Groomer to Groomer November 2021

“THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL. 40 ED.11 • NOVEMBER 2021

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STARTING OFF RIGHT WITH

HIRING AND

KEEPING GOOD

EMPLOYEES

THE SWEET

SPOT OF HANDLING

CATS

SHORTHAIRED CAT DE-SHED BATH

& GROOM COVER PHOTO BY DEBORAH HANSEN

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CONTENTS | NOVEMBER 2021

FELINE

SHORT-HAIRED CAT

DE-SHED BATH & GROOM AFTER

BEFORE

SERIOUS INFECTION

50 by Lynn Paolillo, CFMG, CFCG 54

by Jonathan David

THE The Sweet Spot of Handling Cats 6

Hosler: Starting Off Right with Hiring and Keeping 38 Good Employees

Faver: Sebum is the Secret (To Healthy Skin) 10 14

Hansen: Say Mouse! How to Get the Purrfect Picture 46 of Your Cat Clients New Products 62

26

Show Schedule

Bishop-Jenkins: Grooming Will Never be the Same Again (In a Good Way) Icons: Angela Kumpe

IMPORTANCE OF

(CAT

66

EDUCATION

Groomer Story: Cat Grooming with a Calm Approach: 32 Miranda Geerling's Story

20

by Daryl Conner

“THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL. 40 ED.11 • NOVEMBER 2021

EDITOR/PRESIDENT Todd Shelly todd@barkleigh.com

ART DIRECTOR Laura Pennington laura@barkleigh.com

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Adam Lohr adam@barkleigh.com

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DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & CLIENT RELATIONS James Severs james@barkleigh.com MARKETING CONSULTANT Alex Hammersla alex@barkleigh.com

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MANAGING EDITOR Rebecca Shipman rebecca@barkleigh.com

WEB MASTER Luke Dumberth luke@barkleigh.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER/ EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Karin Grottola karin@barkleigh.com

STARTING OFF RIGHT WITH

HIRING AND

KEEPING GOOD

EMPLOYEES

THE SWEET

SPOT OF HANDLING

CATS

Kathy Hosler

Khris Berry

Deborah Hansen

Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins

Daryl Conner

Jonathan David

Dr. Cliff Faver

Blake Hernandez

WWW. GROOMERTOGROOMER .COM

ON THE COVER

SHORTHAIRED CAT DE-SHED BATH

& GROOM COVER PHOTO BY DEBORAH HANSEN

Photo by Deborah Hansen

Copyright November 2021. 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

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 11 • November 2021

5

The

Sweet

Spot of

H

NG C A I L D AN

TS

E by Lynn Paolillo, CFMG, CFCG e

I’m going to disappoint you right off the bat by saying, when handling cats, there’s no one “magic” hold or position that will make every cat into a sweet, compliant, cooperative participant.

H

owever, there are substantial differences between grooming dogs and cats— and cats absolutely know when you are not treating them how they would prefer! Choosing the wrong technique in the wrong moment can spell disaster for both cat and groomer.

There are a variety of ways to approach cat grooming, but understanding how to balance gentle and supportive comfort with firm and confident handling will greatly improve how cats respond during every groom.

In general, cats cannot be “sweet

talked” once they have a meltdown or if they are swatting, hissing and trying to bite. The most important thing is to prevent them from escalating to one of these situations.

Nervous and withdrawn cats can absolutely benefit from a groomer being slow, calm and soft–spoken.

But, while all cats should be treated with respect, being too passive or light–touched can have the opposite effect on a cat who responds to new experiences with aggression.

For the shy cats, the focus should be on introducing loud sounds or services slowly and as quietly as possible. This can include using a Happy Hoodie over their head,

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 11 • November 2021

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TOO PASSIVE

6

muffling loud equipment noises like the blow dryer, slowly turning on the water in the tub and any vacuums or grooming vacuum systems, and providing them a place to curl up and feel comfortable. Many young and nervous kitties can benefit from a break during the groom if they are getting overwhelmed, or even some cuddling in our laps or wrapped in a large, fluffy towel. This can build trust and help them to be brave during a new and scary experience.

But not all cats will appreciate those things! If you attempt these slow, quiet, comforting techniques on a bold or impatient cat, it can cause the cat to respond in the com-

General Guidelines for Handling a Cat During Grooming: ❑ Minimize or muffle things that make them scared or jumpy. ❑ Limit positions that cause them to react aggressively. ❑ Always support a cat’s body & weight placement with a surface or

your body. ❑ Be confident & deliberate when changing positions or techniques. ❑ Respect how a cat’s body naturally moves & don’t pull or jerk their

8

body in unnatural directions or positions.

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 11 • November 2021

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pletely opposite way. This type of cat doesn’t want to be coddled; they want you to be done. Instead, they need a confident groomer who can get each phase of the groom done quickly and with little agitation.

OVER–HANDLING The opposite end of the spectrum is being too heavy–handed or rough when handling cats. This can include having too many hands on the cat at a time, pulling or prodding more than one part of the body at a time, using rigid loops or harnesses that the cat struggles against, or using firmer techniques (like scruffing) repeatedly on a cat that doesn’t need them. A cat that is otherwise cooperative can become impatient and annoyed with too much moving, lifting and manipulating of body parts. This can cause a previously compliant or even shy cat to start behaving aggressively.

There is a notable difference between being firm and confident versus being rough or overdoing it. Those impatient and bold cats mentioned above respond best to limited ways they are moved or manipulated around, because they want to do it themselves. So, successfully grooming them includes a combination of working around what they will do themselves and deliberate holds that allow you to do what you need to do safely, but also in as short a time as possible. For example, a cat who prefers standing and walking around the table should be groomed as much as possible on the table, versus forcing them to have all shaving, combing, etc. done in the lap or while being held down.

You’ll be able to get a lot more done and prevent the cat from becoming agitated early on by working with these preferences.

A cat who is aggressive right off the bat but requires specific services (like mat removal and/or shaving) will rarely get better for grooming if they are forced into positions for an extended period of time. For these cats, I typically will hold them more firmly in my lap so I can remove the mats quickly while being able to see the skin and matted areas (which limits the risk of nicks, cuts or skin irritations). Then when I bathe and blow–dry them, the handling is much less and the cat typically does well for the rest of the groom—or at least until the very end/final comb–out when they’ve reached the end of their patience.

