Cat Grooming Education

Stud tail- Ew!

That icky greasy looking section of the tail that removes from the beauty of your cat or client’s luscious tail. It can be just oily, black, or scaly, I have an easy home remedy that works for my grooming clients that is reachable (and in your pantry). Ok, I literally stole mine from my pantry and haven’t put it back!

See before and after photos below

What is stud tail?

“A cat has a gland that secretes oils on its tail and this is commonly called ‘stud tail’ (Supracaudal gland) as mostly seen in entire (un de-sexed) male cats to secrete scents. It may show baldness, flaky skin, oils, blackheads or thinning hair.

The Stud tail will need extra shampoos but you will never be able to remove completely. When drying the cat, you will notice that this patch still looks ‘wet’, this is the coat oils.

When the stud tail look like open wounds, or more than just a little crusty, please to not over wash as you may cause more problems and advise the owner to get it checked by their vet.” Extract from bathing the feline, one of my professional cat grooming online courses.

Help! How do I remove stud tail? That icky tail grease!

You may use a few ways to reduce stud tail. It is impossible to remove completely, and being a natural part of a cat, I wouldn’t recommend scrubbing away.

Degreasing method: You may try using strong degreasing agents such as ‘Groomers Goop’ (oil based) or ‘Progroom degreasing gel’, but do not do more than two applications, as you can do harm when washing possibly open skin.

Conditioning method: Oil removes oil, right? So using a concentrated conditioner may help remove the oils, then shampoo and condition again.

Soaking up the oils: I have found using corn starch (corn flour) prior to, or instead or a bath, to work very well. Here is my technique below:

Step one: Separate hairs and add the corn starch, using lots! Work it in with your fingers.

Step two: Allow to sit for 5 minutes.

Step three: Using a pin brush, brush excess out, carefully and fluffing up the coat to remove all remnants.

Step four: If possible, hold the tip and shake the tail lightly, so there is no corn starch left. You may then proceed to wash the cat as normal. I found this can keep stud tail from the coat from 1-4 weeks depending on how quickly the body secretes oils. This is a gentler approach for the skin, remembering, what we put in the skin, absorbs into the body, so I prefer to avoid harsh chemicals.

This easy approach can be done at home by anyone, and it’s cheap! 🙂

Before

During

After

Want to learn more tips and tricks?

Who am I?

I’m Lexie Goldsmith,

My slow introduction and low stress handling techniques have been proven over 14 years of grooming cats without sedation and many happy clients, being the go-to cat groomer in my state.

I am contacted regularly by people all over the world wanting to learn cat grooming from me, and this makes me excited to see students now grooming cats with my videos, instructions and support.

I am a Qualified Veterinary Nurse, Pet Stylist and Master Cat Groomer, available for your cat grooming education needs.

Come join me on your cat grooming journey, I promise you will not be disappointed, I have a 30day money back guarantee for all courses.

More information on my courses here

What do I need to start Cat Grooming?

What equipment do I need to start Cat Grooming?

Whether you are starting out in Cat Grooming, or adding to your services, here is the list of what I recommend in a basic Cat Grooming Kit.

Clipping:

High Non-slip table

A5 blade type clippers (eg. Heiniger Saphir Clipper, Wahl Km10 or Oster Pro 3000i)

Steel blade/s: #10 (7F if ceramic not available)

Ceramic Blade/s: #7F (3F or 4F if looking at teddy clips in future)

Mini Trimmers or #30 blade for pads (eg. Heiniger Mini, Wahl Bravura Mini, Shear Magic mini)

Short 6inch thinning scissors for around head, tops of feet

Non-scented baby wipes

Small Dog Nail Clippers

Clipper oil spray and disinfectant

Veterinary Elizabethan Collar (easy to snap on/off type)

First Aid kit

Greyhound comb

Cat Comb (gripsoft fine comb)

Shedding Comb (Gripsoft shedding comb)

Mini Persian type comb

Bathing

Shampoo Dilution Bottles

Cat/Clarifying Shampoo (Progroom Xtra Clean, Petway Clarifying, Secret Weapon Apple Cider Vinegar)

Shower hose

Happy Hoodie/Show tech ear buddy

Large bath sheets (towels) for wrapping

Dryer with an adjustable dial (eg. Lanton, Shernbao Cyclone, Aelous Cyclone.)

Small Nail Clippers

Greyhound Comb

Pin Brush

Shedding Comb

To see a full list, see my online Professional Courses Bathing the Feline, and Clipping the Feline.

Ew! Dandruff!

Have you noticed flakes on your cat?

