When to send a feline house
By Lynn Paolillo, CFMG, CFCG
August 16, 2016
The grooming market has been under scrutiny lately with several news stories featuring injuries as well as deaths of animals in grooming salons. Cats are especially sensitive to the stress, loud noises, as well as the unfamiliar atmosphere of a grooming appointment. It is essential for groomers to acknowledge modifications in the cat’s habits as well as health and wellness in purchase to avoid serious injury or death. But, what ought to groomers look for? When do we understand when to stop the groom? When to send the feline home? as well as when to send the feline to the vet?
Before the groom even begins, there are some cats that ought to be categorized as “high risk” grooms. additional precaution ought to be taken with these cats in purchase to reduce tension as well as to screen them for indications or symptoms of a problem. Cats that are high danger include cats who have never been professionally groomed before, who are in extremely bad grooming condition, those who are extremely combative during the grooming process, as well as elderly cats.
The very first time a feline gos to a expert groomer can be stressful, so it is essential that the groomer focus on making this go to a positive experience. likewise keep in mind that the cat’s owner does not always understand to share medical conditions as well as history that may impact the groom. during the preliminary conversation with the owner, ask particular concerns concerning heart or breathing problems, history of seizures, medications, previous injuries, etc. have a listing of concerns that cover previous medical, behavior, as well as grooming history to talk about with clients, as well as ask even more concerns if any type of “red flags” pop up. any type of habits or mannerisms that are out of the regular ought to be discussed with the owner as well as included in the grooming notes.
While grooming, take additional time to introduce each element of the groom slowly so as not to startle or frighten the cat. Variable speed dryers set on low, wrapping the feline snugly in a big towel, as well as testing clippers on a little area are all methods to assist introduce the feline to the grooming process, similar to exactly how a new puppy would be. The goal does not have to be a ideal haircut, however to introduce the different steps of the groom as well as to establish a trusting connection with the groomer.
Unfortunately, not all very first time feline clients are kittens. numerous will are available in already in horrible groom condition. These ought to likewise be thought about high risk. serious matting can cause skin irritations, wounds, hair loss, as well as sensitivity to touch. Cats in bad grooming condition may likewise have health and wellness issues that are hidden by big areas of mats. This can include fleas as well as flea bite dermatitis, anemia, injuries, as well as more.
Another group of cats that requirement additional precaution during the groom are aggressive cats. Cats who are hissing, growling, swatting, as well as actively trying to bite, all autumn into this category. numerous of these cats respond well to a snug hold to avoid them from flailing. This can include firmly holding them across the lap, putting some pressure on the take on area (with or without a scruff), wrapping them in a towel, or having a second person assist. The cat’s deal with as well as breathing patterns ought to be continuously monitored. loops as well as harnesses ought to never be put around a cat’s neck or utilized to prolong the cat’s legs. always change dealing with methods based on the cat’s reactions to prevent triggering any type of pain or discomfort.
There are some cats who respond to restraint by thrashing as well as combating even harder. Cats who respond this method ought to be sent to a veterinarian to proceed. It is harmful to enable a feline to get worked up by having a hard time during the groom as the feline might have unknown medical problems or ended up being excessively stressed.
There are methods to assist enhance an aggressive cat’s habits during the groom. First, try to find what triggers the aggressive reaction as well as limit or prevent those things during
the groom. in some cases that implies limiting what services can be carried out safely on the cat, namely full body haircuts or specialized trims. Normally, these cats do well during the bath as well as strike dry as these steps include the least amount of extra dealing with or restraints. When making suggestions for an aggressive cat’s grooming schedule, a stipulation may include that the feline are available in routinely in purchase to avoid matting.
Senior as well as geriatric cats are particularly at danger during the grooming process. The possibility of arthritis, diabetes, kidney failure, hyperthyroidism, as well as other health and wellness issues boosts as a feline gets older. Unfortunately, nunull