What's The Mews February Issue

NCGI Global Educator, CFMG and CFCG Certifier in Hamilton, NJ.

NCGI Global Educator, CFMG and CFCG Certifier in Canada.

columnists

Feline Exclusive Groomer at The Meow Mobile in Phoenix AZ.

Feline Exclusive Groomer at Don’t Stress Meowt Cafe in Tulsa, OK

NCGI Certifier and Feline Exclusive Groomer at The Cat Spa, New York

Feline Exclusive Groomer at the Kitty Corner Spa & Boarding, GA.

LAUREN BENAVIDES CFMG

Feline Exclusive Groomer at The Cat Concierge in Clinton Twp. MI.

Feline Exclusive Groomer at Fluffing’ It Grooming in Georgia.

What’s The Mews is a free-distribution publication created for the benefit of the feline community All contributors generously volunteer their time and expertise without compensation, offering professional insight to support feline-centered care The magazine is funded by the Association of Holistic Feline Professionals and is protected by applicable intellectual property and copyright laws

Sydney Beers

Chelsea Waddell

Sandra Gonyea

Kendra Martinez

Anastasia Bower

Mercedes Schenk

WHY PET INSURANCE MATTERS

As a cat grooming professional, I work with cats of all ages every day, from tiny kittens to beloved seniors One question I often ask cat parents, especially after a health scare, is: “Do you have pet insurance?”

Pet insurance can make a huge difference when the unexpected happens

Emergency vet visits are lifesaving, but they can also be costly Some pet insurance plans cover emergencies, illnesses, and even routine wellness care, with certain policies reimbursing up to 90% of the cost per vet visit. Some providers even work directly with emergency veterinary hospitals.

I’ve experienced the value of pet insurance

firsthand A recent emergency visit for my cat totaled $854.43. Because I had pet insurance, $527.56 was covered, leaving me to pay $376 out of pocket far more affordable than the full $854 43

My policy costs $63 a month, and honestly, it’s worth every penny. This type of pet insurance is designed to help cover the cost of unexpected illness and injury in cats, offering financial support for medical care when accidents or serious health conditions arise. Coverage commonly includes emergency injuries, chronic and acute illnesses, diagnostic testing such as bloodwork and imaging, surgical procedures, hospitalization, and prescription medications related to covered conditions.

Many plans reimburse a high percentage of eligible veterinary costs after a deductible is met, often without annual or lifetime payout limits. Some policies use a per-condition deductible structure, meaning once the deductible is satisfied for a specific medical issue, it does not reset each year for that condition Certain plans also offer direct payment to participating veterinary clinics, reducing the amount pet owners must pay upfront at the time of treatment

Hereditary and congenital conditions may be covered if they were not present before enrollment, and coverage typically continues for the life of the cat as long as the policy remains active Routine and preventive care, including wellness exams, vaccinations, spay or neuter procedures, parasite prevention, dental cleanings, and exam fees, are generally excluded Pre-existing conditions are not covered.

Talk to your veterinarian about pet insurance options that best fit your cat’s needs

Your cat depends on you--be ready

SYDNEY BEERS CFMG

FUR-EVER MY VALENTINE

Have you ever wondered how to tur groom into something a little festive fo Day?

Turning your mohawk into a lovely pie your clients is easy as 1-2-3!

Create a wider Mohaw center of the cat’s back M at least as wide as the tail

Adjust your 5-1 Clipper setting, and using the bla a “V” pattern every two i Mohawk Quick tip: place into the coat and pul slightly.

Once the “V” pattern is e Mohawk, use the last clipper blade to cut th rounding out the top c section!

BUILDING A FIRST AID KIT FOR YOUR CAT: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR

PET PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS

Creating a well-stocked first aid kit for your cat or for the cats in your care is one of the most responsible steps you can take to ensure you’re prepared for minor injuries and unexpected emergencies While no kit replaces the expertise of a veterinarian, having essential tools and supplies readily available allows you to act quickly and confidently when every minute matters. Below is a comprehensive guide to assembling a reliable, cat-appropriate first aid kit

Before gathering the medical supplies, include the most important resources:

Pet first aid manual or guidebook

Emergency contact list, including your primary veterinarian, nearest emergency clinic, and a poison control hotline

Keep this information in a visible spot inside the kit so it can be accessed right away during stressful moments.

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

These items allow you to manage minor wounds, give medications, and stabilize your cat until you can reach veterinary care.