COMFORT OF BOTH YOU AND THE CAT While the comfort and posi-

Unparalleled Performance Superior Comfort

tioning of the cat should be a top priority for a cat groomer, it is also important to consider your own body and what techniques you are most familiar with. The reason to consider both is time and safety.

Even if a cat prefers certain positions, if you aren’t able to efficiently complete the groom, then it needs to be a balancing act so time isn’t wasting unnecessarily. I see this in cats that prefer laying down on their bellies for blow drying. At some point I need to access their underside, even if they hate it. So, I might roll them over or put them in my lap with a bit more firmness to prevent them from flipping back around so that I can dry those areas of the body as quickly as I can.

The number one thing to remember is that each cat will

have different preferences and the techniques used may need to vary slightly. This can include the order you perform services, if the cat is standing unassisted, encouraged to lay on the table, supported in my lap, secured and laid down, or a combination of those, depending on what needs accomplished.

Respectful and confident handling is what leads to a successful groom with each cat that you choose to work with. Adapting to what each cat prefers and tolerates prevents them from escalating in both undue stress and aggressive behaviors.

Always limit or avoid what you know aggravates them, but also focus on finding that “sweet spot” in handling that combines safety, comfort and efficiency. &

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 11 • November 2021

9

DERM CONNECTION

by Dr. Cliff Faver

Sebum IS THE

Secret (TO HEALTHY SKIN) The four elements all living things need to survive are oxygen, food, water and protection.

T

he sebum (fatty acids and oils of the skin) contains the food, water and protection for the skin which is why it is so critical to maintain the health of the sebum layer. As a groomer, you are the first line of defense in the wellbeing of the skin and the long–term health by helping to protect the sebum layer.

There are many things that play into the care of the sebum, such as harshness of shampoos, conditioning to replace the sebum stripped by the shampoo, using conditioners that are hydrating and nutrient rich, as well as techniques used. If we start with shampooing, the harsher the shampoo, the more of the sebum is stripped. Grandma’s lye soap, borax, bleach, dish soap, acidic products and anything with a high detergent level all work very well

10

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 11 • November 2021

for stripping the sebum. The pet will definitely look clean walking out the door, but often will pay the price in the next few days and weeks because of the damage done (severe stripping).

As a general rule, we should think of shampoos as a product that strip the sebum. The amount is strictly due to the harshness of the product. So, if we remove sebum with a shampoo, it then becomes imperative that we condition the skin to add back what we removed, otherwise we leave the skin compromised and vulnerable for irritation and infection. That is what conditioners are designed to do.

Unfortunately, not all conditioners are created equal, so it is very important to pick the right ones to achieve the results desired. The most common group of conditioners are GroomertoGroomer.com

emollients (fats and oils in a suspension). Their function is to create a barrier to hold moisture in. The issue there is if the skin is dry, it only holds dryness in, and because it is a barrier, it is hard for moisture to even get to the skin. Emollients do add a layer of protection and are especially helpful when it comes our short–haired breeds that need more oils to compensate for their lack of hair. Humectants, on the other hand, are designed to be absorbed into the skin and draw moisture in with the product.

Other properties adding to the benefit of a conditioner are added nutrients and trace minerals that feed the skin. The outer skin (epidermis) does not have a blood supply, so therefore it is dependent on the nutrients and trace minerals from the sebum to keep

The outer skin (epidermis) does not have a blood supply, so therefore it is dependent on the nutrients and trace minerals from the sebum to keep it healthy. If harsh/stripping shampoos are used without adequate conditioning, then every bath takes away the food supply to the skin. it healthy. If harsh/stripping shampoos are used without adequate conditioning, then every bath takes away the food supply to the skin. No matter how good the quality of the food is that the pet is eating, if we strip the sebum, we have taken away the nutritional benefit of that food. If the pet is stressed or unhealthy, then conditioning with nutrient/mineral–rich products becomes even more important because of the depletion caused by the unhealthy nature of the pet.

Many other things contribute to

the health of the sebum but are not in direct control of the groomers. As previously mentioned, nutrition plays a huge role in healthy sebum. When we talk about diets, we want to make sure they are a balanced diet so that the body has all the building blocks needed to maintain a healthy sebum. Many of our designer, fad, home–cooked and even some of our mainstream diets don’t meet the requirement of being “balanced” which can create an abnormal sebum production. Any metabolic disease (hypothyroid, Cush-

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ing’s disease, Addison’s disease, liver and kidney disease) can create toxins or changes in pH which in turn can change the nature of the sebum. Many environmental conditions such as dry weather, ash from fires, lack of bathing, chemicals and allergies also play big roles in the health of the sebum.

The important thing to remember is, no matter what the source of the change in the sebum, most of these conditions can be lessened if not eliminated with the correct bathing/ conditioning process. By removing

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 11 • November 2021

11

THE

Secret is understanding the process (the science) and using the correct technique and products to return the skin to normal.

the bad and replacing it with good, we recreate or restore the health of the sebum layer. The secret is understanding the process (the science) and using the correct technique and products to return the skin to normal.

I often see groomers commenting on Facebook about the dryness and irritation of their own hands.

The same principles also apply to the groomer. Just remember, the pets are even more sensitive to the products and environment than the humans.

Pets have hair as part of their protection, but underneath that is very vulnerable/sensitive skin. I find it interesting that when these concerns are expressed on Facebook, most of the comments are geared towards solving the groomer’s hand issue and not taking into account that the pet’s skin is probably just as irritated—if

not more—than the groomers.

It is also important not to just throw product at the issue. First you need to define the source. Without doing that you may continue to recreate the same scenario time and time again. Just think about it; if the problem occurs most of the year, then I would rethink your product or technique. If the problem is just spring and fall, then allergies and dry skin tend to be a more common source. Both of these can be positively affected with a good hydrating conditioner. However, for best results, it is better to be proactive and start working on the issue before it starts. Once the dryness and itching start, you are already behind a power curve. Watch the patterns (in you and your clients’ pets) year after year, be proactive and you will be able to prevent lots of issues.

As groomers you play a very important, if not vital, role in the health and wellbeing of a pet’s skin. Make sure you spend time educating yourself so that you can keep the sebum healthy and avoid causing or allowing pets to go through miserable (sometimes lifelong) skin issues. Healthy sebum is the secret to healthy skin—and that starts with every single bath you give! & 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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THE GROOMERS GUIDE

T

he pandemic has changed many things in our lives.

Even while we are still in it, we are seeing the dramatic impact on our world and in our economic lives.

