07/31/2026
A fun post!
Cat holder Sabrina ( aka me) has been watching Shelley over a year now.
I finally have my confidence up and asked if Shelley would teach me how to groom.
First of all I used my own cat T.O.D.D as a model, I will NOT be grooming client cats because it is going to take me a few years.
Why?
Because being a holder is MUCH different then doing the actual grooming, figuring how to hold the cat on the groomers side is different then the holders side of the table.
I was terrified but Shelley was very supportive.
I had to figure out how to hold the clippers, strech the skin,deal with the anatomy of the cat, T.O.D.D is very tiny, even doing the nails in the salon setting had to be learned how to maneuver without getting bit.
The entire process had my brain wheeling and my nerves up.
Did T.O.D.D come out perfect? Nope not close! Did I do the hardest parts, groin,bum and armpits? Nope.
I did do two paw skims though and most of the mane, back and sides as well as the brush out.
I am so lucky to have Shelley teach me and deal with my nerves and step in when I became overwhelmed.
T.O.D.D was also very well behavioraly, it was a huge surprise for me as she is a recent rescue to my home and only slightly over 6lbs as she came off the street. Skinny cats are not the easiest to groom. T.O.D.D actually loves her hair cut, she doesn't see my mistakes!
For the next bit I will be practicing on my own and Shelley's cats (if possible)
I once again will NOT be doing any client cats.
Thank you to Shelley for this opportunity!
Don't mind my dirty cat stand, I cleaned it right after!