Sterile gauze pads and bandages

Adhesive tape

Self-adhering vet wrap

Syringes (for administering liquid medications)

Triangular bandage

Instant cold compress

Wet wipes for cleaning the area around the wounds

Tweezers

Blunt-end scissors for trimming fur near injuries

Digital thermometer designed for pets

Lubricating jelly packets

TOPICAL MEDICATIONS

Cat-safe wound care is essential, as many human products are toxic to felines

Recommended: A cat approved antiseptic product such as Vetericyn Hydrogel

Saline Solution (not contact lens solution)

Betadine Antiseptic Solution

Avoid:

Triple antibiotic ointments meant for humans

Hydrogen peroxide for wound cleaning--cats cannot safely metabolize it

Use only veterinary-approved products to avoid accidental harm

ORAL MEDICATIONS

Veterinary guidance is required for oral medications. Never give a cat human medications such as Tylenol, Advil, Ibuprofen, or Aspirin. These are highly toxic

Some medications are safe only under a veterinarian’s direction:

Benadryl (diphenhydramine)- dosage and use must be approved by your vet Not safe for: Kittens under 6 months

Pregnant cats

Senior cats

Cats with glaucoma, urinary disease, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, hypertension, or asthma

Anti-nausea medications prescribed by your veterinarian

EYE AND EAR CARE

These items help you gently flush or clean your cat’s eyes and ears when needed:

Sterile saline solution (not contact lens solution)

Sterile eye ointment

Pet-friendly ear cleaner and cotton balls

Vetericyn Feline Facial

Therapy, suitable for eyes, ears, and sensitive facial areas

WOUND CARE ESSENTIALS

For minor scrapes or skin irritations:

Sterile saline for cleaning wounds

Betadine or Vetericyn Plus Wound Care

Self-adhering wrap (vet wrap) to secure bandages without sticking to fur

EMERGENCY TOOLS

Flashlight with spare batteries

Tick-removal tweezers

PERSONAL PROTECTION FOR HUMAN

Injured or frightened cats may react defensively, so it’s important to protect yourself while helping them

COMFORT ITEMS

Stress reduction can greatly improve a cat’s response to first aid

A soft blanket or towel

Favorite treats or toys to help keep them calm

TRANSPORT ESSENTIALS

A reliable top-loading carrier should always be on hand for safe transport to the veterinary clinic Keep it easily accessible, and ensure everyone in the home knows where it is

Disposable gloves

Elizabethan collar or air muzzle

Large towels for safe restraint

Kevlar sleeves for additional protection

FINAL TIPS FOR STAYING PREPARED

Check your first aid kit regularly for expired or depleted items

Replace used supplies promptly

Make sure all family members, pet sitters, or caregivers know where the kit is kept

When in doubt, contact your veterinarian for guidance

A well-stocked cat first aid kit ives you peace of mind and helps you act quickly if your kitty ever needs a little extra care We always hope you’ll never need to use it, but being prepared is one of the best gifts you can give your feline friend

cool-aid! cool-aid!drink the drink the

It's Monday morning and 3 rescue cats arrive for grooming The first is a blue and white Persian with the intake name "Sapphire" I started to call him Sappy because he was complaining so much and has been yelling at me for the past 10 minutes The second is a quiet shorthaired tabby, pressing herself into the very back of her box, name on the carrier written on masking tape says "Tabitha". She is curious but trying to avoid my gaze. The 3rd is supposed to be a white, longhaired female persian but she's more of a buff color because she's so filthy Her eyes are nearly sealed closed with brown discharge but she is watching me through squinted eyes, hoping I'll just forget she is there. Little do I know, she will act like she's fighting for her life when I pull her out I release Sappy and quickly discover his body is covered in mats and his odor makes me crinkle my nose in disgust.

This is just a typical rescue grooming day at my salon I reserve one day each month to groom the ones in dire need of an overhaul so they can be adoptable. It's how I support the efforts of the rescue to make sure every cat gets a loving home they deserve These cats usually arrive scared, in survival mode, sad and most have been living without consistent care. Their temperaments can range from extremely shy and reserved, to utter terror and aggression

Grooming cats like this requires careful time management, patience and a level of kindness they probably haven't experienced before Their trust in humans is in jeopardy but my goal is to get them comfortable and clean so they never return to this

neglected condition again

Grooming rescues is physically demanding and emotionally heavy work These cats depend on my knowledge to skillfully and thoughtfully identify and address their needs with no additional trauma. Their histories are usually unknown and futures not promised I have tearfully held several of them during this process, providing comfort and quietly hoping loving arms are waiting for the now transformed cat that leaves my lap

Now it's Friday A single cat arrives in a brightly colored carrier in a fashionable fabric. I unzip the front and a massive black cat with huge, round copper eyes and a shiny coat that shines like he's about to audition for a shampoo commercial He chirps sweetly at me and gracefully settles himself on my table This cat, a Grand Champion Persian, looks like royalty and is scheduled to attend a cat show over the weekend. He's here for his weekly spa day to maintain his immaculate coat. He has been bathed and lovingly handled since birth

THESE CATS DEPEND ON MY KNOWLEDGE TO SKILLFULLY AND THOUGHTFULLY IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS THEIR NEEDS WITH NO ADDITIONAL TRAUMA.

