them down is really not the best solution. It does take a commitment from the owner and the groomer to be able to maintain them. Grooming just once a month or every other month is not realistic to control this issue. Daily brushing with a hydration or light spray is ideal for keeping their coats well maintained.

Cats are unique and have a whole different set of problems and needs in order to maintain healthy hair and skin. But once you learn how to deal with the fabulous feline species, grooming them can be a very rewarding aspect of your career. &

Dr. Cliff Faver graduated with a BS in Biology/BA in Chemistry before

getting a Veterinary degree in 1987. He is the past owner of Animal Health Services in Cave Creek, Arizona and now the US distributor for Iv San Bernard products, teaches the ISB Pet Aesthetician Certification program, and speaks internationally on hair and skin. His passion is to merge groomers and veterinarians to aid in helping and healing pets. He is also a member of AVMA, AAHA, AZVMA, Board member with Burbank Kennel Club, and has served on Novartis Lead Committee, Hill’s International Global Veterinary Board, and a Veterinary Management Group.

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CAUSE FOR CONCERN: RECOGNIZING COMMON MEDICAL ISSUES IN CATS

by Kathryn Primm, DVM, CVPM

Even though pet guardians see their cats on a daily basis, and often snuggle with them, they may not have the unique opportunity that groomers have to study the skin and contours of the body, noticing odd things, especially when the coat is flat and wet. You can play an important role in the health and wellbeing of the cat if you are tuned into a few simple things. After all, it is better for you to notice and have it turn out to be nothing than to have no one notice at all. Do not be afraid to mention anything that you think is different for the cat. It could be an issue that is painful for the cat or even a life-or-death scenario. The following outlines some physical concerns to be aware of as you are grooming cats.

Body Condition

Cats should be lean and muscular. You should be able to feel their individual ribs when you run your hands down their sides without applying much pressure. However, you should not be able to see individual ribs with your eye. Obesity is a problem for many house cats and predisposes cats to a host of secondary diseases, but obesity alone is not an emergency for a groomer to mention.

(However, if you can tactfully mention the health risks, the cat’s vet will thank you!)

What can be a little more urgent is if you notice that a formerly obese or normal weight cat looks thin. Unexplained and unintentional weight loss in cats is a warning sign for sure. This red flag needs to be brought up and the cat needs to see a veterinarian for diagnostics to find out why the weight is changing.

What’s That Smell?

As you handle the cat, be mindful of foul odors. One source can be the cat’s mouth. Some groomers will brush pets’ teeth during their grooming as an added service, but be aware that tooth-brushing is not very helpful unless it is done daily. We know that plaque (the soft tooth buildup) turns to tartar (the hard stuff that has to be removed professionally)

in 36 hours, so brushing has to occur at least every 35 hours. Most veterinarians recommend daily brushing.

If you notice a bad odor from the cat’s mouth, he/she could have dental disease, oral cancer, stomatitis and much more. Cats can suffer from some very painful dental conditions and no one really knows. Cats are masters at hiding their pain, even from their owners, but maybe not from your watchful and experienced eye.

Bumps In The Road

As you run your hands over the cat’s body, you may also notice bumps or growths. These should always be pointed out and investigated by a veterinarian, and it might be your advice that spurs a cat guardian to have the bumps checked out.

Be aware that no one can tell if a

mass is malignant just by looking. The vet will recommend diagnostic testing to further investigate the mass and outline a plan to do so. Cats can and do get cancers, and it is something that most veterinarians see in their feline patients with sad regularity. Early detection is a secret weapon, and your observation could be critical if there is a cancerous tumor.

A Patchwork Quilt

Normal, healthy cats do not have patches of missing hair, and normal cats do not pull their hair short on their belly and legs. If you see missing hair or even shortened hair, please alert the owner that it’s time to see the vet. Cats can suffer from allergic disease, skin mites, and fungal and bacterial skin infections. Scabbing, oozing and matting can all be

warning signs. Some cats can even have ringworm which is a fungal infection people can get. So, if you see missing hair on a cat, you may want the cat to see the vet before you handle it.

Drainage Detected

If a cat has drainage from his/ her ears, eyes, any skin lesions or the genitalia, it is in the cat’s best interest to alert his/her caregiver. Cats can get ear mites (although ear mites are not the only source for ear drainage and possibly not even the most common one), polyps in the ear and infections. Ears have lots of nerves, and any inflammation here is very uncomfortable for the cat. A veterinarian can do an otic exam and testing to see what is causing the issues that you have noted and institute an appropriate treatment plan.

