Help! Hurt at the groomer!

kiwischan said:

i completely agree--there would have been a completely different outcome if the groomer had said something. she obviously has ZERO integrity in her work and is probably hurting other animals--accidentally or not.

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I am very sorry about your cat getting caught with the clippers. That really IS a large gash and I am SO sorry for your kitty. I was a groomer for years and also shaved down cats. It is very important when clipping cats to use a blade size #10 or even better #15 or above to avoid this happening. Unfortunately, it does happen and most likely not due to any negligence on the groomer's part. Still, that is a large gash and I am glad to hear that the vet's office took care of this right away at no charge for you. Although, I do not think antibiotics are necessary and a bit over the top - but again, I am not seeing the gash first hand. I do think vet's overuse antibiotics, though. Guess they want to air on the side of extra caution due to the size of the cut. :shame: Poor baby.

I would want to know what size blade was used for the underarms and under the back legs. Surprisingly, when this happens the cats rarely bleed although the groomer should have checked in these areas as she was going along and after she was done. Most times this can be avoided but still, it can happen easily on a cat. Not taking the groomer's side at all!!! I feel for you and your kitty but I am sure the groomer feels awful about this. IF she has checked over your cat and was up front and honest AND very, very sorry then you might feel a wee bit better. BUT to notice this when you got home was very upsetting and should not have to happen! I am very surprised too that the groomer did not see this or notice this awful wound while Baby Cat was getting shaved.

I think I may have found a solution for Bab that still keeps her away from her wound and lets her move freely (hee hee!).

As I am checking her over more it just looks like a rushed job.. Maybe Bab was restless or maybe the groomer was in a bad mood.. Either way I am getting more and more upset about this. Before I went ahead and got her first groom last year, I read some of the groomer's reviews and they were all glowing. This time, aside from the gash, her underside was uneven and her front claws were never even clipped.. Yet I was charged the full $70 groom fee.

Lesson learned on my part.. I don't even want to know if Bab was intentionally abused by them or if other animals suffered the same fate.

kiwischan said:

 
i've been taking her to the groomer because she, for whatever reason, won't clean her butt dingleberries are frequent issues and she will just hang out with a poopy-butt. 

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you could just do a sanitary shave in the future. 

I am sorry to read that your cat was injured. I'm a cat groomer. Cat skin is extremely thin. Armpit skin is about as thick as an eyelid.  The first layer of skin is basically dead skin cells, so if a groomer is shaving the armpit and they nick the first layer of skin, they won't know that they have cut the cat.  If the cat's armpit is matted, then it is very easy to cut the cat without realizing it. It sounds like your cat's armpit wasn't matted though.

If there is a small nick, after the grooming session as the cat moves the skin can tear open until the nick turns into an open wound of the sort that your cat had.

When I shave the armpit, I hold the arm up so the skin is as tight as possible.  It's the sort of work that takes concentration.  I use a #10 blade.

If your cat does not need sedation for grooming, you could look for a house call cat groomer. That way, your cat doesn't need to leave your home. I would look for a groomer who only grooms cats, because people who only groom cats usually are very passionate about them.

I am not saying that the groomer wasn't careless,because it sounds as if she was, but I would not assume that there was abuse or a desire to hurt your cat.  Even the most caring cat groomer can nick a cat due to the extreme thinness of skin.  It's why many groomers do not want to groom cats. Accidents can happen. 

I hope your cat is feeling much better now. 

I use an oral gel called Oxyfresh. It's good for oral and other irritations and small cuts. It has aloe in it and can be healing.

I use to work for a vet for over 40 yrs & we did have some clients that had this problem but all we did was to shave around the butt & we did this while the owner was there so we never had any problems. Maybe this might be an option for you.
 

Just wanted reiterate some of what was said above. I'm groomer and cat groomer in training and I know how difficult cats can be when being groomed. The blade that was used was waaaay too short in my opinion. Cats typically squirm and move a lot and taking a blade that short around loose skin is never good. If you're having issues with her behind simply ask them to shave her sanitary. Your cat does not need a shave down unless it's terribly matted. Your cat will definitely thank you for it too, less time on the table makes it easier for everyone.

I'm glad your cat is ok!. I'm surprised your vet vouched for this groomer I would find a new groomer and maybe even a new vet. I thought vets that had in house groomers were a little more careful of whom they hired. poor baby it would not surprise me if she did not like going to the vets after this. Poor kitty

I agree, there is no reason to shave a cat at all unless its extremely matted. Just let them do a potty patch.

kiwischan said:

Lesson learned on my part.. I don't even want to know if Bab was intentionally abused by them or if other animals suffered the same fate.

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Not sure you saw my post above because you mention nothing of reading it. I honestly do not believe the groomer had any intent on hurting your cat, Bab, or any other client the groomer sees on a daily basis. All groomers are animal lovers and know how distressing a grooming can be for the pets brought in. Especially cats. Extra care is always taken. When something like this happens, we feel so upset over it and it can bother one for days. I am sure the groomer (hopefully) feels very bad about what happened. Groomers are not going to last long working anywhere if they abuse or purposely injure client's beloved pets.