His caretaker has a poster-sized professional photo of him displayed at home, along with his collection of winner ribbons, like a shrine He leans in towards me, begging for face rubs He is fed the highest quality food and receives meticulous care, his caretaker spending up to 15 hours a week to keep him in top show condition These coats are maintained proactively, not reactively One mistake can undo months of careful preparation Grooming for show is an art, requiring knowledge of breed standards, coat texture and perfection in presentation I have spent countless hours learning and perfecting my show grooming results with my goal being to exceed the expectations of even the most experienced breeders and exhibitors in the show world

It takes true passion and expertise as a groomer to earn the trust of a breeder, reassuring them I am going to send their cat back to them looking better than when it arrived Not many would consider leaving their prized cats in just anyone's care Every cat's routine is tailored to their needs and coat type. These cats are treasured by their caretakers who obsess over them daily to ensure perfection at all times They are the very best examples of health and beauty for their breed Not objects of vanity, but created with the intention to showcase the result of love and dedication to improving their breed and preserving them for generations to come Each pairing is carefully selected to improve health, maintain the integrity of their body structure and ensure the overall well-being of the cats. When breeding is done ethically, it is done with the primary focus on the health and well-being of every cat in their care It's a hobby and passion with no intentions to make a profit and doesn't add to the already growing issue of unwanted or neglected cats Each litter is carefully planned and often there is a waiting list of people ready to take home a kitten

This world of breeding also has a side that isn't so glamorous. Sadly, not all breeders properly care for their cats and many breed for profit I have seen many backyard breeders who have their priorities in the wrong order and primarily focus on profit. Cats have come to me for grooming looking like neglected rescue cats straight from the home of a breeder

This is why there is a divide... rescues are sick and tired of getting cats from these situations. They see breeders become overwhelmed with cats, who aren't properly cared for that they find themselves unable to sell, and they vocalize this anger often which makes even well-intentioned breeders resist the need to ask for help out of fear of being shamed for their choice and blaming them for poor management of their chosen hobby

Having these supportive agencies in place is necessary in case of unexpected life situations for anyone breeding cats but it also must be limited. These resources are not intended to enable ongoing mass breeding and then used as a dumping ground whenever they see fit.

Working on both sides, the conflict is obvious between the rescue and breeding worlds, and it places me square in the middle of an emotional divide.

The contrast between the rescue world and the breeding world is impossible to ignore Millions of cats pouring into shelters with limited space and resources with adopters growing more scarce. Many of the cats arriving will never leave their cages or experience a loving home, despite being worthy of it This ultimately leads to millions of innocent lives ending due to the limited resources available to care for them all. From this perspective, breeding feels cruel and irresponsible Breeders, on the other hand, see themselves as guardians of feline history and health Their focus is on nutrition, genetic screening and preventative vet care to produce the best examples of their beloved breed

People fall in love with their perfectly groomed coats, their loving personalities and magnetic presence. They just soak up all the attention, completely unaware of where they came from They are pampered and truly loved and this display of confidence proves that love and care is what every cat needs to thrive. Every cat deserves grooming and deserves proper care, respect and love, despite how they arrived in our lives Each one brings joy, companionship and love to the humans fortunate enough to be their guardians. My stance is what keeps me grounded and fuels my passion to continue caring for every cat, no matter how they got here At the end of my day, I am here for all the cats

Standing between these two worlds has shaped my perspective in a way that allows me to offer my expertise and assistance without making any judgement My focus is the well-being of the cat, not its origin.

I share my home with 4 rescue cats and 1 pedigree cat, I show my rescues alongside my pedigree cat and they receive equal admiration from judges and spectators alike.

Y O U A R E A

human being

human doing

CLIENT TRUST + COMMUNICATION

Cultivating a strong relationship with your client base is fundamental to running a successful grooming business, whether you work for yourself or in a larger salon. As technology continues to gain traction within the grooming industry particularly as more groomers move toward solo-preneurship or operate with smaller staff numbers the need for faster, more efficient communication has never been greater.