One thing we pet care professionals know for sure is, there has been a huge increase in the companion dog population in the United States and throughout the world because of the pandemic. While this has been great for homebound people and pets, it has also made the existing groomer shortage seem even more severe.

THE LAWS OF SUPPLY & DEMAND Actually, there isn’t exactly a groomer shortage; there are more groomers now than ever before. We

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 11 • November 2021

by Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins

“The Charlotte Ledger” published an article on June 24, 2021 that stated, “The dogs are scruffy, with no end in sight: Charlotte dog groomers are overloaded as a worker shortage collides with an increase in dog ownership.” are living, however, with a supply and demand problem. Various statistical sources track the pet population increase at 24%–30% in dog ownership just in the last year in the United States alone. And because there hasn’t been a corresponding increase in groomers, veterinarians, kennels or

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trainers to staff the needs of all these new dogs and cats, our pet care industry is feeling the impact of this sudden population growth in pet ownership.

The Charlotte Ledger published an article on June 24, 2021 that stated, “The dogs are scruffy, with no end in sight: Charlotte dog groomers are over-

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The ASPCA estimatesthat

23 million

U.S. households acquired a new pet between March 2020 and May 2021.

loaded as a worker shortage collides with an increase in dog ownership.”

Charlotte–area radio station WFAE ran an interview on the topic in which the reporter said, “Well, we called five different pet groomers in Charlotte and the first five that we called rolled over into voicemail and said they weren’t taking new clients.

But the ones that you can find, it’s taking several weeks to get in…So, there are big problems in the world. Having to wait a little longer for a pet groomer maybe isn’t one of them, but it’s an interesting trend.”

In an article published by Daily Voice from New Rochelle, New York on May 23, 2021, they shared about the

subject: “With the rise in new pet owners has come a demand for veterinary, grooming, and training services for the millions of new animals being adopted during the pandemic that some businesses are struggling to keep up with.”

On July 26, 2021, The Berkshire Edge published an article with the headline: “Pet Services Hammered by Pandemic Puppy Boom—Increased pet ownership has ratcheted up the need for daycare and training.” The article discussed statistics from the ASPCA: “The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that 23 million U.S. households acquired a new pet between March 2020 and May 2021 and, according to Rover.com, 13 percent were first–time pet owners.”

RAPID ADJUSTMENTS The pet industry has to make rapid adjustments, just like other pandemic–transformed industries such as restaurants, school systems, businesses, and the sports and entertainment fields. Almost everyone has had to learn new ways of doing their work. Many veterinarians are in triage mode almost every day. People with new dogs and cats are having to go to extraordinary lengths to wait for, and even to find, a veterinary appointment, a trainer or a groomer.

Groomers in more populated areas ev-

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 11 • November 2021

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erywhere are scrambling to hire more help, train up new staff, and learn new and better ways to manage our scheduling demands as best we can.

Hopefully, you have already raised your prices, prioritized your best regular customers and taken steps to manage your own schedule to prevent burnout. We are running a marathon, not a sprint. We must protect our own wellbeing for the long haul.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Now more than ever, it is important that you take some quiet time to self–assess. What can you realistically manage long–term that meets both your financial needs and also those of your own physical and mental health?

Stress can be bad for us—unrelenting stress is even more so.

While this bubble in the size of the pet population progresses through the next decade, we will be coping with the increased demand for our grooming services for years to come. We should look ahead ten years to when we will all see a huge spike in the number of geriatric pets. It is foreseeable that this may be unlike anything we have seen before and will require advanced planning to address how we groom more special needs seniors, how we book our schedules, price our time, and how we train our employees or work with our co–workers and supervisors.

our clients—even more than before.

We must raise our prices. We must plan ahead better. We must train more groomers. And we must make difficult decisions as to when to say “no.”

Start with you. First, look inside yourself. Have an honest conversation in the mirror. Even better; write down a list of issues and challenges.

Putting things in writing often helps to clarify one’s own thinking. Create a quiet place and time where you will not be distracted. Give yourself at least 20 quiet minutes alone. Then take a deep breath, relax and focus.

List your priorities. Identify where you need to make changes in your life and your work to stay healthy, make a good living and handle exterior pressures. Only after you have created the private space to truly reflect on your own priorities can

While this bubble in the size of the pet population progresses through the next decade, we will be coping with the increased demand for our grooming services for years to come.

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A HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY I choose to see this time as a historic opportunity for our industry.

It has long been said that necessity is the mother of invention. When it is required—as it clearly is now—we groomers can be a very creative bunch.

We can step up with inventive ways to cope with this transformed industry.

We can all find ways to improve our efficiency. We absolutely must learn self–care. We must talk to and educate

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 11 • November 2021

17

you then have the necessary conversations with clients, co–workers, bosses or employees.

LEARNING TO SAY “NO” Learning to say “no” is especially important for groomers right now.

Saying it with kindness, respect and while educating people with care is always the right way to do it. This isn’t about being confrontational—it is about educating, practicing self–preservation, and being wise in planning and management.

Now is a very good time to set the high standards in your grooming that you have always wanted to set.

No groomer right now has to work for a very low wage or illegal financial arrangements, or in an unhealthy work

environment. And no groomer, from this day forward, needs to ever do things we know are wrong for the dog or for our businesses in order to cater to an unreasonable client.

Remember, you are the professional; you are the expert. A client who urges you to do something that you know is not in the best interest of the pet is no longer someone you have to accommodate. We don’t tell our doctors how to treat us, or dictate to any other service professional how to do their job. You can, for example, as I have recently done in my own shop, require every client to come on a four– to six–week or monthly schedule. This is, of course, what is best for the dogs.

You can tell the clients what

services their dogs need and then tell them that is what you will be doing if they want to come to you for grooming. Always explain why, what you are doing and how often you have to do it. The best interests of the dogs must be communicated in a way that they understand—especially if you are making a change in their grooming protocols.

Instead of worrying about how much work we now have to do, see this as a time of opportunity. We should all feel good about how the increased demand for our services can translate into better care of the dogs, better earnings, better self–care, and greater respect for how hard we work and how skilled we are. &

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 11 • November 2021

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by Daryl Conner

THE

IMPORTANCE OF

(CAT

EDUCATION Information about grooming cats is a welcome and much–needed addition to the educational opportunities available to pet groomers nationwide.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 11 • November 2021

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learned that dogs and cats are both social creatures, but they are not social in the same ways. Cats can enjoy grooming! It’s not just something they need to survive. My cat handling, and as a result, my cat grooming, has become ten times better since I took Dana’s class,” Helen Schaefer shares about Dana Chavez–Rey’s cat grooming seminar that she took online in 2020.

