Cat grooming question

[Bama]

Is it standard procedure to sedate cats when being groomed? I have two himalayans and the groomer insists on putting them to sleep before he grooms them. I have always felt wary but let him, figuring he knew what was best. I'm watching "Groomer Has It" on tv and they aren't sedating the himalayans. Should I seek out another groomer that doesn't sedate? Another thing...he clips their whiskers...I don't know if it's on purpose or not.

Also, I've heard people recommending the "furminator" grooming tool. Is there anything bad about it or would it be ok for the above mentioned cats?

Thanks in advance.

[Tambrey]

I have never heard of sedating for grooming....well, okay, ONCE our vet did when my Tigger has ringworm fungus and he needed bathed....but otherwise, nope.....

Do you groom them yourself on a regular basis in between visits? I have heard lots of good things on the furminator...we got a cheapie version of it and it works very well for our cats....I am also going to purchase a vacuum cleaner grooming attachment....a few of our cats do not mind the vacuum, and it will save alot of hassle to just groom right into the vacuum

As for clipping whiskers nope....NEVER.....they are used to sense openings and keep them from going places they should not!!

Can you find another groomer or start doing it yourself?

If they get matted fur, get a seam ripper in the sewing department...leave the rubber protective cover on the tip, and slide the ripper between the matted fur and skin...it will slip right through and remove the matte!

[Bama]

I use a "slicker brush"...I think that's what it is called, short wires on a curved base. The cats aren't matted, I take them in maybe once a year, in the summer, to get their tummy trimmed, just b/c it's easier to let someone else do it. I'll call around and find a better groomer or stick to doing it myself. I just liked the scent (not sure if it's a shampoo or something sprayed on afterward) they use here and they won't tell me what it is. They say it's a secret.

[Traci]

WHAT is this groomer using as a sedation measure???

If the groomer is using a controlled drug to sedate your cats, then they are operating illegally, and they need to be reported, IMMEDIATELY! Sedating cats for general grooming is unnecessary, and controlled drugs are only to be used by a licensed veterinarian.

I hope you see the problem with this. Any sedation drug can have lethal effects, and only a vet can use them appropriately! If you've been told they are being sedated, and they have not told you with what, then you are equally as responsible for finding out and stopping the practice by informing the authorities. If you don't, you're allowing them to continue with someone else's precious pets.

Pet shampoos in a grooming environment are also not "secret", the owner has every right to know and examine the pet shampoo bottle to determine it's safety for their pet. There are way too many dubious pet shampoos on the market, those marketed as natural, containing harmful essential oils, tea-tree-oil, citrus extracts, all of which can be toxic and lethal to cats.

Unless there is more to this story on this groomer, report them immediately, and get a competent groomer, because this one is going to be in serious trouble with the law if he's using sedation drugs, and he's going to tick off a lot of cat owners if he is clipping whiskers.

[Bama]

He works at my vet's office, one day a week. I don't know if there is a vet supervising or doing the actual sedation or if the groomer is qualified to sedate or not. I haven't used him since last summer and won't be going back to him now. I wasn't informed of his methods until we brought the cats in, he had a little bit of an attitude and even though I felt uneasy, I let him groom the cats anyway because I thought he was a professional (doing what was best for the animals, keeping them calm) and I didn't know what the standard was. I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt with the whisker clipping but now I know that you can groom a cat and not bother its whiskers. Watching the grooming show and getting input here gives me a leg to stand on so I know what questions to ask and when to say no.

Thank you for the information.

[Tambrey]

Good to know you will not be going back there....however, if it were me, I would still try to ask point blank what he is using on the cats, why he is sedating, why he clips whiskers....and I would not leave without answers...
AND...if your state allows it...I would be digitally recording the entire conversation!!!

http://www.rcfp.org/taping/

click on the link to the left or state-by-state guide and click your state...this is what I find:

Ala. Code § 13A-11-30, -31: Unlawful eavesdropping is defined as the overhearing or recording of the contents of a private communication without the consent of at least one person engaged in the communication. The statute has been interpreted as creating a right to privacy in communications — specifically, a right not to have communications overheard, recorded or disclosed without consent. Ages Group v. Raytheon Aircraft Co., 22 F. Supp. 2d 1310 (M.D. Ala. 1998).

Criminal eavesdropping involves the intentional use of "any device" to overhear or record communications, whether the eavesdropper is present or not, without one party's consent. Criminal eavesdropping is a misdemeanor. Ala. Code § 13A-11-31. Knowingly divulging information obtained through illegal eavesdropping is a misdemeanor as well. Ala. Code § 13A-11-35. Misdemeanors in Alabama carry a maximum jail sentence of one year. Ala. Code § 13A-1-2.

While hidden cameras are not expressly addressed, it is a misdemeanor to engage in "criminal surveillance," defined as secret observation or photography while trespassing on private property. Criminal surveillance does not include observation on a public street. Ala. Code § 13A-11-32.

Now, in Iowa, that one party who has given consent can be the one with the hidden recorder, as long as that person is directly involved in the conversation...the Alabama code is not quite as clear on that.

Good luck and let us know what happens!!

[Bama]

We do use that vet so I will be going back in and asking if that groomer is still there and questioning the sedation, shampoo issues. The whole issue does make me question even the vet but this office is the one used by the rescues and shelter around here so they must be doing something right...or is it just convenient? We're pretty rural and there aren't too many choices available. I just wish I knew more about what to ask, what is and isn't acceptable, that sort of thing....but I'm learning.

[Traci]

You need to talk to the supervising vet, or the clinic's owner, and you need to ask him the qualifications of the groomer, and for what purpose the groomer has in using sedation to groom cats, that is, grooming cats that are more than likely not fractious, never requiring sedation. You need to ask the supervising vet or the clinic owner the exact name and type of "sedation" method this groomer is using, and you need to ask if the groomer has permissions, is supervised by an attending vet, and has informed clients of the sedation and obtained WRITTEN consent to do so. If the "sedation method" is a controlled drug substance, then the groomer, the vet, the entire clinic is neglegent, acting willfully and against the law.

The fact is, if sedation is used, it is NOT a groomer who should be doing this. It is a licensed veterinarian who also has DUE reason to use sedation, then he must obtain written consent by the client prior to a procedure such as this.

If you do not do this, then other cats are at risk.

[Tina B and crew]

you need to ask if the groomer has permissions, is supervised by an attending vet, and has informed clients of the sedation and obtained WRITTEN consent to do so.

I agree

I use the groomer at my vets office (always have at both vets I've used) and they do their best to avoid sedation but have me NPO him just in case he gets out of control and they can't safely groom him because of his behavior. The ALWAYS have me sign a consent form just in case, but it certainly is not their rule to sedate

[Bama]

The groomer in question is gone. There is a new groomer who absolutely refuses to groom cats at all due to some bad experiences. I did buy a furminator at the vet's office today though and can't wait to try it out!