Sunday, November 9, 2014

You Groom Cats?

You GROOM CATS?!?!?!? I’ve heard this countless times, most cats do need grooming from time to time. If you are the proud owner of a feline you know this all too well, and understand that black outfits are no longer an option. And then there’s the hairball – a most unusual specimen that typically appears just when guests are about to arrive. If stepping on a hairball isn’t bad enough, there is the sound of your cat regurgitating one.

Beyond the shedding and hairballs, cat owners often find themselves battling tangles, mats, eye stains, and more. This is where the professionally trained cat groomers from The National Cat Groomers Institute of America come in. The cat groomer is the brave soul who fearlessly takes on the deadly challenge of trimming nails, clipping fur, washing, drying, and combing all to make “Fluffy” beautiful! Cats get greasy. It’s a fact. You may not realize it because you are used to the way “Fluffy” looks and feels. But, trust me, cats get VERY greasy. Imagine if you didn’t wash your hair for a few years. Natural oils build up over time. Then natural shedding takes place throughout the year. As the hair sheds, the greasiness causes it to stick together in a clump. This clump of hair is small at first but grows fast. Before you know it, “Fluffy” is no longer fluffy. Instead, “Fluffy” looks like he’s wearing a layer of armor, with no way to itch!

The NCGIA cat groomer’s job is to wash that grease right out. Keeping the grease away with a good bath, blow dry, and comb-out will do wonders for any feline. It is a known fact that after a thorough grooming session the amount of shedding and hairballs is significantly lessened. This in turn makes you fall in love with your little “Fluffy”, cleaner clothes and home all over again! Besides coat care, a good cat groomer will also take the time to thoroughly clean the cat’s ears and eyes.  Clipping all nails so they are no longer vicious weapons, applying nail caps if desired. A cat groomer also keeps a sharp eye out for signs of fleas, ear mites, and an assortment of other feline-related inconveniences. Catching these conditions early on can help prevent more serious problems and the huge vet bills that accompany them.

Published July 2013, The Magazine of Santa Clarita

No comments:

Post a Comment