However, a growing challenge I see across grooming groups is that our increasing use of technology is quietly pulling us away from the very relationships that sustain our businesses While efficiency and clarity are essential, maintaining the human element in our communication is just as critical for long-term client retention.

Clients must trust us not only to care for their pets, but to feel confident recommending our services to friends, coworkers, and family A beautifully groomed animal certainly matters, but the relationship behind that service is what keeps clients coming back Human connection is not an extra it’s who we are and why our clients stay with us, even if the pet we groom for them changes over time.

Email and text messaging have become the preferred methods of communication for many groomers. They’re fast, concise, and practical in noisy salon environments. They also allow for easy record-keeping, note-taking, and streamlined scheduling, often eliminating the need for additional staff and enabling quicker response times. As a result, many grooming businesses now operate as “call-free” and actively encourage clients to text instead

negative However, as an industry, we must be intentional about not losing the human presence behind our messages. Our clients trust us to care for their pets, and our humanity needs to be felt and seen in every interaction even when it happens through a screen We’ve all experienced text conversations that leave us wondering what tone the other person intended to convey. When we choose text and email as our primary forms of communication, it becomes our responsibility to ensure our tone reflects who we are, represents our business well, and attracts the dream clients we want filling our books.

Utilizing text communication doesn’t remove the human element, how we use it does When text and email become our primary points of contact, tone, phrasing, and intention matter more than ever Small adjustments in communication can significantly change how a client feels about your business

LEAD WITH WARMTH

Not efficiency alone. Efficiency is important, but who you are is what builds loyalty. Messages that feel rushed or overly transactional can unintentionally come across as cold or dismissive even when that isn’t the intent One simple guideline is to message clients the same way you would speak to them in person.

For example, both of the following messages communicate the same information:

“Dawn, this is your groomer Fluffy is ready for pickup ”

This shift toward a texting culture isn’t inherently

“Hi Dawn, it’s Anastasia! I just wanted to let you

know that Fluffy is feeling fresh, clean, and ready to head home with you ”

The second message has personality. It sounds like how many of us naturally speak to our clients and their pets while they’re in our care Text removes vocal inflection, facial expression, and body language, so allowing your personality to shine through is just as important as proper spelling and clear information

Clients often remember how we made them feel long after the specifics of the conversation fade

I once found a severe abscess on a cat who had fallen off her regular grooming schedule and arrived with a heavily matted hind end. She was not a cat who allowed her owner to safely clean her at home, and while shaving her I uncovered the abscess I immediately messaged the owner, explained what I had found, and included a photo so she could take the cat to the vet

Later that day, I followed up via text The owner updated me on her cat’s care but also expressed how awful she felt, telling me she felt like a bad pet parent I reassured her via text that this wasn’t her fault After more than twenty years in the industry, I’ve learned that the “bad” owners aren’t the ones who cry at pickup or message their groomer worried they’ve failed their pet. Our next in person meeting she told me how much those few messages meant to her as she read them while waiting at the vet.

That entire exchange happened through text, yet it felt like comforting a friend, not managing a client While maintaining professional boundaries is important, it’s absolutely possible to offer

clients a personal, compassionate experience through written communication

AUTO REPLIES: HELPFUL NOT HOLLOW

Auto responses are incredibly useful, but they should still sound like you A generic or robotic reply can create distance before the conversation even begins Every message reflects the brand you are building, and you should always shine through.

When a client reaches out and receives an autoreply, that message should ask necessary questions or set expectations, but it should also feel welcoming, encouraging, and kind. Even if you’re informing someone that you’re fully booked or not accepting new clients, your response should still reflect your professional personality and values

I started out using all the wrong ways and learned through trial and error as I, myself, am text only groomer It is possible to brilliantly display yourself even in texts to build, nurture, and support your clients throughout your grooming career. All you need to do is be yourself and remember that every relationship with your clients is valuable and doing a few tweaks to your messaging language can change their whole experience.

LOVE, BOUNDARIES,

+ THE CATS WHO TEACH US BOTH

Cats do not believe in mixed signals Cats believe in clear communication, personal space, and occasionally slapping your hand like a white wigged aristocrat affronted by your audacity. There is no obligatory “um maybe later ” There is only yes, no,

and “remove yourself immediately ”

For years people have accused cats of being aloof, cold, or emotionally unavailable. Patting themselves on the back as though being “a dog person” is somehow more honorable or profound

than identifying as someone who finds themselves kindred to cats The quintessential dog lady is some 20 year old young babe rollerblading down the San Diego boardwalk with a cute border collie loping at her side She’s got a matching fanny pack with poop bag holder wearing a shirt that says, “Just A Girl And Her Dog”

Your quintessential cat lady smells like upholstery cleaner and lives alone with her nine cats where she sits on her plastic covered couch with crocheted squares beneath a wooden framed sign that says, “I Was Normal 5 Cats Ago.” People will always tell you that she’s alone and unmarried but why are they saying it like it’s a bad thing?