Like someone has sprinkled salt on your kitty?

Dandruff can affect any cat. Dandruff is the build-up of dead skin, known as seborrhoea sicca. It happens when the skin produces more skin flakes than usual, or they are not being moved by grooming.

Before trying to address the issue, it is recommended to check with a vet that there is no underlying skin condition or health issue. An ill cat will also reduce self-grooming. Dandruff is most common on overweight and elderly cats and more obvious on dark haired cat. Sometimes a groomer will find excess dandruff in your cat that you cannot see due to your cat’s coat or length, it may be there, so regular grooming and checking of skin is best for cat’s optimal coat and skin health.

There are many things you can do that may decrease dandruff in your cat.

Make sure your cat is on a high-quality diet with omega 3 fatty acids
Put your cat on a weight loss diet (this will also benefit in other ways)
Regularly brush/comb your cat to move dead skin.
Bath your cat if excess oils and dandruff are seen. This will be especially helpful for overweight or elderly cat.
Keep up with parasite prevention, as fleas, mites and lice can contribute to dandruff.
Have your cat checked by a dermatology vet if symptoms persist, hair loss, or itching is present.

Why Cats Groom

Studies show that cats spend 8% of their waking life engaged in grooming behaviour. There are at least four good reasons why:

Parasite control
Removal of dead hair: when cats don’t groom well, the old hair builds up and the coat gets matted
Removal of dirt and oils: cats are also literally cleaning themselves, which is also why toxins on the coat are dangerous. We have the ability to help with this by regular bathing and grooming.
Maintenance of insulation: that clumping compacted coat can’t keep your cat warm or cool like a shiny, smooth coat

Grooming isn’t just something to keep busy. It’s a highly complex, programmed and essential feline behaviour. So the next time you see your cat grooming, remember this: not only is it essential, it’s also a sign of your cat’s wellbeing. You can help your cat too!

See in picture- white dandruff being removed during washing.

Want to learn how to groom your cat at home comfortable and efficiently?

See our courses

Resource: Walkerville Vet | Adelaide Veterinary Clinic | Preschool & Blog, Pawsitively Divine grooming photo

Lexie the Cat Groomer Teacher

Winter Cat Grooming

You may think that cat’s don’t need grooming in winter, when in fact they may need more grooming!

The end of winter, my phone rings off the hook, as many cat owners have matted cats.

Why is this?

Because they have been matting for the whole of winter and have been putting off clipping their cat because of the cold meanwhile, matting gets tighter and spreads the longer you wait.

Let’s look at the life cycle of the cat’s hair shaft.

Anagen – This is the active growing phase of the hair.
Catagen – This phase signals the end of the active growing phase, hair growth slows down.
Telogen – The resting phase of the hair cycle.
Exogen – Shedding phase.

Before winter, a cat’s coat is built up for protection and warmth. If the cat has not had the undercoat from spring/summer shedding removed, and has a clean coat and room for undercoat to grow into, the cat’s coat will start to mat. During winter 70% of the primary hairs and 90% of secondary hairs, are in resting phase (not shedding), hence the large amount of coat. This also explains why they shed such large amounts, as these Telogen (resting) hairs must become shedding hairs.

The cold wet air also can add to the likelihood of a cat matting, touching the wet grass, can cause parts of the cat to mat. If the cat becomes wet, it must be dried properly, and the coat separated to prevent matting. Just like our hair, if we are to wet it, and let it dry without combing/brushing, the hairs group and cause knots. Wet hair not dried properly, like with dogs, can cause bacteria to grow at the skin.

So in short, cat’s need their undercoat regularly combed out, and prevent medium to long hair cats getting wet outside, if they do, comb them as they dry to let air in and separate the hairs.

Want to learn more about matting prevention and removing undercoat?

See my courses:

Professional: Bathing the Feline, Clipping the Feline.

Cat owner courses: Short hair coat maintenance course, Long hair coat maintenance course.

Want to learn more tips and tricks?

Who am I?

I’m Lexie Goldsmith,

My slow introduction and low stress handling techniques have been proven over 14 years of grooming cats without sedation and many happy clients, being the go-to cat groomer in my state.

I am contacted regularly by people all over the world wanting to learn cat grooming from me, and this makes me excited to see students now grooming cats with my videos, instructions and support.

I am a Qualified Veterinary Nurse, Pet Stylist and Master Cat Groomer, available for your cat grooming education needs.

Come join me on your cat grooming journey, I promise you will not be disappointed, I have a 30day money back guarantee for all courses.

More information on my courses here

Am I ready to add Cat Grooming to my business?