I had an opportunity to ask Dana about her grooming career: “I started my career with animals as an animal care technician for a local shelter.

Since then, I have worked very long and hard to saturate myself with as much veterinary and grooming knowledge as was available to me,” says Dana.

Dana began her adventures in pet grooming in 1998, and her endeavors have paid off in many ways; one of which she is very proud of is that she was chosen to be an Andis Global Educator.

“I am self–taught, out of necessity. As many know, shelter pets often arrive in dire need of basic grooming,” she shares.

Currently grooming out of a mobile unit, Dana grooms dogs and will include a random guinea pig, tortoise, bird, horse or other pet for special clients. But she has taken a particular interest in grooming cats.

I asked why she developed a focus on feline grooming; she said, “Due to policy at a veterinary hospital where I was working. I became frustrated seeing too many felines anesthetized unnecessarily who just needed a good grooming. So I took it upon myself to change that.”

She studied her own cat’s behavior and mannerisms and applied what she observed to all the feline

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“There is less stress to the feline and far fewer interruptions. It is also

great to have a secure and private

space where the cat can explore its surrounding safely.”

– Dana Chavez-Rey

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 11 • November 2021

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IMPORTANCE

cat friendly

THE

mobile grooming is incredibly

(CAT OF

(CAT EDUCATION EDUCATION

grooming techniques that she could learn. She finds that mobile grooming is incredibly cat friendly: “There is less stress to the feline and far fewer interruptions. It is also great to have a secure and private space where the cat can explore its surrounding safely.”

Dana shares her hard–won knowledge about safely handling cats with others. “I offer workshops and private lessons. I’d like groomers to know that there is always an alternative to different techniques and encourage them to keep educating themselves,” Dana says.

She also wrote a book, Meow Wow! A Complete Guide to Feline Grooming, which her peers nominated for a 2021 Barkleigh Award. The book begins by introducing some core cat grooming values and introducing a Feline Mission Statement,

With approximately 60 million cats living in households across the United States, there is a real need for kind, skilled and competent cat groomers.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 11 • November 2021

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which is “To ensure humane treatment and improve the quality of life for all felines through service, education, advocacy, and example.” This sets the tone for the book, which focuses on understanding feline behavior, anatomy and physiology so that groomers can incorporate this information to improve their cat grooming practices.

The famous Dr. Sophia Yin is quoted in the section that addresses holistic methods of handling cats for the grooming process. Dr. Yin is renowned for her revolutionary cat handling skills. And, there is an excellent chapter about feline behavior that includes clear diagrams showing feline body language. This information is vital for novice cat groomers who are just learning how to “read” the cats they are handling.

There is also a thorough description of how typically–prescribed sedation affects cats under its influence. It is the best explanation I have ever read of why groomers should discourage using such medications in their grooming clients.

Plentiful photographs illustrate various clip styles. In addition, the book is filled with helpful tips and techniques that are sure to make grooming easier for the practitioner, but more importantly, safer and more comfortable for the cats.

With approximately 60 million cats living in households across the United States, there is a real need for kind, skilled and competent cat groomers. Groomers looking to add cat grooming to their skillset would do well to start their continued education with this helpful book. Information about grooming cats is a welcome and much–needed addition to the educational opportunities available to pet groomers nationwide. &

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INTERVIEWS WITH THE ICONS

by Jonathan David Following the completion of this article, Angela was awarded the "AKC Leadership Award" at the 2021 Barkleigh Honors.

Angela Kumpe

Angela Kumpe and creative grooming go hand in hand. With 27 years of experience in the grooming industry, Angela has been one of the biggest driving forces in bringing creative grooming to the forefront.

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H

er creative designs have won countless awards in competition, she’s been featured on several television programs and documentaries, and her work has graced the cover of Groomer to Groomer Magazine seven times! She has won the Barkleigh Honors award for “Creative Groomer of the Year” four times and “Book of the Year” for one of her two books about creative grooming. She has also built a brand selling everything a creative stylist needs. I proudly get to call her a friend, and we got to chat for a bit to get all the details about her success.

Jonathan: Good morning Angela, I’m so happy we finally got to sit down and chat! Let’s talk about your roots in creative grooming. When did you get into creative grooming and what drew you to the art?

Angela: I started coloring pups long before I started grooming. My aunt Mildred had toy Poodles and she always kept them colored. It was a treat to get to help her color them.

We used Kool–Aid and did full–body color or just ears and tail. It was nothing like what you see on stage today, but I absolutely loved it!

As far as creative competitions, I didn’t even know trade shows or competitions existed until 1999 when I bought an old grooming salon. While going through a pile of old Groomer to Groomer magazines, I found the first creative cover I’d ever seen, and it was an instant addiction. I opened the magazine and read the article then immediately started looking up trade shows. My first trade show was the Atlanta Pet Fair in 2000, but they canceled the creative because of lack of contestants. So, I entered the creative competition at the Dallas US Pet Pro Classic that year and won 2nd place.

Jonathan: As a creative groomer, how have you seen this unique cate-

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The designs are three– dimensional and very intricate, and the dye work and carving must be on point to place in today’s competitions.

gory of competition change through the years?

Angela: Creative grooming has evolved drastically over the years!

When I first started, simple designs with little or no detail could easily win.

Now the designs are three–dimensional and very intricate, and the dye work and carving must be on point to place in today’s competitions.

Jonathan: That’s so true; the work is astonishing now. You’re also an entrepreneur in the creative world and, not only do you run a successful mobile grooming business, you’ve built a brand selling everything a creative groomer would need. From writing two books to selling countless products, what led you to go from stylist to businesswoman in this niche of the grooming industry?

Angela: To be honest, I started [my business] because I wrote my first book about creative grooming. I got the idea because, once I started placing at most of the trade shows, everyone started calling and asking how to do creative, so I figured I would write a

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book about it. After getting booths to sell the book, everyone wanted the dye, brushes, tools etc., and it just grew from there.

Jonathan: Now that you’ve accomplished so much as a creative competitor and businesswoman, you moved on to be a creative competition judge and now a mentor. What did you look for as a creative judge and what does it take to impress you?

