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Pet GroomingA pet groomer makes special cats attractive for photography and cat shows. Groomers are usually the first to spot abuse in working cats. Wranglers* often dress and groom animal actors. Wranglers are animal handlers and trainers.
Groomers need to have a calming effect on cats. While grooming for a photography shoot, often combing or the arrangement of the cat's fur is usually all that is required. For cat shows, the grooming is a little more intense. The fur must be fluffed, nails trimmed and any discharge from the eyes, even tears, must be masked. Wranglers often perform the grooming activities for animal actors, while also training the cats to perform.
General pet grooming skills are required for any type of grooming position. This includes being able to bathe and dry a cat, trim fur and nails, and clean the hard-to-clean areas around the eyes and inside the ears. Sometimes, groomers are also called upon to clean the teeth of a cat. This can be unpleasant for the cat, but will prolong the life of its teeth.
The groomer's tools include pet shampoos, cosmetics, brushes, combs and nail clippers, all specifically for cats. A good pair of scissors and an electric trimmer or clippers are good additions to the tool kit.
Photographers often have groomers they prefer to use, and groomers may also recommend photographers. Many pet owners want beautiful photographs of their pets. Breeders require good photographs that show the cat off to the best advantage to help list the cat in breeding programs. Photographers will also need groomers to arrange a champion cats fur for the champion portfolio.
General grooming for pets is recommended annually, along with the veterinarian visit. A good groomer can stop skin and hair loss problems before they start. They can keep the teeth clean, which keeps teeth in better shape. If you feed your cat soft, canned food, this is especially important, as these foods produce more plaque on the teeth. Also, the cat's ears are cleaned so that mites don't develop and ear wax doesn't build up. Your groomer can also help you with shedding and recommend treatments to reduce shedding. If your cat is prone to mats or refuses to be brushed at home, then your groomer is your best defense. Many cats think the brush is a toy, which can be a problem for long-haired breeds Therefore, your groomer may shave (yes - SHAVE) your cat into lion-cut. Actually, the groomer uses clippers, but it sure looks like a shaved cat when you get it back. As long as your groomer leaves a puff on the tip of the tail, your cat usually won't mind too much.
Clipping your cat's hair doesn't have to be this extreme. If you just want to cut off the mats, you can use scissors yourself. Be very careful that you don't cut the cat, though. That would make it very hard for your cat to trust you with a pair of scissors again! A good bet if the cat is willing to sit still long enough, is a seam-ripper to loosen the matt. Most cats are groomed for pet photographs or cat shows. Some cats are groomed for movies and commercials. The fortunate few are groomed because they are loved. Many cats are groomed just because they refuse to be brushed by their owners: the cats prefer to chase the brush instead of letting it do the job of removing loose hair. An alternative would be to use Furminator Tool which removes loose hair while preserving the coat. Many cats like the way it feels as it combs through the hair, but the first time you use the tool on your cat's pelt, you will want to do small areas adjacent to each other as the tool can pull a little bit. After your cat has been groomed all over once, it is much easier to completely groom your cat using the Furminator. Shedding will be practically nonexistent!
DAILY CARECats do a good job of grooming themselves, but regular brushing to prevent hair from matting up is important for long hair breeds. Your veterinarian can provide you with an appropriate toothbrush, toothpaste, and instructions how to do this task so that your kitten or cat learns to accept this as part of its daily care. If your cat is prone to hairballs, a supplement with daily grooming is an unbeatable combination.
CAT WASHING INSTRUCTIONSIt is not necessary to submerge your cat or to use detergent. Most cats object to bathing in slippery tubs, so give your cat something to cling to, such as a wood platform or a wire screen. Use a shampoo designed for cats and kittens, as some dog and people shampoos may be irritating. Place cotton balls in the cat's ears to keep out water and use an ophthalmic ointment (or obtain one that is safe for cats and kittens from your veterinarian) in its eyes to prevent burning from shampoo. Towel dry the cat completely and gently comb out any mats.
Petsitting Business Keep the Cat Hair Down How to Groom Your Cat
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