If you can use your vantage point as a groomer to notice things that cats cannot tell you about (and try to hide), you are truly an important advocate for the cat’s wellbeing. Afterall, you became a groomer because you love pets. Speak up when they can’t so that their caregivers will get them the medical attention that they need. &

Kathryn Primm, DVM, CVPM is the owner and founder of Applebrook Animal Hospital in Ooltewah, Tennessee. She sees patients, manages a busy small animal practice, and enjoys writing for and speaking to veterinary professionals and pet lovers. She has written and contributed content to many outlets, including magazines like Woman’s Day, Prevention and Health as well as veterinary-focused press. She also hosts the podcast/radio show, NineLives with Dr. Kat on PetLife radio.

Cats are masters at hiding their pain, even from their owners, but maybe not from your watchful and experienced eye.

Why?

ANCIENT ABYSSINIANS

The “Miniature Cougars” Of The Cat World

I’ve admitted in the past that I was always more of a dog person than a cat person. I liked cats; I thought they were beautiful creatures, but I always gravitated towards dogs over cats. But why do I also now consider myself to be a cat person?

Somewhere in my 30s, I began to have a bigger interest in cats and I started researching all the cat breeds. I quickly became fascinated with several breeds of cats, but one breed in particular really caught my eye—the Abyssinian.

The Abyssinian cat breed has an absolutely stunning appearance. They have lean, muscular bodies, and a

GroomertoGroomer.com56 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 10 • October 2022 But by Jonathan David Photos by Animal Photography

unique coat color and pattern that resembles the appearance of a wild cougar, earning them the nickname the “miniature cougars” of the domestic cat world. The coat pattern is a “ticked” tabby pattern. Traditional tabby pattern is striped with each individual hair being a solid color so the striped pattern is visible. But in a ticked pattern, each individual hair has variations in color. Typically, each hair will have a minimum of three stripes varying between darker and lighter tones, giving the coat a flickering effect. This pattern has smooth color transitions with no

visible stripes or patterns, and the hairs are short and dense with a slightly lighter and softer undercoat.

Abyssinians can be found in four main colors. The first color is Ruddy, also called “Usual,” which is a warm brown base with black ticking and the undercoat is a warm orange. The next color is Red, Sorrel or Cinnamon, which is a reddish base with chocolate brown ticking and an apricot-colored undercoat in similar tone to the base color. The third color is known as Blue, which is very similar in appearance to the Ruddy pattern, but instead of red tones, the Blue Abyssinians have

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a warm blue-grey base with steel blue or grey ticking and a very light cream undercoat. Their color is just as striking as the Ruddy. And the fourth color is Fawn, a pinkish buff-colored base with darker buff ticking and a very light cream undercoat.

Abyssinians are one of the oldest known cat breeds. And although the Abyssinian cat carries the name of ancient Ethiopia because of where the first imported cats to England came from, recent DNA advances in genetic studies show that the roots of this breed’s ancestry stem from the coastal regions of the Indian Ocean and parts of Southeast Asia.

The first Abyssinians to be imported to the United States occurred in the early 1900s, but the first quality breeding stock that formed the base of the current population in the U.S. didn’t come into the country until the 1930s. In 1934, the first 10 Abyssinians were recorded in the Cat Fanciers Association studbooks, which are the cats that founded the breed in the CFA.

The Abyssinian cat is an energetic, affectionate, confident and curious breed of cat. They are highly intelligent and extremely social, always wanting to be a part of every family activity. The athletic abilities of Abyssinians can sometimes seem as though they defy gravity as they spring through the air from one place to another, gliding effortlessly and landing with the lightest of feet. Their curious nature can sometimes get them into mischief. They say, “If a door opens, your Abyssinian will get inside,” and they live up to that reputation. Every cabinet, closet or room door that opens, your

The Abyssinian cat is an energetic, affectionate, confident and curious breed of cat. They are highly intelligent and extremely social, always wanting to be a part of every family activity.

Abyssinian will run through full force, which is why you must always exercise caution and make sure you know where your kitty is, as they can accidently get locked inside of closets or cabinets by sneaking inside in the blink of an eye!