Cats are not emotionally unavailable. Cats are emotionally exclusive. They are not here to be liked. They are here to exist, magnificently, by their own autonomy They are tiny fur-covered monarchs who did not consent to your touch let alone your unsolicited opinion.

If humans loved like cats, half the dating apps would collapse overnight There would be fewer apology paragraphs, fewer “hey stranger” texts from people who were strangers on purpose, and a universal understanding that if someone hisses, you probably deserved it three interactions ago A cat does not ghost you A cat simply never invited you into its emotional ecosystem to begin with.

Cats do not attend workshops on self-worth They do not journal about self-doubts They do not ask their friends, “Am I being too much?” A cat is exactly the correct amount of itself at all times. It does not shrink It does not overexplain It does not send follow up messages clarifying tone A cat will step directly on your sternum at 3 a m , make unwavering eye contact, and leave without

feeling the need to elaborate Boundary set Meeting adjourned

A cat will teach you consent faster than any seminar, book, or pastel infographic ever printed You get one tail flick Maybe two if the cat is feeling charitable Ignore it and congratulations, you have enrolled in Consequences 101, a hands on course featuring surprise quizzes and light bleeding. It is efficient It is unforgettable It is wildly more effective than most adult communication styles

The irony is that cats are not unloving. They are just allergic to obligation When a cat chooses you, it is not politeness It is not social performance It is a deliberate, fully informed decision made by a creature who knows it could absolutely survive without you.

We spend an impressive portion of our lives trying to be palatable Softer Easier More accommodating. Cats spend zero minutes doing this A cat will leave a situation the moment it stops being enjoyable, and somehow society calls them difficult Meanwhile, humans will remain in conversations, relationships, jobs, and situationships long after their souls have exited their bodies Out of what? Politeness? The cat left fifteen minutes ago and is now sunbathing existentially

The lesson is not that we should all start hissing at brunch Like please do not go scratch your coworker for that shitty email they sent you The lesson is that love without boundaries is just exhaustion wearing perfume. Cats understand that affection is meaningful precisely because it is not automatic You cannot negotiate it, guilt it, or earn it through overextension You can only meet love where it lives, on its terms, with respect.

A cat will not fake enthusiasm A cat will not stay where it is uncomfortable A cat won't pretend something feels good when it doesn’t. A cat will not love you out of habit. And honestly, that level of emotional honesty is either terrifying or deeply inspirational depending on how many unread messages you currently have

Cats are not cold. They are clear. They are not distant They are discerning They are tiny, whiskered life coaches with zero tolerance for emotional confusion and absolutely no interest in drafting a follow up email to clarify their tone. Cats do not carry the mental load of making sure everyone else understands their feelings They are not emotionally outsourcing their comfort They aren’t sitting there drafting disclaimers for a hundred different ways something might be interpreted They’re not cushioning their honesty with six apologies and a compliment sandwich

And yet, despite this unapologetic clarity, they are not cruel They are affectionate, warm, and deeply loyal once trust is established That curl beside you on the couch is not a contradiction of their firmness. It is proof that boundaries do not prevent love. They protect it. When a cat chooses closeness, it is intentional, not obligatory

The real power is that they never once apologize for knowing their limits. No “sorry if that came off wrong.” No “I hope this is okay.” Just a calm, unbothered understanding that their comfort matters and that clarity is not aggression It is communication without the unpaid internship of emotional labor attached.

their truth They are here to live it If more people lived like cats, there would be less pretending to enjoy things that drain the soul and more silent, dignified exits. No announcements. No PowerPoint. No “sorry to bother you but ” Just the quiet understanding that discomfort is not a life sentence and leaving is not a character flaw That what they want to say matters, and convenience is a you problem.

If more people lived like cats, people would stop apologizing for existing at full volume. They wouldn’t think twice at what other’s think or ruminate over past interactions that render them wide awake at 2am cringing

If more people lived like cats, there would be fewer emotional disclaimers, less watered down opinions, and a righteous claim at taking up whatever space calls to you

You fits? Well then you sure as hell sits.

Cats are not unkind They are simply unwilling to carry the unpaid mental load of making sure everyone else understands their boundaries, their moods, and their inner monologue. The information was provided Reception is now your responsibility

Cats are not here to manage your interpretation of

So yes Queen, stay feral.

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