Angela: Well now that I’ve retired from the ring, I don’t judge because I want to mentor and that would be a conflict of interest. However, before I retired I judged at some shows. I look for clean, crisp dye lines, even color application and detailed work. The overall design needs to be unique and have detail carved in, not just added on or colored in.

Jonathan: Speaking of those creative grooms, when you’re not turning Poodles into bumble bees, you’re at home on your “mini farm” with a handful of animals. Tell us about what your home life is like taking care of your animal family.

Angela: I’m one of those crazy people who never sleeps! I groom 12–18 dogs a day in my mobile, run an online store, prepare for trade shows and then take care of a bunch of critters. But I love it! My cows, which are named Bullet, Sassy and Burger are big pets, especially my longhorn steer, Bullet. One day I want to saddle–break him but I never seem to get the time. My chicken and rooster, Bonnie Ann and Clyde, are here because I think they’re cute. My husband thinks it’s for the eggs. I have Polish chickens simply because I like their crazy headpieces. The pig, Betsy, is a rescue that was my sons and she just roams free until deer season, then we will have to pen her up for safety.

Jonathan: Speaking of your animal family, you recently added a new member to the lot, a tiny silver toy

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“I lost my soul puppy, Worm, at the age of 16 in January. Many groomers knew Worm because she was like a MasterCard—I never left home without her!”

Poodle named Frog. How did he come into your life and will we see some colorful designs on him in the future?

Angela: Well, I lost my soul puppy, Worm, at the age of 16 in January.

Many groomers knew Worm because she was like a MasterCard—I never left home without her! Even though I was crushed, I knew I needed another tiny Poodle in my life. I found a breeder a few hours from me and went to look at a white female. I saw Frog and it was an instant attraction, but the only problem was, he wasn’t for sale. It took me weeks of harassing the breeder to convince her that he was meant to be mine.

Yes, Frog will have color in the near future. He will be at the trade shows at my booth and, in this house, everyone has a job and his is to sell color!

Jonathan: Atta girl, put him to work! Thanks for chatting Angela and I look forward to seeing Frog sporting a colorful ‘do in the near future. &

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GROOMER STORY

by Melissa J. Viera

CAT GROOMING WITH A

Calm Approach: e r e lings’ Stor G a d n a r i y M

hile dog grooming is common today, it can still be challenging to find groomers specializing in cats. The cat grooming side of the industry might be intimating for those new to handling cats, but as an author, groomer and instructor, Miranda Geerlings demonstrates and teaches that patience and kindness go a long way with feline friends, especially when it comes to providing them with the

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skin and coat care that they need.

Geerlings, a cat groomer in the Netherlands and owner of 4Cats Grooming Salon, explains that grooming cats can be a rewarding experience for the groomer, making the groomer pay attention to their own behavior and emotions.

“A cat is the mirror of your emotions, so if you are scared, the cat will be too,” she shares.

For Geerlings, an average work-

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day involves grooming cats with all different types of temperaments, including fearful cats and ones considered to be aggressive. Although she works alone, Geerlings grooms anywhere from four to seven cats each day; sometimes doing so with the human client present. Geerlings enjoys when owners stay because she can ask more questions about the cat’s lifestyle and habits.

Minimizing stress for the cats

Minimizing stress for the cats and providing her undivided attention to each cat is what Geerlings focuses on the most.

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and providing her undivided attention to each cat is what Geerlings focuses on the most. She explains that her schedule is arranged in a way that the cats do not have to wait around to be groomed.

“The clients and the cats enjoy that they are the only ones in the salon,” she adds.

It was about 15 years ago when Geerlings became interested in cat grooming after she had already been studying and spending time with cats.

“I always had a big interest in cats,” notes Geerlings.

Geerlings is both Fear Free Certified and a member of the National Cat Groomers Institute of America. But the learning process went far beyond grooming techniques; Geerlings was committed to learning about cat behavior, too. She still continues to dedicate time to furthering her education.

“I learned about everything of the mind and body of the cat. I never stop learning,” she shares.

Being the first in the Netherlands to start an exclusive salon just for felines, Geerlings explains that the motive was her passion for cats as well as having an understanding of their

“After the groom session, they feel better and they express it by playing and running again!”

Geerlings remarks.

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grooming needs.

“I combined my practice for cat behavior therapy and cat grooming because that’s what I love,” says Geerlings.

In addition to operating a successful cat grooming salon, Geerlings also teaches others how to groom cats, including groomers who are already successfully grooming dogs.

“I train a lot of dog groomers in the Netherlands and they all are successful in doing cats. Some schedule special cat days or cat hours in their salons,” she adds.

Although cat grooming can be rewarding, it is not without its challenges. Geerlings enjoys challenges— such as cats that can be aggressive— because it allows her to patiently work with the animal. Geerlings emphasizes the importance of being calm when working with cats because it ultimately leads to a successful grooming session and a cat that feels better. She also does not scruff cats, but uses other handling techniques to control movement.

“The most rewarding [part] is that I contribute to the wellbeing of the cat.

After the groom session, they feel better and they express it by playing and running again!” Geerlings remarks.

Along with helping cats, Miranda Geerlings hopes to continue to inspire and educate others as well.

“My goal is to inspire and educate more people about the needs of a cat.

That’s the reason I wrote a book about the grooming of the cat,” she shares.

Geerlings’ book, called Every Cat is Unique, is available on Amazon.

While working towards the goal of inspiring others and working with cats daily, Geerlings still takes time to appreciate the little moments with cats.

“A head-butt or a purring cat makes me smile every time,” she concludes.

And, for groomers interested in learning to groom cats, Geerlings encourages them to go for it! &

GROOMING GAB

by Kathy Hosler

STARTING OFF WITH AND

GOOD EMPLOYEES Jenny was beginning to hate her job. There was new drama every day. The other groomers gossiped, complained and bickered with each other constantly.

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B

ut, as long as they were cranking out the grooms, the manager ignored it all. Jenny loved grooming but the endless stress was more than she was willing to endure. She left that toxic job, then took a bold step and opened her own salon.

Jenny vowed to make her salon a professional, yet friendly and inviting place where she, as well as the owners and their pets, felt comfortable. Jenny worked really hard and built a thriving business. In fact, she became so busy that she couldn’t keep up with the demand for groom-

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ing services. She needed help.