When it comes to affection, the Abyssinians rank among some of the most affectionate cats that exist. While they’re not known as being lap animals, they love to be with their families, and their constant ploy for your attention and petting makes up for their dislike of being held for too long. While Abyssinians are not a very vocal breed, they do tend to express themselves by tapping you with their paw, head-butting you or rubbing against you as they purr loudly.

Because Abyssinians have very short, dense coats, grooming is generally an easy process. Abyssinians are not as put off by water as many other cat breeds are, instead many Abyssinians tend to enjoy playing with

water, and when introduced properly, can enjoy bathing and grooming and accept it easily. Regular nail trimming and brushing in between baths will keep your Aby clean and happy, and when groomed regularly, they don’t shed much.

Living with an Abyssinian cat has certainly made life more interesting.

For someone who once called himself a dog person, I can officially say that an Abyssinian cat has made me into a bit of a cat person as well. I truly cannot imagine not having this special creature by my side, sleeping next to me at night or laying next to me on the couch as I catch up on my shows.

If you’re thinking about bringing a fabulous feline into your life, consider an Abyssinian and discover what I’ve been lucky enough to learn about this wonderful breed. &

Wisdom & Grace

Romans 8:28

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Many Abyssinians tend to enjoy playing with water, and when introduced properly, can enjoy bathing and grooming and accept it easily.

SANI

STRUGGLE SOLUTIONS

by Deborah Hansen

Sanitary trims can be very helpful for felines and their owners. Fecal matter is prevented from being stuck in the coat and deposited somewhere else in the house by cats that have a longer coat, or by those that rush in and out of the litter box. This shaving procedure also helps in preventing urine from trickling down the legs which results in matting. In addition, cats with matting between the back legs and body will find improved mobility with a sani trim. When done correctly, this trim is not noticeable to the casual observer.

Another benefit of being able to successfully complete a sani trim is the added income it will bring your business. You can charge separately for the trim, or increase the prices of your packages to include a sani. Mastering the sani trim will cut the time you need to complete the procedure which will increase your bottom line. It will also make your pelt removals go smoother, as most pelt removals have pelting in this region.

Giving a feline a sanitary trim can be very intimidating. Getting in between the back legs of a cat where the front paws can grab and hold your arm in the perfect position for the teeth to fully embed into your hand can be terrifying. You also have to consider the infamous rabbit kick; the feline’s favorite move to tear up your arm with all eight of their back claws. Shaving or brushing the sani area is a task most shy away from, even though the benefits are numerous.

The great news is that there are safe and effective methods to work in the feline’s lower quadrant that will keep you out of the bite and scratch zones. Mastering a few holds will allow you the ability to improve on your grooming techniques.

Over the years, I have found the most successful method of cat grooming for me is to work in my lap. It allows me to have full control of the cat while using my body to both comfort and restrain the animal. However, keeping all the cat’s joints in natural alignment is important while grooming a feline. I also make sure to provide the same amount of opposing force as the cat is applying. This assures the cat is safe and I can complete the groom successfully.

While I usually work on the floor, these same methods can be successfully used while sitting in a chair as well. Combing, brushing, comb cuts and shaving all can be done with the following holds and patterns:

The Sani Hold

I start with the feline on their side with shoulder blades stacked one above the other. My forearm applies even pressure to the shoulder blades and spine, keeping the back of the cat in alignment and keeping my body out of reach from the teeth and front paws. My elbow sits just behind the neck. It is important

to be sure the shoulder blades are stacked to prevent the cat from twisting into a position where they can bite you.

The upper foot is gently held by my hand that is not holding a tool. I can either hook my finger around the paw (Fig 1) or wrap my hand loosely around the paw and ankle (Fig 2). The key here is to keep the leg in the natural alignment for that cat to prevent injury to the knee and hip. Only provide equal resistance to what the cat is initiating to assure you do not cause injury to the feline. Swishing tails can be tucked between your legs or under the cat to keep the tail out of your work area.

When you are working on this hold or have a feisty feline, you may want to have a towel under the cat to protect your leg from an unexpected bite that may occur if the cat finds it has room to twist its head. If you are experiencing this problem often, simply apply more pressure to your forearm and make sure your elbow is resting at the base of the skull.

The Sani Trim

Shaving the sani area can be very daunting. After you have mastered your holds, it is time to start the shaving. It is important to only shave on a flat surface. I shave inside of one leg down to the stomach, then the inside of the other leg, continuing by connecting on the stomach and finishing under the tail.

The key for a quick, smooth and even sani lies in the hold. When you can successfully hold a cat in a way where you and the cat are safe and comfortable, your speed and quality will naturally increase.

