#WashItDon’tJustLickIt
“I didn’t even know cat groomers existed!”
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about feline health and handling—I’m sure you’ve heard it all before: cats groom themselves, cats are independent, cats are the perfect low maintenance starter pet….
But—chances are if you’ve looked up my services it is because you’ve learned the hard way that it just isn’t so.
One of the biggest responsibilities I have as Certified Feline Master Groomer is to educate individuals on the proper care and hygiene of these wonderful creatures. So before we even get started, let’s get one thing straight! Cats lick themselves. They don’t groom themselves.
Why A Feline Specialist Is Imperative
Believe it or not, there is no license or certification required to groom in the United States. That means anyone off of the street can one day pick up a pair of clippers and make the proclamation that they are a professional groomer. Now when you’re working with dogs the worst that can come of that is a funky hair cut and a couple nicks and burns. If the handling is rough you can usually throw Pongo a couple treats and he’s no worse for wear and all is forgiven.
Cats, however, are an entirely different story.
Cat grooming requires specialized training. Feline health, temperament, hygiene, and handling is completely different from their canine counterparts. Unlike a dog, if you handle a cat improperly they can and will hold a grudge. Or worse—and I mean like, much, much worse.
There is only one recognized and accredited institution in the world which offers that specific education and training: The National Cat Grooming Institute (NCGI). The way you groom a cat is 100% different from how you would groom a dog. As I frequently teach to other groomers– domestication is NOT a classification.
Most groomers are Dog Groomers that ‘do the occasional cat’, which can be problematic as they are applying canine concepts to cats. Without proper education and training, this can be deadly to both cat and groomer—which is why most groomers wont even do cats and why most big box grooming salons have stopped accepting them altogether. I am the only House Call Certified Feline Master Groomer in the state of Arizona, I thank you for your patience as getting an appointment can take a bit of time.
What You Get When Working With THE MEOW MOBILE
My certification process cost thousands of dollars and took several years. It was not a simple online program where I could zoom in test results and it was essentially “pay to play”. It required extensive in-person practical work that was then graded and judged before a governing board of Master Feline Groomers. I am the 425th person in the entire world to earn the title of Certified Feline Master Groomer (CFMG)
In addition to being a cat exclusive CFMG I am also the founder and Executive Director of The Association of Holistic Feline Specialists, an internationally recognized organization which highlights and educates professionals as well as everyday pet owners on the importance whole-health, proper handling, safety, and effective hygiene.
To read more about this incredible organization and upcoming seminars and lectures, please visit our website.
When I’m not busy cat grooming and advocating for health and holistic handling, I am an educator for other groomers, with seminars/demos ranging from business management to safety and handling. I’m so excited to be back for a second year as a guest speaker for The National Cat Grooming Institute!
I am the President of the Arizona Professional Groomer’s Guild, as well as the developer and editor for a monthly pet-centric magazine called The Furry Phoenician. Be sure to check it out at www.AZGroomersGuild.com!
Why Inside The Home And Not A Mobile Van?
In my personal experience, the majority of cats do best in their own home. That is not to say that cats cannot be successful in a mobile grooming unit or salon—just that my business model really focuses on those anxious cats who are easily over stimulated by unknown sounds, unfamiliar scents, carrier/travel phobic, or elderly.
Do Cats Actually Need To Be Groomed?
Cats are naturally greasy creatures that love to lick themselves. A combination which usually results in severely matted, smelly, dirty cats that are slathered in saliva that’s accumulated over a decade without washing. Believe it or not, your dirty cat is one of the main culprits behind your cat allergies or companies’ quick and sudden reaction to them. Don’t believe me? You can ready more here about the Dirty Cat Hair Project.
Let’s not forget that some cats have a tendency to roll around in their litter box or are allowed time outside in the dirt and germs. I mean, who doesn’t want that all up on their pillow??
So Let’s Get A Few Things Straight:
- Cats lick themselves. They do not groom themselves.
- Cats have an individual hair cycle as well as an environmental/seasonal shed cycle.
- Not all cats hate water. Most cats just have never been exposed or have been exposed improperly.
- Most cats enjoy bathing after getting used to it.
- Cats are prideful creatures that enjoy feeling and looking good.
- Mats are painful and affect your cat’s temperament and physical health.
- Long hair and short hair cats can get matting or become pelted.
- Most people are allergic to the proteins in cats’ saliva and urine. Regularly grooming your cat can alleviate allergies.
- Cats should be regularly groomed every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Full shaves typically last between 8 to 12 weeks depending on their natural hair growth.
- Nails need to be trimmed every 4 to 6 weeks and kept short to ensure the nail does not grow into the pad.
- Scratching posts do not shorten or dull nails, it sharpens them.
- Regular grooming eliminates hair balls. Hair balls can lead to impacted bowels which can result in death or expensive surgeries. Also, vomit on the floor? Gross.
- Bathing eliminates foul odors and build of of dander.
Mercedes Schenk CFMG, Editor of The Furry Phoenician: Arizona’s First and Only Grooming Magazine
Check out the latest article here:
Cat Groomer 