Jenny was hesitant to hire anyone because of the bad experiences she had at her former job—and because of the horror stories she heard from friends about bad employees in their shops. In the end, she decided to look into hiring someone. Jenny contacted multiple salon owners and joined Facebook groups to find information on how to hire your first employee. She also read The Empowered Employer, a book written by Judy Bremer–Taxman.

In her book, Judy said, “With empowerment comes responsibilities. You can be assertive, but never

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To make sure that anyone she hired was a good fit for her, Jenny made a list of the qualities they should have: ☐ POSITIVE ATTITUDE ☐ PUNCTUAL ☐ SELF–STARTER ☐ CONFIDENT IN THEIR SKILLS ☐ DESIRE TO KEEP LEARNING ☐ WORK UNDER PRESSURE ☐ GOOD GROOMING SKILLS

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aggressive, and make sure that you top that off with a dose of kindness and gentleness with everyone and in everything you do along life’s path.”

That really struck a chord with Jenny. That was exactly how she wanted to conduct her business. She continued to read books and gather information to help her prepare to hire, train and keep good employees.

She learned how to have a successful professional relationship with her employees, and how to avoid the pitfalls that many employers experience.

To make sure that anyone she hired was a good fit for her, she made a list of the qualities they should have. It was important that a member of her team had a positive attitude, was punctual, a self–starter, confident in their skills yet wanted to keep learning, and could work under pressure. And of course good grooming skills were a necessity.

Every applicant would have a working interview. That way Jenny could see how he/she handled the pet, their clipper and scissoring techniques, and their grooming speed. She explained to every candidate exactly what their job description was and what would be expected of them if they become a member of her team. She discussed the pay and benefits that she offered. She did not hurry the interviews. She wanted to find the right person.

From talking to other owners and doing her research, Jenny knew that her company’s most valuable asset could be its employees. Each staff member is a representative and an extension of the owner and the business. How they interact with and make your clients feel has a huge bearing on the success of the salon.

She also realized that hiring a great team is only half the challenge. The other half is keeping those employees motivated and happy.

Although a talented employee

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Self–improvement pioneer Dale Carnegie said, “People work for money, but go the extra mile for recognition, praise, and rewards.”

Three groomers, one bather and a receptionist later, Jenny had built her team. There is no bickering or conflicts among these talented professionals, and they work together like a well–oiled machine. They all pitch in and help each other when needed; be it lifting a big dog or lend-

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ing a hand with a senior pet. There is a tranquil, welcoming atmosphere in the salon.

From day one, Jenny expressed her appreciation to her team members. She found that showing appreciation doesn’t have to be extravagant. Small gestures make a big impact. Something as simple as finding their favorite candy bar on their grooming table when they come in to work can set a wonderful tone for the day. Sometimes she would give them a gift card after an especially difficult week, and every Friday she buys lunch for the entire salon.

Continuing education and keeping

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Continuing education and keeping her employees motivated is one key to Jenny’s business success. She often closes the salon and pays for her entire team to attend grooming shows, seminars and competitions. her employees motivated is one key to Jenny’s business success. She often closes the salon and pays for her entire team to attend grooming shows, seminars and competitions. And, if Jenny introduces one of her team members to anyone, she always says, “This is Linda, She works with me. She is a great groomer.” Jenny never says that her team member works for her. She feels they are all in it together, and her employees deserve the courtesy of being recognized and addressed as an equal.

It’s been six years since Jenny

brought on her first team member and every one of them that she hired is still with her. Oh, and that first shop that Jenny worked at...they went out of business four years ago.

Jenny says that anyone can learn how to be a successful, empowered employer. Take your time to select quality people, have clear communication as to what everyone’s job is and what they are expected to do, and work as a team. The rest is simple: People stay where they are treated well, respected and valued. &

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KITTY'S KORNER

by Deborah Hansen

Say Mouse!

HOW TO GET THE

Purrfect

Picture OF YOUR CAT CLIENTS

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fter investing your time and effort into a great cat groom, it is always a good idea to take a picture to send home with the family or to keep for your portfolio and social media accounts. Yet every time you click the button on your phone to get a picture, you get closed eyes, a blur as the cat speeds off, the tail as it burrows into a hiding place or the spot where the cat was a split second ago.

Why do some people have tons of great cat photos and others just can’t seem to get even one?

It is all about the technique!

The first step in capturing that purrfect picture is to control your environment. Like with any photography, your subject has to be comfortable.

High places, small places and dark places all make a cat feel comfortable.

Over the years I have found the best place to take cat pictures is inside a three– or four–foot–tall wire dog exercise pen. Wire exercise pens give cats the safe feeling of being in a small, dark place. They also can be quickly adjusted to adapt to the needs of the cat you are working with since they are easy to move, set up and store.

Photographing a cat inside an exercise pen gives you more control of the environment you are working in than a platform or open space. My preference is to set up my dog pen adjacent to a large window in a quiet room where random noises cannot be heard.

Next, you need to decide how you will decorate the exercise pen to

provide an eye–catching backdrop for your pictures. You will want to use the three center panels of the pen to stage your pictures, then you will use the other panels to control the kitty. When choosing your first layer of your backdrop, keep in mind that it needs to be long enough to cover at least two panels (the center back panel and at least half of the two panels on either side of the center rear panel) and wide enough to stretch over the back, drape down and cover the floor in front of the pen.

For my back layer, I like to use a king– size blanket. King–size blankets are big enough for the cat to move off of its mark and not ruin the picture.

Layering your photo area will enhance your pictures. First you will need to decide if you want to have the same coverings on the back wall and the floor, or if you prefer two different

coverings. Using two different coverings can make the cat look like it is floating on a cloud. If you choose to use one covering, you simply lay it over the first. While using two full layers may seem a little redundant, I do it for several reasons: Not only will the bottom layer add padding for the cat’s comfort, but if there is an issue like a claw was cut too short or an unexpected furball, you can simply remove the top layer and continue your photo shoot. When using two separate items for my backdrop, I drape the first over the back then fluff the second one up on the floor in front. Sometimes placing a padded chair cushion under the top layer will encourage the cat to lay on your desired spot.

The next step is to decide if you want to add decorations or props in addition to the backdrop and floor

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covering. Keep in mind that cats always need to be supervised when using decorations or props. Anything added to the photo area should be in scale with the cat you are working with. The goal is to have the cat fill the frame or be just a little smaller.

Six– to 18–inch–tall items tend to work well in my experience. You will want to space them out so you can get the whole cat and the props in the photo no matter where the cat settles into. While getting a larger prop to place behind the cat may seem like a good idea, remember cats like to hide when something new is happening. My experience has been that the cat will end up behind the prop. It is best to keep the props small.