Short answer Yes, long answer yes.

6 signs you are ready to add Cat Grooming services to your salon

1. You know an employee who is keen, or you are keen, to learn Cat Grooming. And enjoy the company of cats!

2. Your business has clients that also own cats. Survey your clients, there is already so much more income sitting there. And an existing client is more likely to have their cat groomed at your salon, as they already have a relationship with you/your groomers!

3. You have the ability to separate dog and cat clients (by timing or area)

4. You have a safe area to groom a cat free from escape and risks.

5. You’d like to double you or your employees per hour output. (Not forgetting there’s a reason it costs more!)

6.. You have the tools required: High bath, dryer, table, greyhound combs, clarifying shampoos, clippers, blades.

Want to learn more?

Learn Cat Grooming at learncatgrooming.com.au

Want to learn more tips and tricks?

Who am I?

I’m Lexie Goldsmith,

My slow introduction and low stress handling techniques have been proven over 14 years of grooming cats without sedation and many happy clients, being the go-to cat groomer in my state.

I am contacted regularly by people all over the world wanting to learn cat grooming from me, and this makes me excited to see students now grooming cats with my videos, instructions and support.

I am a Qualified Veterinary Nurse, Pet Stylist and Master Cat Groomer, available for your cat grooming education needs.

Come join me on your cat grooming journey, I promise you will not be disappointed, I have a 30day money back guarantee for all courses*.

More information on my courses here

Why is cat grooming so costly?

There are so many reasons why a Cat Groom is at a high rate:

Cat Grooming is a specialised animal care field, and should be treated as a specialty.
Sedation and a shave at a vet is double, if not more, the cost than using a no sedation Cat Groomer, (when really the risk is higher for the Cat Groomer)
Cat Groomers are working with unpredictable domesticated tigers
If a Groomer becomes bitten, and it leads to infection, they are out of work for at least a week!
Cats have nails, teeth and ninja moves, and they know this!
Cats are sit and wait predators, and can launch at any time, we must learn to predict a cats movement with body language (such an important skill by continuing education such as my behaviour course 😉 )
Clipping, especially without sedation, has a high risk of cutting a cats fine tissue-paper-like skin. it takes skills and precision. You cannot just pick up a pair of clippers!
Have you seen the amount of shampoo (and water) it takes to bath a cat properly? Cats fur repels water and liquids, they don’t want to be clean.
The amount of electricity used to get through a matted coat and dry a thick coat such as a Maine Coon. As much as grooming a large dog!
and sharp strong equipment. The amount of pet owners that say they brought clippers and after one clip had to stop half way and had blunted their clippers

A Cat Groomer is worth their weight in gold! Value your Cat Groomer. They risk it all for their love of Cats.

https://learncatgrooming.com.au/p/behaviour

Below some lovely at home grooming pics:

Want to learn more tips and tricks?

Who am I?

I’m Lexie Goldsmith,

My slow introduction and low stress handling techniques have been proven over 14 years of grooming cats without sedation and many happy clients, being the go-to cat groomer in my state.

I am contacted regularly by people all over the world wanting to learn cat grooming from me, and this makes me excited to see students now grooming cats with my videos, instructions and support.

I am a Qualified Veterinary Nurse, Pet Stylist and Master Cat Groomer, available for your cat grooming education needs.

Come join me on your cat grooming journey, I promise you will not be disappointed, I have a 30day money back guarantee for all courses.

More information on my courses here

Why do we wash cats?

You say: ‘I have never bathed my cat before, my cat is fine just licking itself clean?’

“Cat coats secrete oils naturally for both protection from elements and survival in the wild. Some cats can oversecrete oils due to skin issues, breed, and age. A build up of oils can cause matting, smell and skin issues.

Coats also produce dander and dandruff naturally, this is what humans are usually allergic to.

Cats produce undercoat, which is guided by the temperature, age, coat type and amount of daylight. If this undercoat is not brushed out, it can be stuck in the oils, and subsequently shed all year around. Cats are meant to lick and remove this themselves, which can cause hairballs, and in worse case scenarios, hair masses in the stomach.

Washing properly removes excess oils, dander, dandruff and undercoat.

There is a lot more to the cat coat than meets the eye.

The fur of a cat also includes items such as dander, dead skin, salivary crystals, faecal matter, released undercoat, skin oils, flea dirt, bacteria and fungi.

Cats secrete oils to avoid the skin getting wet. These oils can build up causing the undercoat and dander to get stuck, causing matting. A cat licks itself to move these oils around and remove the dandruff and dander. They spread around the saliva, faecal matter and debris.