Once you have your cat secure, you want to cut in at a 90-degree angle just above (towards the body) the calcaneum, sometimes referred to as the hock or heel. This will be your starting point and where you want to place a crisp line (Fig 3). On a longer-coated cat (Fig 4), this first line will help you get your bearing so you can see what you are doing. I choose which

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FIG

side to begin on by the position I have the feline in when I am ready to start.

After you have your starting point, place your clippers flat on the skin and shave down towards the body, always making sure you are shaving on flat, taut skin (Fig 5). You may need to readjust the leg to assure you have a flat surface to shave on.

Continue by going in and connecting the shave pattern on the legs across the stomach (Fig 6). On shorter-body cats, the connection will almost have been

made when the inside of the legs were shaved. Your top line of the sani trim will be a straight line that connects the legs across the lower abdomen. Afterwards, you will want to remove any additional coat remaining in this triangle-shaped area.

Now it is time to shave under the tail.

I start by shaving both sides of the anus. I position shorter-body cats on their side as it is more comfortable for most cats (Fig 7). Larger cats or cats that I am struggling to see what I am doing on, I position more on their back (Fig 8). In

this position, my forearm is pressing the shoulder blades into my knee so I can maintain control. My hand is pressing the back leg into the body, keeping the leg in natural alignment.

Finally, I shave up from the anus (Fig 9 & 10). Never shave over the anus as you can cause damage to the feline.

As you can see on a short-coated cat (Fig 11) and a long-coated cat (Fig 12), this shave is not obvious unless you are looking. Fecal matter and urine now have a pathway to prevent them from being

FIG

FIG

trapped in the coat. This type of shave will also prevent the matting and pelting that cats with longer coat often experience.

Additional Advice

A trap many inexperienced groomers fall into is attempting to shave the back of the legs. This often leads to knicks and cuts. If there is matting further over than you can shave on the flat of the inside leg, it is very important you slide the skin over to the inside of the leg and make sure the skin is flat before you shave.

Another mistake is not having the cat’s body firmly wedged between your forearm and leg, and not having the feline’s leg secure before you start working. This can lead to a cat rabbitkicking the clippers out of your hand. When your clippers go flying, there is not only the potential of damage to your clippers or blade, but the likelihood of the cat puncturing your skin with their claws or teeth.

When working with cats, it is important both the groomer and cat are safe and comfortable. Depending on the temperament of the cat, this may be easier said than done. Starting with a firm foundation on cat grooming holds before working on feline grooming techniques will help you to become a successful feline groomer. &

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FIG 9

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Philip Schafmayer NCMG

- Champion Groomer, Judge and Pet Salon Owner

Pet Release Forms

Helping you do your job with a modern, professional look!

GENERAL PET RELEASE FORM

Pet Name

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

Because we care about your pet’s safety and well being, we want to assure you that every effort will be made to make your pet’s visit as pleasant as possible.

Occasionally, grooming can expose a hidden medical problem or aggravate a current one. This can occur during or after grooming.

MATTED PET RELEASE FORM

Pet Name Date

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

Because we care about your pet’s safety and well being, we want to assure you that every effort will be made to make your pet’s visit as pleasant as possible.

SENIOR PET RELEASE FORM

Pet

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

Because we care about your pet’s safetyand well being, we want to assure you thatevery effort will be made to make yoursenior pet’s visit as pleasant as possible.

Occasionally, grooming can exposea hidden medical problem or aggravate acurrent one. This can occur during or aftergrooming.

MOBILE SALON

Because your pet is severely tangled or matted, it is at greater risk of injury, stress and trauma. All precautions will be taken. However, problems occasionally arise, during or after grooming, such as nicks, clipper irritation and mental or physical stress.

In the best interest of your pet, we request your permission to obtain immediate veterinary

treatment should it become necessary.

FORM

I hereby grant permission to this grooming establishment to obtain emergency veterinary treatment for my pet at my expense.

Owner Name

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

In the best interest of your pet, werequest your permission to obtain immediate

veterinary treatment should it become necessary.

In the best interest of your pet, we request your permission to obtain immediate veterinary treatment should it become necessary.

CAT GROOMING RELEASE FORM

hereby grant permission to this grooming establishment to obtain emergency veterinary treatment for my pet at my expense.

Also, realizing that matted pets have a greater chance of injury during grooming, I will not hold this grooming establishment responsible for accident or injury to my pet.