The last thing you will need is something to get the cat’s attention.

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 11 • November 2021

47

FIG. 1

FIG. 3

FIG. 2

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My preference is a stick with a long wire and a feather at the end, but any wand–type cat toy will work.

I like this type of attention–getter because of the control it gives me to direct the cat’s eyes while I snap the picture. To capture that great photo, you want to be able to make a quick and unexpected movement of the wand in order to capture the cat’s attention.

After the stage is set, wrap the unused panels around to close off the exercise pen as small as it will go without disturbing your setup (Fig 1). Make sure you have everything you will need such as a camera, attention–getter, comb to do a last fluff–up and a cloth to wipe the eyes one more time, then take a deep breath and get the cat.

Gently place the cat into the pen and give it a few minutes to explore and settle (Fig 2).

Taking the actual picture needs to go quickly. The average cat has an attention span for being photographed of about three to five minutes at most. When you are ready, open the sides of the exercise pen just enough to sit or make way for the camera. You want to take your pictures at the cat’s level. Remember, you want the cat to feel safe and comfortable.

Wave the toy and click away (Fig 3.). Since a cat’s attention span is so short, it is best to continuously take your pictures. After the cat is done, you can go back and keep only the good shots.

Taking a good cat picture is as much of an art as cat grooming itself. And capturing that purrfect picture of your groom not only is a great gift for the owners, but will help your social media presence and is a great addition to your portfolio! &

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ELINE FELINE BUT WHY?

by Jonathan David

FHV is the leading cause of upper respiratory disease in felines and the most common cause of conjunctivitis.

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W

hen I was a teen, my parttime job was working on a farm that grew plants and flowers for resale to the public. The family that I worked for had quite an operation with seven greenhouses on a large piece of property and a humble but quite popular flower shop next to their big red farmhouse.

Walking the property were chickens and geese, and of course a growing population of barn cats that patrolled the property like a team of security guards protecting the vulnerable plants from rodent invaders.

There were always kittens being born and some would stay to join the ranks, while others would be adopted out to loving families.

I would notice that many of the kittens and some of the adult cats would sometimes get an illness that the farmers would call a “cold in the eye.”

They clearly had some type of respiratory infection that sometimes required treatment by the local vet while others would tough it out and survive, and a few would inevitably succumb to the infection. They would cough and sneeze and their eyes and nose would become encrusted with the remnants of what was being discharged by the infection.

It wasn’t until I was an adult that I learned what those farm cats were most likely suffering from was feline herpes virus, commonly called FHV. The fact is, it’s estimated that about 85% of cats have FHV and remain a carrier for life.

But why is it such a problem if it’s so common?

Feline herpes virus (FHV) has the clinical name of feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) and is a highly infectious disease caused by feline herpesvirus type-1. Just like other types of herpes virus, this virus is species specific and is only known to cause an infection in domestic and wild species of felines. It can infect any feline at any age and once infect-

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SYMPTOMS

INCLUDE: • SNEEZING • RESPIRATORY CONGESTION • DISCHARGE FROM THE EYES AND NOSE • FREQUENT BLINKING AND SQUINTING • CONJUNCTIVITIS

ed, the cat is a carrier for life. The virus is the leading cause of upper respiratory disease in felines and the most common cause of conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the tissues surrounding the eyes including the lids and third eyelid.

FHV is an extremely contagious virus that is spread through direct contact between an infected cat and other cats by way of virus particles being transmitted through saliva, as well as discharge from the eyes and nose of an infected cat. The virus can also be spread when a susceptible cat comes into contact with items that have been contaminated by an infected cat. Items can include food and water bowls, bedding, toys, furniture and even a human’s clothing.

Once infected with the virus, the cat will usually begin to show symptoms within five days as this is the typical incubation period of

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the virus in a new host. During this incubation period, the newly-infected cat is highly contagious and is usually actively shedding the virus. Once the cat begins to display symptoms, the active infection can last as long as three weeks during which time the cat is still contagious.

After the infection clears, the virus goes into a latent phase, meaning the virus remains in the cat’s system in an inactive form. The cat is then a carrier of the virus but is no longer shedding the virus, and is most likely not spreading it to other cats—although some cats that are asymptomatic can still be actively spreading the virus. However, since the virus is incurable and remains within a cat’s body for life, it is important to note that during periods of stress or illness the virus can be reactivated and symptoms can reoccur. If this reactivation does happen, the cat is actively shedding the virus and becomes a spreader once again, which is why this virus is so widespread and common among feral cat populations.

Another common way in which infection occurs is from mother to kitten. The most vulnerable to infection are young cats and kittens. When a kitten is born to a mother with a latent infection, the physical stress of birth and kitten rearing can cause the virus to reactivate within the mother and she will shed the virus. The fragile, underdeveloped immune systems of the newborn kittens are not strong enough to fight off severe infection which is why the vast majority of street cats become infected at an early age.

There is also a high infection rate among purebred kittens from breeders as well. Once a cattery is infected with FHV, it spreads rather quickly and there can be a high mortality rate among those kittens that are severely infected.

Some breeders will even advertise that their cattery is a herpes-free cattery, meaning that they have

screened new cats for the virus and have worked hard to avoid it within their breeding program.

Diagnosis of this viral infection can be tricky because the symptoms are similar to several other respiratory infections. Veterinarians will use a combination of the pet’s medical history, clinical signs and physical examination to make the determination of FHV. Some of the symptoms include sneezing, respiratory congestion, discharge from the eyes and nose, frequent blinking and squinting, and conjunctivitis.

The eyes can also develop keratitis, a condition that causes inflammation and infection of the cornea leading to linear ulcerations on the surface of the cornea. These linear ulcerations resemble the lines of a tree branch and can be seen by staining the eye with fluorescein dye and using a light to fluoresce the stain. Any ulcerations will absorb the dye and glow so they’re easily identified. In severe cases or in untreated infections, the ulcerations can cause permanent scaring of the cornea.

FHV is typically treated symptomatically and varies depending on the clinical signs each individual cat is displaying. Respiratory infections are normally treated with antibiotics, while infections of the eye will be treated with topical eye medications. Severe cases may require more aggressive treatments.