The main debris that people are allergic to is the dander and saliva of the cat, and so to prevent allergies thorough bathing is essential.

Drying is also important to separate the hairs letting in air, releasing the undercoat and any left-over dander. If you do not dry your cat, the cat will then need to lick itself dry, causing the allergens to spread again. This undercoat will instead go into the stomach.”

– Extract from Bathing the feline for professionals.

In summary, cat’s shed seasonally, bathing, blow-drying and combing helps reduce matting, as when the new coat grows, it will not become stuck causing knots and compaction. Bathing also reduces the allergen Fel-D.

Read about just one case of hair compaction: Hero’s big hairball – Fur balls in Cats – Perth Cat Hospital

See my slow introduction technique for your cat to enjoy at home grooming, and you how may groom at home effectively like a professional, at https://bit.ly/catownershome

Short hair Coat Maintenance Course

Long hair Coat Maintenance Course

Want to learn more tips and tricks?

Who am I?

I’m Lexie Goldsmith,

My slow introduction and low stress handling techniques have been proven over 14 years of grooming cats without sedation and many happy clients, being the go-to cat groomer in my state.

I am contacted regularly by people all over the world wanting to learn cat grooming from me, and this makes me excited to see students now grooming cats with my videos, instructions and support.

I am a Qualified Veterinary Nurse, Pet Stylist and Master Cat Groomer, available for your cat grooming education needs.

Come join me on your cat grooming journey, I promise you will not be disappointed, I have a 30day money back guarantee for all courses.

More information on my courses here

Desensitisation in Cat Grooming- Cat behaviour. There is another way!

Desensitisation

Systematic desensitisation and counter-conditioning (DS/CC) are the main techniques that behaviour professionals use to change a cat’s response to a specific triggers (stimuli eg. water) in a variety of situations.

In the Grooming salon these triggers include water, clipping, blow-drying, other cats and nail clipping.

If done properly and slowly over period of time, these techniques can have a desirable effect on a cat’s reactions and behaviour to grooming. The goal is to replace the unwanted emotional reaction (fear, anxiety or aggression arousal) to trigger with a more relaxed, calmer reaction. To be successful, there techniques must be done every day by the Cat Owner, in order for the cat to accept the Grooming stimuli that it is fearful of.

If a Cat is scared of the blow-dryer to the point of stressful flight and fright reactions, we can work on slowly having the cat accept the dryer but starting the dryer in a separate room, giving the cat treats or positive rewards, and over a few days having the dryer in the room (with wide distance) keeping the cat calm with a sock over the ears and positive reinforcement, to over weeks, or even more, the cat accepting the dryer on the coat. (Some cats require drying to prevent matting and hairballs)

I am of course, not a behaviour professional, always work in conjunction with a Veterinarian or Feline Behaviourist.

Here is a video of a cat that has been doing desensitisation in my salon, at home.

Want to learn more about Feline Behaviour in the Grooming salon?

See my ‘Behaviour for the Cat Groomer‘ Course!

Who am I?

I’m Lexie Goldsmith,

My slow introduction and low stress handling techniques have been proven over 14 years of grooming cats without sedation and many happy clients, being the go-to cat groomer in my state. I am contacted regularly by people all over the world wanting to learn cat grooming from me, and this makes me excited to see students now grooming cats with my videos, instructions and support. I am a Qualified Veterinary Nurse, Pet Stylist and Master Cat Groomer, available for your cat grooming education needs. Come join me on your cat grooming journey, I promise you will not be disappointed, I have a 30day money back guarantee for all courses.

More information on my courses here

Cleaning the Feline Face- while having a happy cat!

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Having a brachycephalic/short nosed cat, can be super cute!

Brachy breeds include the Persian, Chinchilla, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, British Shorthair, and Scottish Fold.

But they can also come with some extra grooming needs.

A short nose means wrinkles in the face, and sometimes tear drainage issues (epiphora) causing smells. This results in a need to clean between these folds and extra tear production and staining. Daily, or even twice daily is recommended.

Forgetting to clean your kitty’s face, can result in some nice crusty pieces to clean up next time. This can also lead to bacterial and fungal infections to grow. In this case, you will need something stronger than warm salty water.

I recommend and use Progroom facial, and have done so for years. Many customers have also continued to use it daily. It can be used in and out of the bath, no need to rinse.

Out of the bath I add the foaming facial (which can be watered down to your liking) on a non-scented baby wipe, using my fingertips to get into the folds. For kittens you may use cotton tips carefully. Make sure you never get any facials or liquids into the short nasal cavity or eyes. If your cat has skin issues, always discuss any product use with a vet.