Pet

Owner Name Signature

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

hereby grant permission to this grooming establishment toobtain emergency veterinary treatment for my pet at my expense.

PET SAFETY RELEASE FORM

Also, realizing that aged pets have a greater chance of injury duringgrooming, I will not hold this grooming establishment responsible foraccident or injury to my pet.

Owner Name

Pet Name Date

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

#PR-2

Because we care about your pet’s safety and well being, we want to assure you that every effort will be made to make your pet’s visit as pleasant as possible.

Please understand that due to the very nature of being mobile we will occasionally be late for an appointment due to circumstances beyond our control (traffic, accidents, weather, etc.) and cannot be held liable for unavoidable time delays.

Occasionally, grooming can expose a hidden medical problem or aggravate a current one. This can occur during or after grooming.

In the best interest of your pet, we request your permission to obtain immediate veterinary treatment should it become necessary.

I hereby grant permission to this grooming establishment to obtain emergency veterinary treatment for my pet at my expense.

Because we care about your pet’s safety and well being, we want to assure you that every effort will be made to make your pet’s visit as pleasant as possible.

#SP-2 © 2016 Barkleigh Productions, Inc. • 717.691.3388

#MP-2 © 2016 Barkleigh Productions, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.barkleigh.com

Cats are creatures of habit and when exposed to a new environment they can experience elevated stress levels. In the event that your cat is too stressed to safely continue the groom, all procedures will stop and you will be notified immediately.

Occasionally, grooming can expose a hidden medical problem or aggravate a current one. This can occur during or after grooming.

In the best interest of your pet, we request your permission to obtain immediate veterinary treatment should it become necessary.

I hereby grant permission to this grooming establishment to obtain emergency veterinary treatment for my pet at my expense. Also, realizing that cats have a greater chance of injury during grooming, I will not hold this grooming establishment responsible for accident or injury to my pet.

Owner

Because we care about your pet’s safety, we want to as-sure you that every precaution will be taken to providea safe and stress–free grooming experience for yourpet. Due to the intimate nature of the groomingprocess, or a pet’s tolerance level for stress, strangers,or handling, some pets can become anxious or reactiveduring the grooming service.

If we determine that continuing the grooming servicewould present a threat to your dog’s emotional or phys-ical health, and/or the safety of groomer completing theservice, we will discontinue today’s service and contact you immediately.

We will take every precaution necessary to complete the groomingservice safely and humanely including the proper use of common industrysafety equipment such as grooming loops, muzzles, and restraints.

I hereby grant permission to this grooming establishment to utilizeproper restraints for the health and safety of my pet and my groomingservice provider during today’s grooming service. I understand andagree that if the grooming establishment deems it unsafe or unhealthyto continue for the pet or the groomer, the grooming establishment willend today’s service and will be responsible for any services rendered.

Owner Name

Productions,

717.691.3388

Hard–backed pads with 50 tear–away forms per pad.

Owner

SHOW SCHEDULE

MASSACHUSETTS

NEW ENGLAND GROOMING SHOW

10/6/2022 – 10/9/2022 Sturbridge, MA www.newenglandgrooms.com

OHIO

PETQUEST 6/22/2023 - 6/25/2023 Wilmington, OH www.pqgroom.com

TEXAS

GROOM TEXAS July 2023 Houston, TX www.txgroom.com

ILLINOIS

ALL AMERICAN GROOMING SHOW 8/9/2023 - 8/13/2023 Schaumburg, IL www.aagroom.com

NEW JERSEY

INTERGROOM 3/30/2023 - 4/2/2023 Secaucus, NJ www.intergroom.com

WASHINGTON

NORTHWEST GROOMING SHOW 3/16/2023 - 3/19/2023 Tacoma, WA www.nwgroom.com

OTHER INDUSTRY EVENTS

CALIFORNIA

GROOM EXPO WEST 2/16/2023 - 2/19/2023 Pasadena, CA www.groomexpowest.com

PENNSYLVANIA

GROOM EXPO 9/7/2023 – 9/10/2023 Hershey, PA www.groomexpo.com

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE 11/7/2022 – 11/10/2022 Hershey, PA www.petboardingexpo.com

info@barkleigh.com (717)

ADAM@BARKLEIGH.COM

NDGAA FUN IN THE SUN

10/21/2022 – 10/23/2022 Orlando, FL www.ndgaa.com

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