While there is no cure for feline herpes virus, most cats respond well to treatment and can live a normal life. Some cats may experience periodic recurrences of the infection during times of stress or illness, but symptoms are typically mild. A diagnosis of FHV can be upsetting and scary but it’s not the end of the world. The key to keeping a cat healthy after an FHV infection is a healthy diet, a lowstress environment and of course lots and lots of affection. &

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SHORT-HAIRED CAT

DE-SHED BATH & GROOM AFTER

BEFORE

E by Lynn Paolillo, CFMG, CFCG e

W

hile long–haired cats tend to be a large percentage of a cat groomer’s clientele, owners of short–haired cats will be beating down the door once they realize that grooming can help with shedding.

In many cases, shedding in short– haired cats will be much more noticeable than in long–haired cats. Excessive shedding can also lead to the cat having hairballs, which can even cause

54

an emergency medical situation with a blockage. Once an owner has had a cat go through surgery for a hairball obstruction, they will be desperate to prevent future issues.

A popular service to help these cats is a de–shed bath and groom. With cats on a regular schedule of an average of four– to eight–week frequency, owners will see the most noticeable difference in cat hair at home.

Cat skin is very delicate, so it is

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important to choose tools that will be efficient in removing dead hair, but won’t be harsh on their skin.

Fig. 1) My favorites for short– haired cats are a rubber or silicone curry brush, a metal comb with staggered teeth, de–shedding tools that attach to a vacuum system and a soft, natural bristle brush.

When a cat first arrives in my salon, I always want to assess their temperament and condition.

FIG. 1

This will help me determine what handling techniques and grooming services I should use throughout the groom.

Fig. 2) After trimming nails, I will use a rubber or silicone curry brush on my short–haired cats to

FIG. 2

help rustle up dead hair before moving to the tub.

During the bath, I do two lathers of cat–safe shampoo. The first being a degreasing shampoo as cats are notoriously oily, the second being a clarifying or finishing shampoo to

make sure they are squeaky clean.

Fig. 3) While they are soaped up, use the rubber or silicone curry brush again to gently brush through the coat, going with the growth of the hair. This serves a dual purpose: collecting more dead hair while also

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FIG. 3

providing a massaging, gentle scrub which cats can enjoy.

Fig. 4) While rinsing, follow the direction the cat’s coat is growing to help push more dead hair out with the water pressure. Keep rinsing the entire body and around the head until the water runs clear and there is no soap

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FIG. 4

left in the coat.

Fig. 5) After the bath, lay the cat on a large, fluffy towel to begin drying.

Gently squeeze the excess water out of the coat. Then, wrap them snugly in the towel and wipe their eyes and ears with appropriate products. Do the eyes first so that there is no ear cleaner

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FIG. 5

residue on your fingers when wiping around the eyes.

Next unwrap the damp towel and re–wrap the cat in a second dry towel.

Some cats may benefit from sitting in a kennel with a non–heated cage dryer for a bit to become acclimated to the louder noises of the blow dryer. Others

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FIG. 6

FIG. 7

can go straight from the bath and towel–drying to the HV drying station.

Always keep a hand on the cat to keep them calm and prevent them from jumping off the table while drying. An HV dryer with a variable speed knob can control the air flow to start low and increase with the cat’s tolerance.

Fig. 6) Once the cat is comfortable with the sound and feel of the dryer, a water peeler–style nozzle can be used to help get the bulk of the water and more dead hair out of the coat. This is especially useful on the cat’s legs and underbelly.

Keep the nozzle away from the cat’s face, or use a Happy Hoodie and/ or Air Muzzle to prevent the air from rushing past or into the cat’s eyes,

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ears, nose or mouth.

Fig. 7) Once the coat is mostly dry, take off any nozzle attachments and continue drying with the hose close to the cat’s skin. Move in small circles to dry the coat thoroughly and help to push out more dead hair.

After the cat’s coat is completely dry all over, there are several additional de–shedding tools that can be used to remove any lingering dead hair. Each tool should be used until it “glides” through the coat, this way the dead hair is removed but the skin isn’t agitated by excessive brushing or pulling.

Fig. 8) A metal comb with staggered teeth can be used all over the cat’s body, legs, tail, underside and head. Comb with the direction the hair

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FIG. 8

FIG. 9

is laying in short strokes as you hit any resistance. The comb should be able to glide smoothly along the coat before moving on to the next step.

Fig. 9) The de–shedding attachments for the vacuum systems should be used on the large, flat surfaces of the cat’s body including the back, sides, thighs and chest. Move the tool with the direction the coat is growing with a light hand. The tool should do all the work and doesn’t

need to be pulled vigorously.

After finishing with the vacuum tool, comb out the cat’s entire body again to check for any loose hairs.

Fig. 10) Lastly, use the natural bristle brush all over the cat’s body, going with the growth of the hair, for any last touches of hair or dandruff, and to bring a shine to the cat’s coat.

Add a spritz of a scented or unscented finishing spray and the groom is done! & WashUnit_GroomTable_half_12_17_F4P.pdf 1 12/19/17 9:35 AM

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 11 • November 2021

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SUBSCRIBE TO TEXT ALERTS TEXT BARKLEIGH TO 94253 In an ever-changing digital world, we know the importance of information being easily accessible. Due to popular demand, we have developed an SMS alert system which provides you periodic text messages* each month.

Be the FIRST to hear about: • Upcoming Events • Scheduling Changes • Discounts • Special Offers • Flash Sales • Promotions At Physical Events • Opening of Show & Contest Registration Barkleigh will text you up to 4 messages per month and only when we deem it helpful and important. *

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SOCIAL MEDIA RELEASE FORM Pet Name

Date

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us! I hereby authorize the use of photos and/or information related to my pet’s experience at this establishment. I understand my pet may be used in publications including electronic, audio visual, promotional literature, advertising, community presentations, letters to area legislators, media and/or in similar ways.

My consent is freely given as a public service without expecting payment.

I release this establishment and their respective employees, officers and agents from any and all liability which may arise from the use of such news media stories, promotional materials, written articles, videos and/or photographic images.

I grant permission to use: (Please check one below)

My pet’s name(s)/images My pet’s and my last name/images My pet’s and my first and last name/images Establishment Name Owner Name Owner Signature

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dedication We have a meaningful goal at Wahl; to help you become a more confident pet partner.

Our quality products provide the ease and intuition that make your grooming experiences enjoyable and gratifying.

Wahl follows a simple formula: quality clippers plus support and great service helps you enjoy quality bonding moments with your pet that you’ll both look forward to every time.

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