A dog fatally attacked a young Persian cat, Jupi Sparkles, at a professional groomers: Classy K9 Clips. This happened in a drying cage. The operative at the professional groomers (which appears to be mainly for dogs) failed to spot the cat in the cage and appears to have placed a dog with the cat, turned on the drier and left the room so the whole affair was unsupervised, at least initially. That is they way I understand this tragic affair.
I felt so bad. She counted on me to keep her safe and I took her somewhere that I trusted and they killed her…My little kids watched her die… (cat’s owner, Melinda Sparks)
The cat survived the attack and was returned to the owner without anything being said except that the groomers suggested the first time grooming session may have shocked the cat. However, it was soon apparent to the owner that her cat was very poorly and that this was not shock. She acted strangely almost immediately and began foaming at the mouth and was incontinent.
On the way to the vet, she died. The vet asked if she had been attacked by something.
“Has something attacked your cat.” (vet)
Of course the owner had no idea at that stage but when she confronted the manager of the grooming parlour, he admitted the error. He then made a statement to the local television company which I have reproduced below (a screenshot).
The full facts will come out in court if a full hearing has to take place because the grooming parlour is being sued for compensation by the cat’s owner. It is almost certain they will agree compensation.
Lessons learned? Don’t bother with any professional groomers. Why have your cat groomed professionally when all cats groom themselves superbly well all on their own. Why did this lady have her young Persian shorn of fur? What is the point? (note: I accept that sometimes cats can’t groom themselves adequately such as in old age but under these circumstances I’d still avoid a professional groomer). There is also the shock factor. We should avoid putting our cats through stressful situations.
This is not the first time a cat has died at a professional groomers. There have been cases of cats being killed by driers that are too hot or the session was too long.
I am coming to the conclusion that professional groomers are potentially dangerous for cats because the staff are not professionals in the true sense of the word.
Source: Woman says pet groomer killed her cat – 10News.com KGTV ABC10 San Diego
This is a terribly sad story and the only one to blame is the groomer who put the dog in with the cat and then left the room. That they then lied to the owner about what had really happened is despicable. Had she known the truth she could have taken her cat straight to a vet and they may have been able to save her. No amount of money is going to replace their much loved pet, but I hope the grooming salon has to pay a huge amount of compensation as that may be more likely to ensure they take better care in the future.
I’m not going to bash anyone for taking their cat to a groomer because I’ve considered the idea myself. My newest rescue has long, silky fur and though it’s nowhere near as long or as thick as Sophie’s was, it mats very easily. I searched on-line for a cat only groomer but couldn’t find one in my area, so I had one of the vet nurses clip out a few mats for me. (These were on the armpits and inner thighs, which Phoebe isn’t too keen on having combed.)
There are very few cat only groomers, but during my research I came across a great sounding one in London called Anita Kelsey, who is also a cat behaviourist.
Ahh, there’s the difference. You are lucky to have a vet tech. I could trust a vet tech at a good vets. Does Sissy’s fur become matted? Maine Coons do have shaggy long fur.
Michael, that is very sad indeed. . . I am fortunate. . . My cat’s groomer is a vet tech at my veterinarian’s office — so I feel very safe having Sissy there. Out of my 12 kitties, she is the only one who needs groomed on a regular basis — she is a Maine Coon mix. . . ♥♥♥
I just hope the owner will get justice for their beloved cat!
I agree that when we leave our pets with anyone, whether a groomer, vet, boarder, neighbor, friend, or relative, we are taking a risk. We have to know that they will be treated differently, and almost certainly with less regard than we give them.
Mostly, we will never know what they experienced or “endured” unless it comes to light, as in this case. Many times, pets escape while in someone else’s care. One person I know went to pick up her cat at the vet’s, and the carrier door wasn’t latched properly, and her cat got out, never to be found again. How many pet sitters have let cats escape?
When I leave the house, I put Mitzy in my room, because I don’t trust that my housemates will make sure she doesn’t run out the door when they open it. She waits for that chance a lot lately.
The last time I returned from a weekend trip, Mitzy wasn’t behaving normally. I’ll never know why.
A man lived with me for about 10 months, and he claimed to “love cats”. But I never saw him pet Mitzy or talk to her, and she avoided him. I had left her with him while I did some extended pet sitting, although I did come back daily to check on her. I found out later that this man was a predator, and had a reputation for “gaslighting” women. He was also a pathological liar, and probably lied about loving cats. Mitzy knew something I didn’t.
So, we all take risks with our pets, and have no reason to consider that our pets may be harmed by other people, in ways that may not show up immediately. Like the videos of cats being tortured by roommates or pet sitters, etc.
When I picked Mitzy up after a week of (involuntary) boarding at the vet’s, one of the women said that she “hissed” at her. I’ve never seen Mitzy hiss at anyone in the years I’ve had her, and I’m with her nearly 24/7.
I asked what might have caused this reaction, and she mumbled something about putting her in her carrier. I think she was lying. Cats will usually go into their carrier in a strange environment, because it’s familiar.
That’s always been my experience. So, something else happened, but I’ll never know.
Common risks include: outdoors, vaccines, medications, spot-on flea treatments, but most of all, the greatest risk involves something that we subject them to on a daily basis…..a un-natural and un-healthy diet!
We risk our cat’s health and vitality, for the sake of our convenience, and blind trust in pet food manufacturers, believing all the pretty little lies and delicious looking pictures that lure us in. We buy without question, while adding to their profits, and decreasing the most potent avenue of health for our carnivorous felines.
I hear “But, they love this food!” Of course they love it, since it’s been sprayed with animal digest, which is as addictive as sugar is to us. Most children will eat candy, and want more, whenever the opportunity arises.
As POC readers, we can make a difference, and many of us are, by learning what we can about pet foods, and spreading the word to others. Being informed and sharing that information is our greatest power. The truth about pet food is one important area that we can easily become informed about, and the way we can contribute to our cat’s health and longevity.
Correct. It was straight negligence. They’ll pay up.