Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS Preliminary CCG rules last updated September 2026 CONTENT
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PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM
3
AUTHORITY OF AHFS
3
HOST ELIGIBILITY
4
SANCTIONING APPLICATION
5
APPROVAL PROCESS
5
SANCTIONING AGREEMENT
6
COMPETITION LEADERSHIP AND OFFICIALS
6
JUDGE QUALIFICATIONS
7
JUDGE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
8 8
COMPETITOR ELIGIBILITY COMPETITION DIVISIONS
9
SANCTIONED CLASSES
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CAT ELIGIBILITY
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VETERINARY AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
10
FELINE WELFARE STANDARD
11
PROHIBITED PRACTICES
12
COMPETITION AREA STANDARDS
12
COMPETITION PROCEDURE
13
COMPETITION TIME LIMITS
14
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
CONTENT
PAGE
REQUIRED DEMONSTRATED SKILL
15
SCORING SYSTEM
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PREJUDGING AND DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY
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DEDUCTIONS AND DISQUALIFICATIONS
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PLACEMENT AND AWARDS
18
POINTS, RANKING, AND TITLES
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FUTURE GROOMING TEAM
19
COMPETITOR FEEDBACK
19
APPEALS AND PROTESTS
20
CODE OF CONDUCT AND SPORTSMANSHIP
21
COMPLAINTS AND DISCIPLINE
21
EVENT RECORDS AND REPORTING
22
SANCTIONING FEES
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EVENT AUDIT AND QUALITY REVIEW
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RULE CHANGES
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM The AHFS Competitive Cat Grooming program (CCG) establishes a consistent, Feline First standard for cat grooming competitions. Its purpose is to protect feline welfare, advance technical excellence, support professional development, and provide meaningful recognition of competitive achievement.
AUTHORITY OF AHFS The AHFS retains authority over: Sanctioned Competition Classes Eligibility Requirements Division Levels Class Definitions Competition Time Limits Cat Eligibility and Welfare Requirements Required Judging Procedures Scoring Standards
Judge Qualifications Conflict of Interest Rules National Points and Rankings Official Results Appeals and Complaints Disciplinary Action Use of the AHFS Sanctioned Name and Logo
The Host or Promoter would retain control over: Venue Selection Registration and Payment Collection Event Staffing Sponsorships Local Scheduling Equipment and Staging Additional Unsanctioned Classes Awards Beyond Those Required by AHFS General Event Operations
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
MEANING OF AHFS SANCTIONING An AHFS sanctioned competition means that: AHFS approved the competition in advance Required AHFS rules were incorporated into the event Approved judges and officials were used The sanctioned classes followed AHFS timing and scoring standards Results were submitted to and verified by AHFS Eligible placements may earn AHFS points, titles, or rankings AHFS may observe, audit, or review the competition Sanctioning does not mean the AHFS owns, produces, financially guarantees, or assumes responsibility for an independently operated event.
HOST ELIGIBILITY A host may be: Grooming Convention Professional Grooming Organization Trade Show Educational Organization Grooming School Private Competition Promoter International Organization Approved by AHFS Minimum Host Requirements: Named Competition Director Proof of General Liability Insurance Suitable Venue Written Emergency Plan Access to Veterinary Support Agreement to AHFS Rules Agreement to Submit Accurate Results No Unresolved Disciplinary Actions with AHFS www.WhatsTheMews.com
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
SANCTIONING APPLICATION The application will collect information such as: Host Organization Name Competition Director Name Event Name Date and Location Expected Number of Competitors Proposed Competition Classes Requested Judges and Technical Delegates Venue Layout Competition Schedule Insurance Information Registration Fees Additional Unsanctioned Contests Feline Welfare and Emergency Plan Application deadlines are at minimum 120 days prior to Competition Date.
APPROVAL PROCESS 1. Application submission 2. Initial administrative review 3. Review of judges, classes, venue, and Welfare Plan 4. Request for corrections or additional information 5. Conditional approval 6. Payment of Sanctioning Fee 7. Final approval and authorization to advertise 8. Submission of final schedule and competitor list 9. Post event results verification AHFS retains right to deny, condition, suspend, or withdraw sanctioning when requirements are not met.
