Human Preferences about Grooming

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

29 Jun 2008 07:44 PM

Once in a while, a long-haired guest at the cats-only boarding facility will get a little messy in the caboose region (if you get my drift). Sometimes a spot-cleaning or a full bath can take care of the problem.

For repeat offenders, we often suggest a "sanitary clip" -- a trim of the hair around the rump in order to help keep things clean. It doesn't have to be a full shave -- but with shorter hair in the nether regions, there's less chance of a mess.

Some owners flat-out refuse to have any sort of trim done. They like the way the animal looks, and that's that. I guess they don't mind picking cling-ons out of the fur once in a while? Personally, I think a pet would be more comfortable without poop stuck to his or her rump!

My father is one of those adamant-about-no-grooming types. We once got Becca, my parents' chow mix, a summer shave. My father was so horrified at how different she looked that she's never been back to a groomer. And with her long hair, she does sometimes get cling-ons after a potty break. My dad's solution is a steady supply of baby wipes... but I think Becca might be more comfortable with a little trimming.

I've run into the same mindset when it comes to matted fur, too. An owner won't want their pet to look weird with a partial or full shave... and yet, they don't realize how painful a mat can be. Matted fur can pull the skin and lead to painful sores -- a mat of hair can actually pull away large sections of skin. Yeowch!

Personally, I most want to see pets be comfortable, clean, and healthy. Unless your pet is a purebred going to shows, looks really aren't as important as health and well-being.

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Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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