iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Cat Grooming and Salon Management

The definitive guide to becoming a cat groomer with iPET Network. Here's everything you need to know to start your rewarding career in the cat grooming industry or to add cat grooming to your existing dog grooming or pet care business.

Why become a cat groomer?

There has never been a better time to become a cat groomer, and this rewarding career is the perfect way for animal lovers to start their own viable business.

It is also now easier than ever to add cat grooming to your existing pet care business offer.

And there is a HUGE demand for cat groomers!

Nationally since the start of the pandemic 3.2million households brought home a pet of some kind. Many feline coat types need regular maintenance to keep them from having welfare issues and there has been a surge in popularity of traditional and exotic cat breeds.

And with many people considering a complete change of career and outlook following the COVID 19 pandemic, working with animals in a flexible way is an attractive option.

Cat grooming is a flexible career choice, so is perfect for child care givers, would-be entrepreneurs, and even people wishing to scale down their working hours for a change of pace.

You might also be looking to expand your dog grooming business to offer a service for cats, as a way to introduce another viable revenue stream.

Cat grooming is fun, and there are lots of ways to excel in this exciting industry, be it taking part in competitions and events, to simply creating your own brand and watching it soar.

So how can I become a cat groomer?

Well technically in the UK anyone can just pick up a pair of scissors and start trimming cats for money, but that is a terrifying prospect given the level of skill, safety and competence that is required.

People also can make the mistake of thinking that cat grooming is the same as dog grooming.

While there are transferable skills this is also a specialism that requires training beyond your dog grooming knowledge to stay safe and competent.

All dogs and cats are different, but cats are physiologically and temperamentally different to a dog, and it requires a different set of skills to calm a cat and achieve a satisfactory result.

You are also looking after people's beloved pets, and could risk high costs and severe damage to your businesses' reputation if something should go wrong.

So, to be a responsible groomer that your clients can trust you need to be trained, and that is where iPET Network comes in...

Cat grooming training and qualifications from iPET Network

iPET Network offers an exciting portfolio of qualifications and courses designed to help learners kickstart their careers in the world of cat grooming.

Our cat grooming qualifications are the first of their kind the UK, and allow new and existing groomers to both learn new topics and be recognised for their existing skills.

All of iPET Network's qualifications are Ofqual regulated, and uniquely are assessment and practical training driven, meaning that there are no exams, and you get lots of hands-on experience.

iPET Network understands that for many people becoming a cat groomer is a big life decision, and for many learners it will be a return to education after a long time away. Therefore, we hand pick our approved Training Providers to be knowledgeable, friendly and supportive of your learning journey.

You might also have been grooming for a while, but want to have a qualification to further demonstrate to your customers the breadth of your skills and knowledge.

We understand this, and our Training Providers can tailor courses and teaching to ensure students at all levels get the understanding and respect deserved including a fast-track option.

The current qualifications in cat grooming are:

iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Cat Grooming and Salon Management

The qualification is designed for Candidates who wish to gain the skills and knowledge to prepare, style and finish a range of cat breeds, understand health and safety in a cat grooming salon, practice business management and gain skills in feline emergency first aid, handling and feline behaviour.

The course is delivered over a minimum of 25 days practical training with additional theory work to be completed at home.

Over the period of 25 days at one of our Training Providers, Candidates groom at least 20 cats to include a minimum of eight different breeds, covering four different coat type but often many more. There are no pre-requisites to starting the qualification, meaning Candidates can join at level 3 without having completed a lower level (level 2) course first which can be a huge cost saving to Candidates.

A fast-track option is also available for experienced groomers seeking a formal qualification to confirm their skill level or those who have undertaken other qualifications but see the benefit in gaining the iPET Network qualification.

To find out more about this qualification go to: https://www.ipetnetwork.co.uk/ipet-network-canine-and-feline-qualifications/ipet-network-level-3-diploma-in-cat-grooming-and-salon-management/

iPET Network Level 3 Certificate in Cat Grooming and Introduction to Styling

The qualification is designed for Candidates who wish to gain the skills and knowledge to prepare, style and finish a selections of cat breeds, understand health and safety in a cat grooming salon and gain an understanding of heath checking, handling and feline behaviour.