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
SANCTIONING AGREEMENT Every host will sign an agreement covering: Permission to use AHFS branding Requirement to publish official rules Responsibility for event operations Insurance and indemnification Judge and Official requirements Reporting deadlines Record retention Confidentiality where appropriate Photography and media permissions Complaint cooperation Sanctioning suspension or revocation Refund policy for sanctioning fees Protection of AHFS intellectual property
COMPETITION LEADERSHIP AND OFFICIALS Competition Director: Operates the competition and coordinates competitors, judges, stewards, scheduling, and results. Communicates directly with Technical Delegate. Associated with Event Host. AHFS Technical Delegate: Verifies compliance, answers questions about AHFS rules, handles violations, and functions as Feline Welfare Officer by observing cats before, during, and after competition. Has the authority to pause or end a groom. This person is associated with the AHFS. Judges: Evaluate competitors using the AHFS scorecard and judging procedures. Ring or Floor Steward(s): Controls access to the competition area, tracks time, assists judges, and supports calculation and documentation as needed by Competition Director. Each AHFS approved Technical Delegate and Judge has their own hourly/day rates. Event Host is responsible for travel accommodations and payment made directly to their chosen AHFS approved judge and delegate. A minimum of one judge and one delegate required per show. www.WhatsTheMews.com
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
JUDGE QUALIFICATIONS There is a formal pathway for AHFS approved judges. Requirements include: Documented professional feline grooming experience Advanced feline grooming credential or equivalent experience Knowledge of breed standards, skin and coat condition, anatomy, behavior, and safe handling Competition experience as a competitor, judge, steward, or educator Completion of AHFS judge training Pass a written rules examination Completion of judge apprenticeship Agreement to the AHFS Judge Code of Conduct Continuing education and periodic renewal
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
JUDGE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Judges must disclose relationships with competitors including: Employment Business partnerships Instructor and student relationships Immediate family relationships Financial relationships Close personal relationships Ownership or breeding of the competition cat No coaching or preparing the competitor within a 2 month period prior to the competition Disclosure of relationships does not automatically mean disqualification, further investigation is necssary if it requires recusal. COMPETITOR ELIGIBILITY Competition Class is based off of: Minimum Age Professional/Student/Non Professional Status Required experience for each division Registration deadline Signed rules acknowledgement Liability and media releases Cat owner permissions Health documentation Disclosure of disciplinary history Agreement to the AHFS Code of Conduct International competitors are allowed when they meet the same requirements and legally transport their cats.
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
COMPETITION DIVISIONS Novice Division: For students and groomers with limited professional or competitive experience. Open Division: For working feline groomers who do not yet meet the qualifications for the highest division. Advanced Division: For experienced competitors, previous major winners, instructors, certifiers, or groomers meeting defined achievement requirements. Movement between divisions is based on objective criteria such as placements, points, professional experience and/or credentials.
SANCTIONED CLASSES: Full Groom Shorthair Longhair Persian Comb Cut Lion Cut Creative Grooming Shorthair Longhair
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
CAT ELIGIBILITY Minimum Age Full Groom: 8 months Minimum Age Creative/Full Body Shave: 12 months Maximum Age All Classes: 10 years Rabies No infectious diseases, parasites No pregnant or nursing cats No recent surgery or illness No fractious or fearful behavior past Level 2 Must be able to stand and be alert No preexisting injuries No severely matted or pelted coats Cats currently undergoing medical treatment or are prone to stress induced conditions must have approved veterinary clearance VETERINARY AND HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
Contestant must provide proof of rabies vaccinations Competing cat must have had veterinarian check up within past 12 months Visual health screening Parasite screening Signed Infectious disease policy Event Host must have a cleaning and disinfection protocol Emergency veterinary contact list provided to contestants Incident documentation recorded by Event Host
AHFS Judges and Technical Delegates reserve the right to remove a cat when its participation could endanger the cat or others.
