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Cat owners would probably agree that most cats do a pretty job of keeping themselves clean. However, those with longer hair may need professional help to avoid matted hair and fur balls all around the home. The benefits of grooming cats’ hair regularly go way beyond their appearance, as they also keep these felines healthy and happy.
Even though some owners may have the courage and skills to groom their own cat, taking it to a professional is always a better option. Dealing with professionals means that they’re usually familiar with most cat-related problems like skin irritations. They can also be familiar with some skin abnormalities like lumps or bumps hiding under their fur which is great for detecting problems early and finding the right solution.
So, when starting a pet grooming business, aside from the usual conditions that you should follow (like hiring professional staff), you should also stock your salon with the right cat grooming supplies. This will allow your staff to deal with different kinds of cat hair and problems, and actually be able to deal with it like a pro. In the end, no matter the skills of your staff, if they don’t have the right tools to work with, they won’t get the job done.
What Grooming Tools Do Cats Need?
Brush
Using the right brush for cats is crucial for your staff to achieve tangle-free hair. Tangled hair is quite common in cats with longer coats because either their owners don’t have the time to brush them or because they don’t have the right tools. That’s why your salon should have all the needed cat grooming supplies for detangling cats’ hair and satisfying the needs of your customers.
For most cats, you can use the handy dual-sided brush that features a finer pin brush and a softer bristle side, where the pin part of the brush is used for tangles and mats. For cats with shorter coats, you can use a fine-tooth metal comb which is great for combing and removing any debris.
De-shedding Tools
Cats can shed their fur a lot, so the use of de-shedding tools can help in reducing this condition. For this purpose, you should invest in a steel comb that is designed to pull out the loose coat. Aside from this comb, you should also invest in a quality de-shedding shampoo and conditioner that can help in reducing this process. Some of the most popular tools of this kind are:
Wide-toothed Comb
It can be made of plastic or metal, and its widely separated teeth can not only remove hair that’s about to fall, but can also remove minor knots and fur tangles.
Slicker Brush
These brushes are known for their rectangular heads which are available in different sizes meant for use on different cat breeds and hair lengths.
Rubber Brush
Rubber brushes are available in different sizes and shapes, and they are best used during the bath. This will allow your staff to clean the cat down to the skin while improving its circulation and providing it with a feeling of relaxation.
Bristle Brushes
Ideal for short-haired cats, the bristles of these brushes can be made of synthetic and natural bristles, with the natural ones being considered the better and less irritating option. Even though designed for short-haired cats, they can also remove loose hair and can provide a feeling of relaxation.
Blade-on-a-handle Metal Combs
This comb is designed to remove any matted fur trapped beneath it because of its long teeth that can reach through the cat’s topcoat. Usually, combs of this kind have a button that can be pushed for releasing the gathered coats in the comb.
Nail Clippers
Regular trimming of cats’ nails is of vital importance for reducing the chance of scratching and hurting themselves. Dealing with broken nails can be quite painful for cats as well, just like for humans, so regular trimming in a professional salon is essential. There are several types of nail clippers that you should have, however, it’s said that scissors and guillotine-style clippers are among the most helpful for trimming cat nails.
Shampoo
The use of grooming supplies like shampoo with natural ingredients is the best choice for avoiding skin irritations. Just like humans, cats could also have a chemical reaction to some ingredients, so it would be better if you invest in chemical-free cat shampoos. Oatmeal shampoo, for instance, is great for soothing irritated skin and easing itching. Medicated shampoo is a must for cats with fleas, mange, or even parasites. Just don’t forget about the conditioner for leaving their hair smooth, silky, and tangle-free.
Grooming Mat
Having an anti-slide grooming mat made of rubber is essential when brushing or clipping cats’ hair. You can also invest in a cushioned one as it’s more comfortable and encourages cats to sit still for a longer period of time.
Grooming Gloves
These gloves act as a brush and have the purpose of removing loose hair and dirt trapped in cats’ coats. They also have a dual purpose because they can be used for massaging cats too, something that most cats absolutely love.