This product can also be as a leave in shampoo spot clean for any toileting issues. Learn more here.

Severe brachycephalic in Persian and related breeds | International Cat Care (icatcare.org)

Berry Bright Facial Foam Cleanser – 200ml Foamer bottle (progroom.com.au)

Want to learn more tips and tricks?

Who am I?

I’m Lexie Goldsmith,

My slow introduction and low stress handling techniques have been proven over 14 years of grooming cats without sedation and many happy clients, being the go-to cat groomer in my state.

I am contacted regularly by people all over the world wanting to learn cat grooming from me, and this makes me excited to see students now grooming cats with my videos, instructions and support.

I am a Qualified Veterinary Nurse, Pet Stylist and Master Cat Groomer, available for your cat grooming education needs.

Come join me on your cat grooming journey, I promise you will not be disappointed, I have a 30day money back guarantee for all courses.

More information on my courses here

Lexie the Cat Groomer Teacher

Lockdown Reboot- Rising up after a lockdown in your grooming business

Interview with May Wong – M Dog Grooming, Grooming with May

May Wong is the Owner and head Groomer of M Dog Grooming in Mulgrave Victoria, Australia. May is known internationally for her high quality styling and online grooming video classes. From the 5th of August until the 19th October (11weeks), her salon was shut due to a state wide lockdown. Having most of her clients on a 2 to 6 weekly grooming schedule, this would have been hard to keep up! Here is her advice on how to get through lockdown without the stress.

What were the words you used to explain to your clients the situation of rebooking those cancelled?

Below the post I put up on my business social media pages.

“Dear Clients,

Due to the 6 weeks Stage 4 lockdown, the salon will be closed from Wednesday night until further notice. We’ll make contact with you in the next few weeks to reschedule your booked appointments during the lockdown period. Take care and stay safe ❤”

How did you choose who you would rebook first?

My clients mainly come every 6 weeks for a groom and some are booked yearly or few months ahead. Home salons were closed for 10 weeks at the last Melbourne hard lockdown so most clients would have missed a groom during the lockdown. All booked appointments from the day salon re-open remained unchanged and all the empty spots are filled. Priorities are given to the 1st clients with the longest period without a groom, 2nd favourite and highly regular clients (2 or 4 weekly or clients who booked for the whole year), 3rd the rest of the clients.

When would you recommend rebooking those you had to cancel?

I would wait until the Premier announces a definite date before rebooking in case there is a lockdown extension like the case in Melbourne.

What Policies did you put in place upon reopening?

Strict contactless drop off and pickup services for the clients and clients are not allowed to come into the salon. There is a designated enclosed area for clients to drop off their dogs and dogs will be left in the same enclosed area for clients to pickup. Clients to make payment through bank deposit or they can tap or swipe their card on the eftpos machine.

Did you require extra time for clients to fix grooms or de-matt?

Clients are supposed to continue brush and maintain their dogs’ hair during lockdown. Majority of my clients have been really good and I only had to shave off about a handful of them. I did spend some extra time on some of them to remove knots but if they’re matted, it’s more humane to shave off the dogs and start over again.

Did you need to work longer days/extra days? Or get help?

I don’t work on the weekend but a few weeks after lockdown, I open up Saturdays and book 1-2 extra dogs each day to try book everyone in.

What should a Groomer do in their business during this spare time?

Take the time off to work on your business plans, paperwork, and online learning. You may also order some model dogs to practice at home or make some beautiful bows for your clients!

Any other advice for our Groomers?

Take the opportunity for a well deserved break but also keep yourself fit. Continue exercising or keep yourself active so your body don’t go into shock on your first day back at work like I did lol.

Thank you May for your experienced insight!

Lexie and her fellow Western Australian Groomers are currently in Lockdown, so Lexie decided to share some advice for anyone about to go into, or come out of lockdown.

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Who am I?

I’m Lexie Goldsmith,

My slow introduction and low stress handling techniques have been proven over 14 years of grooming cats without sedation and many happy clients, being the go-to cat groomer in my state.

I am contacted regularly by people all over the world wanting to learn cat grooming from me, and this makes me excited to see students now grooming cats with my videos, instructions and support.

I am a Qualified Veterinary Nurse, Pet Stylist and Master Cat Groomer, available for your cat grooming education needs.

Come join me on your cat grooming journey, I promise you will not be disappointed, I have a 30day money back guarantee for all courses.

More information on my courses here

Lexie the Cat Groomer Teacher