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
FELINE WELFARE STANDARD This is the heart of the CCG program. Humane restraints must be used at all times. Restraints may not impede neck or airway safety, spinal, or skeletal and musculature structures such as neck loops, tethers, figure 8s, or other third party restraints other than towels. Stress signals must be observed at all time, including but not limited to excessive panting, drooling, or prolonged distress. This includes an escalation of fear or aggression. Water must be made accessible to cats at all times Host Site must be climate controlled. Noise and crowd to be controlled to the Event Hosts’ best ability, such as public announcements or signage around the competition area A competitor should receive credit for making a safer, more appropriate decision even when it changes the original grooming plan. Cats experiencing severe distress, prolonged escalation, or detrimental stress will be given an opportunity for modification prior to honorable discharge. Judes and Technical Delegates have authority to: Issue a warning Require a technique to stop Pause the groom Require a handling modification End the groom Remove the cat Disqualify the competitor in serious cases The standard states plainly that no placement, title, prize, or point is more important than the physical and emotional welfare of the cat.
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
PROHIBITED PRACTICES PROHIBITED: Grooming loops Tethers Full Body Wraps Multiple person restraint Excessive force or prolonged mishandling All products must be cat safe and labeled designated use for animals.
COMPETITION AREA STANDARDS Safe, stable grooming tables Adequate distance between stations Sanitation supplies must be provided by Event Host that is cat safe and effective Climate controlled Noise management signs/announcements
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
COMPETITION PROCEDURE Before The Event: Competitor check in Cat health screening Before photographs Prejudging Coat and condition documentation Identification of preexisting conditions Confirmation of planned groom During the Event: Official start time Timekeeping Welfare observation Equipment problems Cat related interruptions Medical or behavioral withdrawal Warnings or violations After the Event: Official stop time Post judging Score calculation Judge feedback Welfare recheck Photographs Awards Result submission
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
COMPETITION TIME LIMITS Full Groom (90 minutes) Shorthair Longhair Persian Comb Cut (45 minutes) Lion Cut (45 minutes) Creative Grooming (60 minutes) Shorthair Longhair
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
REQUIRED DEMONSTRATED SKILLS Full Groom Entries Thoroughly degreased and cleansed coat Face, feet, and body fully dried Coat thoroughly bushed, combed, and deshedded as appropriate Ears and eyes cleaned Nails properly trimmed Any maintenance shaving completed safely with balanced, clean, crisp lines. Maintenance shaving may include toe tufts, sanitary trim, half belly trim, full belly trim Persian facial trimming completed when applicable to the entry Comb Cut Entries Smooth, consistent shortened coat length Even finish throughout the body Clean transitions between shortened and natural coat Balanced overall appearance Appropriate finishing of the face, feet, tail Lion Cut Entries Smooth, consistent shortened coat Clean and even remaining mane/neck coat Leg furnishings left evenly and intentionally Tail tuft appropriately shaped and proportioned Clean, crisp, and balanced transition lines Overall symmetry and polished finish Creative Entries Coat carving/and or sculpting Color application when used Clean execution of the chosen techniques Intentional design and composition Creativity and originality Overall finished presentatio
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
SCORING SYSTEM CLASS
DIVISION
TOTAL POINTS
Full Groom
Short Hair
100
Full Groom
Long Hair
100
Full Groom
Persian
115
Comb Cut
All eligble cats
100
Lion Cut
All eligible cats
100
Creative Grooming Short Hair
100
Creative Grooming Long Hair
100
Fairness Rules Winning score is determined by the highest average from all of the judges. Judge the work, not the cat Breed, color, age, size, and temperament do not earn points by themselves. Do not reward neglect. Mats, grease, excess shedding, or difficult behavior do not create extra difficulty points. More shaving is not automatically better. Any shaving performed earns points for being appropriate, safe, smooth, and finished with clean, balanced lines. Safety comes first. A serious injury, rough handling, unsafe product, or unacceptable distress goes to the Judge and Technical Delegate to review and may result in disqualification Use whole numbers. No half points. Judges score from zero through the stated maximum Tie process to be resolved at judges’ discretion.
CLICK HERE FOR JUDGE’S SCORECARD
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
PREJUDGING AND DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY Prejudging should document: Coat condition Grease or debris Matting Coat density Skin concerns Cat behavior Planned transformation Technical difficulty The judge should not award unnecessary difficulty created at the expense of the cat.