As I pointed out in my post above and SpiffyKitty spiffykitty pointed out as well, these little knicks with the blades can become worse after the kitty leaves and moves around. The first layer of the skin on a cat is very, very easily torn and caught but will not usually bleed. Once kitty leaves the salon sometimes it can open up a little bit especially if kitty is licking the wound thus making it worse. I will vouch for all groomers and say that we feel utterly guilt ridden when this happens and it is NEVER done intentionally. I imagine this groomer that knicked Bab does hundreds of animals per week and without incident. Again, very sorry this happened to Bab but just want you to understand a bit more about shaving/grooming cats and their extremely delicate skin.

I also think it is a shame if you like your vet and trust your vet to have to find another just because of this. Your vet did an excellent job taking care of Bab after the clipper mishap going above and beyond to help your cat. IMO - I wouldn't leave the vet over this if you trust and like them. If not, then by all means!

Hope Bab is better by now.

cats5 said:

I agree, there is no reason to shave a cat at all unless its extremely matted. Just let them do a potty patch.

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My short haired cats get shaved in lion cuts every Spring. They love it and it is better for their tummies during shedding season so as not to ingest tons of hair. Less hair on them, less hair around the house, they look cute, they feel frisky and happy and I don't have to brush day after day getting all of the shedding hair out. Works well for my gang.

cats5 said:

 
I agree, there is no reason to shave a cat at all unless its extremely matted. Just let them do a potty patch.

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"potty patch," OMG LOL. i may end up doing this for the colder months, but i am sure Bab appreciates feeling the breeze in the southern heat with the lion cut.

Feralvr said:

Not sure you saw my post above because you mention nothing of reading it. I honestly do not believe the groomer had any intent on hurting your cat, Bab, or any other client the groomer sees on a daily basis. All groomers are animal lovers and know how distressing a grooming can be for the pets brought in. Especially cats. Extra care is always taken. When something like this happens, we feel so upset over it and it can bother one for days. I am sure the groomer (hopefully) feels very bad about what happened. Groomers are not going to last long working anywhere if they abuse or purposely injure client's beloved pets.

As I pointed out in my post above and SpiffyKitty @SpiffyKitty pointed out as well, these little knicks with the blades can become worse after the kitty leaves and moves around. The first layer of the skin on a cat is very, very easily torn and caught but will not usually bleed. Once kitty leaves the salon sometimes it can open up a little bit especially if kitty is licking the wound thus making it worse. I will vouch for all groomers and say that we feel utterly guilt ridden when this happens and it is NEVER done intentionally. I imagine this groomer that knicked Bab does hundreds of animals per week and without incident. Again, very sorry this happened to Bab but just want you to understand a bit more about shaving/grooming cats and their extremely delicate skin.

I also think it is a shame if you like your vet and trust your vet to have to find another just because of this. Your vet did an excellent job taking care of Bab after the clipper mishap going above and beyond to help your cat. IMO - I wouldn't leave the vet over this if you trust and like them. If not, then by all means!

Hope Bab is better by now.

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i did read your original post, and i appreciate the advice. i love my vet and don't plan on leaving them for her health and well-being--they handled the incident without even arguing and apologized profusely. 

the first groom Bab had was excellent--she smelled like powder, nails trimmed, fur very evenly cut..they even put little ribbons in her, "mane." it was just such a complete difference between now and before..especially with the injury. i do understand she's got stretchy-thin skin and maybe a dog barked and caused her to move.. i just wish it had been noticed before i left

i also know that i am the only person who brings cats in to be groomed.. she mostly does dogs.

i've found a couple of feline-specific groomers around the area, and when she goes in for her summer cut, i'll be sure to leave work early so i can be there during.. same for her winter booty-shave! i know she's got a little walnut brain, but i don't want this to be a forever-bad experience for her

she's doing ok, though! still fighting with the cone, but i've got it situated in such a way that she can walk around freely but still can't get to her wound to lick it. she has been sleeping under the covers since her trim..i'm sure it's pretty cold for her too!

Feralvr said:

Not sure you saw my post above because you mention nothing of reading it. I honestly do not believe the groomer had any intent on hurting your cat, Bab, or any other client the groomer sees on a daily basis. All groomers are animal lovers and know how distressing a grooming can be for the pets brought in. Especially cats. Extra care is always taken. When something like this happens, we feel so upset over it and it can bother one for days. I am sure the groomer (hopefully) feels very bad about what happened. Groomers are not going to last long working anywhere if they abuse or purposely injure client's beloved pets.

As I pointed out in my post above and SpiffyKitty @SpiffyKitty pointed out as well, these little knicks with the blades can become worse after the kitty leaves and moves around. The first layer of the skin on a cat is very, very easily torn and caught but will not usually bleed. Once kitty leaves the salon sometimes it can open up a little bit especially if kitty is licking the wound thus making it worse. I will vouch for all groomers and say that we feel utterly guilt ridden when this happens and it is NEVER done intentionally. I imagine this groomer that knicked Bab does hundreds of animals per week and without incident. Again, very sorry this happened to Bab but just want you to understand a bit more about shaving/grooming cats and their extremely delicate skin.

