KITTY'S KORNER
by Deborah Hansen
“JUST A LITTLE OFF”: ADDRESSING
PELT REMOVAL WITH CAT CLIENTS When a cat client checks in and asks for
“just a little off” and we immediately know the only fluffy part of the cat is the top ¼ inch, convincing an owner their cat is pelted is not an easy task.
E
ven more difficult is telling the client the dangers of a pelt–removal and that their cat will be “naked” at pick–up. The starting point with a client like this is a difficult balancing act. If we are not gentle and firm, we risk the potential of the cat not getting the coat care they need. We as groomers know the only humane option is to shave the cat; yet the owners came in for their cat to be fluffed up. The owner may not like the idea of what needs to be done, but having
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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 4 • April 2021
GroomertoGroomer.com
the tools to educate the owner of what is in the best interest of the cat decreases the chances of the owner walking out with an uncomfortably pelted cat with limited mobility and increases our chances of being able to help this cat today. After my initial 20–second assessment, checking to see where the cat is matted and feeling the coat condition, I am able to understand how this situation most likely occurred. Usually the cats that are just matted on the belly and do not feel greasy enjoy lying in wet