DEDUCTIONS AND DISQUALIFICATIONS Possible Deductions: Incomplete work Uneven finish Missed detail work Exceeding the time limit Unauthorized assistance Failure to follow class preparation rules Possible Disqualifications: Abuse or reckless handling Continuing after being ordered to stop Falsifying health records Deliberate interference with another competitor Entering an ineligible cat Serious unsportsman conduct Endangering a cat Injury to cat Refusing Welfare Assessment
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
PLACEMENTS AND AWARDS Number of placements per class: Maximum 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mention Minimum score required to place: TBA Best In Division Best In Show Best Feline Handling Best First Timer Minimum 2 entry numbers No placement if no entries do not meet the standard
POINTS, RANKINGS, AND TITLES Placement points are earned each 24 month season without expiration. Awards may be announced at each show at the discretion of the Event Host. with points, rankings, and titles announced at the conclusion of each season for the previous year. Competition Placements: What competitors earn during that event show Points: what competitors earn for long term recognition Titles/Rankings: what competitors achieve over multiple sanctioned events TITLES: To be Announced
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
FUTURE GROOMING TEAM With enough interest and CCG sanctioned events over a three year period, the AHFS will organize into regional teams which will compete with one another. Team considerations will include: Points earned over a defined season or time period Minimum participaton in sanctioned events Welfare and conduct record Professional representation Education and service to the industry
COMPETITOR FEEDBACK AHFS requires meaningful feedback from the judges. Competitors will receive: Their scores Division/Class comments Deduction notes Welfare observations Strengths Areas for improvement Judges must be educational and direct without humiliating competitors. The goal is to build stronger cat groomers ,not create a hostile show environment.
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
APPEALS AND PROTESTS Appropriate grounds may include: Mathematical scoring errors Misapplication of a published rule Conflict of interest Competitor eligibility Procedural irregularity Falsified information A competitor is not allowed to appeal simply because they disagree with a judges’ professional opinion. Process: 1. 48 Hour Filing deadline 2. Written complaint requirement 3. No filing fee 4. Reviewed by CCGB 5. Must provide applicable evidence 6. Response time 2 weeks 7. Available remedies dependent on complaint. Anywhere from point correction to disqualification. 8. Final decision authority voted from the CCGB
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
CODE OF CONDUCT AND SPORTSMANSHIP The code applies to competitors, judges, Technical Delegates, Event Host volunteers, assistants, and AHFS representatives. Harassment, bullying, or any inappropriate language or behavior Retaliation Discrimination Public disruption Intimidation of judges Interference with competitors Treatment of volunteers, AHFS delegates, judges must be kind and professional Social media conduct relating to official proceedings Respectful disagreement is tolerated as long as it remains appropriate Care of cats Alcohol and substance impairment grounds for immediate disqualification Confidentiality during investigations
COMPLAINTS AND DISCIPLINE Informal correction Written warning Score deduction Disqualification Suspension Loss of titles Removal from rankings Revocation of judge approval Loss of future sanctioning eligibility The accused person should recieve notice of the allegations and an opportunity to respond, except if immediate action is required to protect a cat or participant.
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
EVENT RECORDS AND REPORTING The event host and/or Competition Director must submit: Final competitor list Cat entry list Signed score sheets Official placements Disqualifications Incident reports Welfare withdrawals Judge disclosures Appeals filed Photographs
SANCTIONING FEES Application Fee: TBA Each show must utilize a sanctioned AHFS Judge and AHFS Technical Delegate
EVENT AUDIT AND QUALITY REVIEW AHFS reserves the right to: Attend the event Observe sanctioned classes Review scorekeeping Interview officials Inspect required records Review complaints Require corrective action Suspect future sanctioning After every event, judges, Technical Delegates, and hosts should complete a confidential evaluation to be submitted to the AHFS.
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Association of Holistic Feline Specialists COMPETITIVE CAT GROOMING SANCTIONED STANDARDS
RULE CHANGES The Association of Holistic Feline Specialists is a foundation built on a positive growth mindset. It is for this reason that the Competitive Cat Grooming Board will evaluate all sanctioning rules and scoring in a defined annual review period. Revisions will be based off of competitor and judge feedback, current research, and updates to ethics as needed. All rule changes will be given advanced notices and posted prior to sanctioned shows.
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