Lesson 2 - Why Cats Need to be Groomed

• Anatomy
• Health
• +1
• Vocational Education

Lesson Outline

Theory 

• Why cats need to be groomed

Practical

• Practice Basic Groom

Models

• MW Cats

• Theory 1 Hour
  
• Quiz 15mins
  
• Break 15 mins
  
• Practical 2.5 hours
  

Lesson 2

Why Cats Need to be Groomed?

Presented by:

Why do cats need to be groomed?

Why do cats need to be groomed?

They could be:

• Severely matted or pelted to the skin
  
• Infested with mites/fleas
• Covered in waste
• Dirty
• Greasy
• Smelly

Cats are narcissistic little creatures...

• Cats love to feel good
• Cats love to look good
• Cats were made to look good
• Cats have skin and coat, which requires regular cleaning in order to maintain good health and condition

Not a single cat on the planet would choose to be matted, pelted, flea-infested or have dried excrement stuck to its hindquarters, if offered the choice.

Cats are fearful creatures...

• Easily stressed
• Highly reactive to seemingly threatening situations
• Ready to take the offense than ever be put in the position of playing defense

Not a single cat on the planet would choose to be matted, pelted, flea-infested or have dried excrement stuck to its hindquarters, if offered the choice.

What can we do?

Understand a cat's reactive nature and disposition, as well as its individual skin and coat needs 

Which is more inhumane?

Bathing a cat even when it is disagreeable to the grooming in any way

or 

not bathing a cat at all?

not bathing the cat (unless there are unusual, extenuating circumstances) is the inhumane option

Matted fur

• These clumps are created by dead undercoat matting together with greasy oils from the cat's skin
• Cats have skin and coat, which needs to be cleaned and degreased
• Grease causes the hair to stick together rather than fall away during the shedding process
• Tangles, matts and pelts must be removed, and the act of doing so is painful and highly uncomfortable 

No bath = more grease, more hairballs, more matts, and unsanitary conditions overall

shaved off gently as this is an older cat with fragile skin

Cats are no different from a person or a dog or a horse. All need to be regularly bathed/cleaned. No bath = more grease, more filth, more hairballs, more mats, and unsanitary conditions overall.

Matts

• Matted, tangled, or pelted hair creates discomfort, sores, infections, and even death
• Cannot freely move about or potty because of blockage
• The necessary removal of the pelts or mats causes undue pain and suffering for the cat
• To determine whether this is done with clippers or with a comb:
• Severity of the matts, the skin condition of the cat, age and health of the cat, and the cat’s temperament.

Matts

How to determine whether this is done with clippers or with a comb:

• Severity of the mats
• Skin condition
• Age and health
• The cat’s temperament
  

Note: When severe matting or pelting is present, shaving becomes the only option for removal

• Shaving, for cats with certain skin or health conditions or those of an aggressive nature, is very dangerous
  

Undercoat

• Cats have hair that shed and will also felt together into a hard knot if left to air dry
  
• If not removed on a regular basis, contributes to the matting/pelting process
• Shedding hair is also the root cause of hairball problems 
• Bathing a cat and then not thoroughly drying it will cause matting
• Making the removal process a painful experience for the cat

As a cat groomer

• Groom cats to look neat and beautiful
• Improve and maintain a cat's skin and coat which can affect a cat's general health
• "Comfort grooms" for elderly or ill cats (done out of necessity)
• See a variety of cats, temperaments and behaviours each day
• Problem solving, thinking on your feet, and adjusting each groom based on the cat's needs
• Working with the general public in customer services comes with its own set of challenges

Practical

• Pair yourselves up with a partner - 1 cat per pair
• You will need to complete a basic groom for you and your partner's cat - nails, ears, face, pawpad, sanitary shave
• Take turns working on each cat
• By the end of 3 hours, each pair should have completed a basic groom with either a wet or dry bath for both cats
• Take pictures of before and after the groom

What is the recommended frequency for professional grooming?

1. Every week
2. Every 2 - 4 weeks
3. Every 6 - 8 weeks
4. Every 6 months

Which tool is the most effective in removing undercoat?

1. Pin Brush
2. Slicker Brush
3. Rubber Gloves
4. Straight Comb

What causes hairball problems?

How do matts form?

How is matted or pelted fur removed?

What will happen if a cat is left severely matted/pelted for a long time?

What is our role as a cat groomer?
(Provide 3 answers)

What did you learn during class today?

What do you think you can improve on in the next lesson?

Show the most significant difference between
your cat before and after the groom