In grooming this week we learned it wasn’t all about the dogs. We were told about this day at the beginning of the semester, sort of in hushed tones, like if we talked about it too much it would scare the students away. And finally, yesterday it came.
CAT DAY!
We didn’t start right away like usual, Chris (our instructor) gave us an extensive lecture on the dangers and complications we could run into with cats…like the fact that they bite, scratch and have an internal timer that says they are done with being groomed and it’s time to stop.
When we finally got to it, it wasn’t so bad! I worked with Anna and we had a lovely plump old cat named “Mama”. She was great while we brushed her out and used the furminator on her, she was quiet and cooperative for the most part in the tub, and she didn’t mind the stand dryer at all. Even when the other students forgot to stop the door from slamming, Mama stayed put and enjoyed the attention.
On the other side of the room the cat’s didn’t like the attention quite as much. Three out of the seven cats on Cat Day never made it to the tub, their timer went off too soon…and one of those three only got his nail trimmed because he was such an unwilling participant.
Overall, I’ve decided if I ever groom cats there will be two requirements: someone will always be there to help me, and if they growl or snarl before they come out of their carrier or cage they can stay there!
As I’m learning more and more throughout this course, I have great respect for anyone who will fearlessly tackle these furry felines.
Also, if you want to check out some pictures of my feline roommates, click here! (more…)
