Grooming Matters
8 facts that make cats...
illustration of a number eight shaped like a grey and white cat
“Uniquely Feline”

by Daryl Conner

Felines are not small dogs in cat suits; every pet groomer worth their salt is familiar with this fact. Some standard dog grooming practices can be dangerous to cats, and most of them have to do with the unique anatomy that felines possess. Here are some interesting facts that separate cat grooming best practices from those of dog grooming and why.

1
Leaving Product on the Coat.

It is not uncommon for dogs to exit a grooming appointment happily sporting some type of product in their fur. It could be a leave-in conditioner, a little detangling spray or mousse, a dusting of chalk or a spritz of cologne. This works just fine because dogs are not the voracious self-groomers that cats are. Cats will ingest any product left on their fur after grooming as they clean themselves. Ideally, cats will be washed and conditioned with feline-safe products, rinsed well and sent home from their spa treatment with clean coats free of residual chemicals or hair care products.

2
Feline-Safe Products.
While we are on the topic of safe products for cats, serious cat groomers need to familiarize themselves with product ingredient lists and learn what is best to use on cats and what to avoid. For instance, products containing citrus oils have been proven to be potentially dangerous when used on cats; however, there are products on the market that contain these oils labeled cat-safe by the manufacturer. There are many other potentially problematic ingredients in products that are labeled as cat-safe, so groomers must educate themselves to feel confident that they are choosing the best grooming products for the cats they care for.
3
Ear Cleaning.
Many ear cleaners designed for dogs contain alcohol as a basic ingredient and may include oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus in their makeup. Because cats will self-groom after having their ears cleaned, they will ingest whatever is in the cleaner, and some of the cleaner may also be absorbed through the skin. Cats are especially sensitive to alcohol, so choosing ear-cleaning products that do not contain any ingredients that may be toxic to cats is important.
4
Liver Anatomy.
Cats lack certain enzymes in their livers that dogs (and humans) have, affecting how their bodies metabolize some chemicals. This fact is directly linked to the above information about choosing safe products. Some cleaning supplies, some insecticides used in flea and tick products, and some essential oils, among other things, are on the list of items that may not be safe when used on or around cats because their livers lack these enzymes and cause the cats to be more sensitive to the chemicals. When in doubt, research to discover if the ingredients are safe for use on felines.
5
Restraint Methods.

It is common practice to secure dogs in the tub or on the table with a grooming loop. These seatbelts of the grooming world prevent excited or anxious pets from launching themselves off a raised surface, keeping them safe while we work. Because of the solid muscular structure of a dog’s neck, the loop is a safe restraint when used with care on normal, healthy dogs. However, a cat’s muscular structure differs from a dog’s and their delicate vertebra can be damaged if they pull on a grooming loop that is around their neck. Cats should be restrained with a figure-eight-style harness or one that loops under the front legs.

6
Anal Glands.

Many pet groomers still routinely express anal glands on dogs they groom. Cats also have anal glands, and healthy cats express some liquid when evacuating their bowels. Experienced cat groomers know that cats will often release their glands when stressed, or sometimes even if the groomer merely lifts the tail to perform a sanitary trim. These delicate structures can become impacted, infected and even rupture. Groomers who note swelling, redness, hairlessness from irritation or other problems should refer the customer to seek veterinary attention for their pet.

Groomers willing to educate themselves about how to groom cats safely and effectively can create a highly lucrative niche for themselves
Groomers willing to educate themselves about how to groom cats safely and effectively can create a highly lucrative niche for themselves
7
Ingrown Claws
A condition uncommonly seen in dogs (except with some dewclaws), cats are prone to having their claws grow to such an extent that they puncture the paw pad and grow deeply into the toe. This is more common in elderly cats, as their claws become thicker with age and the cat may stop grooming their claws to remove the outer layers. Ingrown claws must be terribly painful and the chance of infection is high, which is why it’s important to educate clients on the importance of keeping cats’ claws trimmed.
8
Stud Tail.
Cats sometimes develop a condition at the base of the tail when sebaceous glands become overly active, creating an oily, sometimes smelly condition that can be sensitive or painful to the cat. The thick, oily discharge is impervious to most shampoos. Stud tail is most commonly found in unneutered male cats, but it can also happen in neutered males, females and even dogs. Veterinary treatment is recommended and may include antibacterial cleaners, degreasing cleaners, and sometimes oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

Groomers willing to educate themselves about how to groom cats safely and effectively can create a highly lucrative niche for themselves. There are millions of loved pet cats in the U.S. and not enough knowledgeable groomers who offer the specialized care they require. While they are not little dogs in cat suits, grooming these unique creatures can be a delightful way to earn a living once you become familiar with the best ways to care for them.

Resources
Back to Issue