KITTY'S KORNER
by Deborah Hansen
USING A
TO FELINE RETAIL Retail for kitties can be a little confusing. As business owners, we want to carry merchandise that will not only move, but benefit the felines we service as well.
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dding basic grooming tools that owners can successfully use at home with a little guidance can help your bottom line and also give you peace of mind that you did everything possible for the kitties you service. While many owners become overwhelmed at the pet store or online and choose the wrong tools for at–home grooming and quickly become frustrated, using a two–prong approach to your retail will not only help increase your profits, but will aid owners in the care of their beloved feline family members as well.
why things go wrong when they try to brush kitty and, in some cases, help the owners with their daily maintenance or get these kitties on a shorter grooming schedule. When we sell grooming tools to our feline grooming clients, they need the educational support to help them understand how and why to use the tools they have purchased. By having an email sequence prepared that educates and teaches the client how to properly use the newly–purchased tools, you are potentially improving that feline’s quality of life through better coat and nail care.
EDUCATION IS KEY
COAT CARE
Many cat owners do not brush their kitty’s coat or trim nails at home because they get frustrated when the cat does not cooperate. With a little education, we can help these owners at least understand
The first grooming tool I carry for my feline clients is a medium handled comb. I like handled combs for clients because it is easier for them to hold, control and use. Another benefit of a handled comb is
Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 12 • December 2021
GroomertoGroomer.com
if the cat goes to bite the comb, the owner’s hand is further away. A medium comb is a good choice for the majority of cat coats. Keep in mind that most owners will probably use the comb on a dirty coat when they are trying to extend the previous professional groom. My email sequence for brushing starts with common mistakes cat parents make with brushing. I cover using the wrong tools and why the cat bites the comb or brush. Then I move into brushing too long or when the cat is not comfortable. Using the comparison of a first–grader doing flashcards helps many owners understand why brushing goes wrong. Brushing, like flashcards, needs to be quick and to the point or chaos and lack of productivity break out. Brushing sequence emails continue with a simple and quick