I also think it is a shame if you like your vet and trust your vet to have to find another just because of this. Your vet did an excellent job taking care of Bab after the clipper mishap going above and beyond to help your cat. IMO - I wouldn't leave the vet over this if you trust and like them. If not, then by all means!

Hope Bab is better by now.

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What bugs me is that the groomer didnt say anything, if she hurt a cat, the cat would make a noise, i dont see how she could not have noticed. Personally i would ditch the groomer, but stay with the vet.

its also not wise to believe blindly in people just because a vet/groomer works with animals doesnt automatically make them a good person.

Just my opinion. I personally wouldnt risk it.

kiwischan said:

i've found a couple of feline-specific groomers around the area, and when she goes in for her summer cut, i'll be sure to leave work early so i can be there during.. same for her winter booty-shave! i know she's got a little walnut brain, but i don't want this to be a forever-bad experience for her

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Glad you found another groomer with feline grooming experience and I bet you will be watching over her next grooming appt. :nod:

AND, glad you will stay with your vet whom you seem to really have faith in. It is always hard to start from square one with a new vet, trying to build up that relationship of trust with them.

I think Bab will be fine and not remember this experience. Actually, right now, she is not relating what is going on with her to her grooming experience. She will be just fine the next time and since you will be watching over her, all the better!!

terestrife said:

What bugs me is that the groomer didnt say anything, if she hurt a cat, the cat would make a noise, i dont see how she could not have noticed. Personally i would ditch the groomer, but stay with the vet.
its also not wise to believe blindly in people just because a vet/groomer works with animals doesnt automatically make them a good person.

Just my opinion. I personally wouldnt risk it.

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Yes - I would not use the groomer again but would stay with the vet. If Bab was caught with the clippers quickly, she would not have cried out. It was probably a little pinch and didn't even really hurt her at the time. Being a cat groomer myself, I do know to look very closely over each cat that I shave down afterwards with a microscope to make sure all is well. Again, sometimes the little knick can grow bigger after the cat has returned home.

It bugs me too that the groomer did not personally call the OP and apologize directly to her about Bab. That in itself would really tick me off too. A personal call or card or something would be the right and appropriate thing to do as I am sure the groomer knows what she did.

tocahontas said:

I'm groomer and cat groomer in training and I know how difficult cats can be when being groomed. The blade that was used was waaaay too short in my opinion. Cats typically squirm and move a lot and taking a blade that short around loose skin is never good. .

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The closer the shave - the better actually - blade wise speaking to avoid catching the skin. A #10 or even better a #15 should be used to shave down a cat. I go with a #30 on mine. Anything under a #10 and the blades are TOO far apart and will definitely catch cat's thin skin. Very dangerous to use blades that have space in between them. The higher the blade number, yes, the shorter to the skin BUT the lower the blade number then a groomer is definitely going to gash and gouge a cat's skin in many places. It is just not done and any cat groomer knows this, I hope!!!

You can compare from these blades:

#7F - not to use on a cat OR only down the back and sides carefully. Too much space between the blades.

#10 - widely used to shave down cats.

#15 - A good choice IMO.


#30 Closer clip to skin and easy to see what you are doing then as well and will not catch the cat's skin if groomer is experienced.

#40 - For surgical shaves or very tight mats. The cat would be hairless if this blade was used all over. It is a safe blade to use though because the blades are so close together but care must be taken not to give a skin burn or make the skin raw due to the closeness to the skin.

Why not clip her yourself next time?

I have one cat who overheats during the summer. He gets clipped every year. I use #10 blades. I started clipping my horse. Cats are much easier.

That's a rather extreme clip. I only clip the hair down the back and sides. The stomach and tail are left alone.

I wonder if your cat would benefit from a laxative. The only time I find pebbles outside the box is if my cats are constipated. Even my long haired cat has not had that problem. I would be concerned about gi problems. Not normal to have fecal matter in their hair! Or is she having soft stools?

It takes about ten minutes for a quick clip on my cat. I've never had any issues with cuts. I feel more comfortable doing it myself then having a stranger clip them. My cats are calmer at home too.

Well to each there own but I would never shave a dog or cat unless it was absolutely necessary. My cats & dog stay inside where its warm in the winter & cool in the summer plus they love being brushed & combed. Now outdoor pets that go outside or stay outside,  their hair actually  protects them from the heat plus being shaved, they could easily get skin cancer, too.

cats5 said:

My cats & dog stay inside where its warm in the winter & cool in the summer plus they love being brushed & combed. Now outdoor pets that go outside or stay outside,  their hair actually  protects them from the heat plus being shaved, they could easily get skin cancer, too.

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You are absolutely right. We are only talking about indoor-only kitties being shaved. Outdoor cat's should never, ever be shaved.

Well quick update...
Bab managed to get her collar off today and tore out all the staples.. Yay. Once I inspected the damage, I sprayed it down with bactine again and tightened the collar (I think being able to fit 2 fingers in is the standard). It definitely looks red, but she's been messing with it all day probably.

Another trip to the vet tomorrow or see it it improves by Saturday?