Kitty’s Corner
When a Cat Passes in Your Care by Deborah Hansen
No matter how many questions we ask at check-in, how carefully we monitor the cat for signs of stress during the groom or how many times we have groomed the feline before, sometimes bad things just happen.
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s a house-call groomer, many of my clients or their older children sit with me while I groom. I really enjoy hearing about the family’s adventures and the family appreciates being able to learn more about their feline during the grooming process. I always show the family kitty’s belly button which everyone gets a big kick out of. When a family member sits with me during the groom, it also makes it very easy to point out any new lumps, bumps or scratches. They also feel comfortable asking questions about why their cat does certain things. In addition, it is a great opportunity to teach the family how to brush and care for their feline. Having a good rapport with your clients goes a long way when something bad happens. No matter how many ques-
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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 3 • March 2022
tions we ask at check-in, how carefully we monitor the cat for signs of stress during the groom or how many times we have groomed the feline before, sometimes bad things just happen. When bad things happen, it is the relationship you have previously developed with the client that makes things go a little smoother. Prevention is your number one line of defense in assuring you can return a healthy feline to the owners after the groom. The first step in prevention is having your paperwork in order. Make sure owners know that grooming can be dangerous. Gather as much medical information on the kitty as possible. For older cats especially, I want to know if the family wants CPR performed and/or the cat transported to a veterinarian in the event of a life-threatening emergency.
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