The course is delivered over a minimum of 10 days practical training with two days theory work, there will be additional theory to be completed at home.

Over the period of 10 days at one of our training providers, Candidates will groom at least eight cats to include a minimum of three different breeds, covering three different coat types.  There are no pre-requisites to starting the qualification, meaning Candidates can join at level 3 without having completed a lower level (level 2) course first.

Candidates will be trained in practical skills such as prepping, bathing, scissoring, clipping, styling and nail trimming on a selection of cat breeds.

To find out more about this qualification go to: https://www.ipetnetwork.co.uk/ipet-network-canine-and-feline-qualifications/ipet-network-level-3-certificate-in-cat-grooming-and-introduction-to-styling/

iPET Network Level 3 Award in an Introduction to Cat Grooming

The qualification is designed for Candidates who wish to gain the skills and knowledge to prepare, style and finish several cat breeds and understand health and safety in a cat grooming salon. The course is delivered over a minimum of five days practical training with additional theory to be completed at home.

Over the period of five days at one of our Training Providers, Candidates will groom at least three cats to include a minimum of two different breeds, covering two different coat types.  

There are no pre-requisites to starting the qualification, meaning Candidates can join at level 3 without having completed a lower level (level 2) course first.

Candidates will be trained in practical skills such as prepping, bathing, scissoring and nail trimming on several cat breeds.

To find out more about this course go to: https://www.ipetnetwork.co.uk/ipet-network-canine-and-feline-qualifications/ipet-network-level-3-award-in-an-introduction-to-cat-grooming/

What can I expect from my cat grooming course?

The courses are fun and informative, and you can expect a lot of hands-on experience.

This is really key because it is important that when you achieve your qualification, you are happy, motivated and confidently able to go out into the world of cat grooming and really shine.
 
All of our training providers are friendly and supportive, and we have an emphasis on flexibility. This means that the course can fit in around you and your life, just like your new career in cat grooming!

To find out where your nearest iPET Network training provider is visit: https://www.ipetnetwork.co.uk/training-providers-qualifications-ofqual-canine-and-feline/training-providers/

What else can I expect from my cat grooming course?

As well as a comprehensive practical hands-on learning approach where you work with different breeds, ages, health conditions and temperaments of cats, there is also a theory element to really round out your learning.

From zoonosis and bio-security through to the legal requirements and legislation on to handling and lifting cats as well as anatomy, behaviour and a background on how to care for and clean your equipment.

iPET Network cat grooming qualification courses are extremely comprehensive and hands-on, and also include business information on how to set prices and some tips to help you get started in the industry.

By the end of the diploma course you will be able to groom a cat to include claw trimming, full brush out including suitable brushes and combs for cats, bathing and drying cats, hygiene/sanitary cuts, clean their eyes and ears as well as how to safely remove mats/pelts and clip cats (including the lion cut).

You will know how to assess each cat as an individual and come up with a grooming plan tailored specifically to the cats needs at that time to allow the cat to feel their best self!

Who trains to become a cat groomer?

Very good question, and on iPET Network courses we see a range of people who all share a deep love of animals and have a passion for pet welfare.

On our courses we have seen everyone and everyone!  Busy mums, career changers, a former army dog handler and airline workers, we have also seen office workers who want to get out of the daily grind, and even people who later in life simply just want to do what they have always dreamed of, work with animals.

Grooming is a flexible career, and as long as you are passionate about caring for cats you will be just fine.

We also understand that undertaking a big life change can be a nerve wracking experience, so our tutors are always on hand with gentle guidance and support. You are not alone as you take this big step.

How can I find out more?

If you would like to speak to someone about taking an iPET Network qualification, or simply have a chat about whether cat grooming is the career for you, call 0800 433 4700 or email info@ipetnetwork.co.uk

You can also visit https://www.ipetnetwork.co.uk/training-providers-qualifications-ofqual-canine-and-feline/training-providers/ to find your nearest iPET Network Training Provider!