Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to style the different coat types that occur in cat breeds.
The unit applies to individuals who work in the companion animal industry sector where cat-specific grooming services are typically provided for hygiene and comfort purposes. They analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Work health and safety and animal welfare legislation applies to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and state/territory jurisdictions. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority for specific requirements.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify cats within recognised cat breed groups | 1.1 Determine which breed group the cat is in as recognised by the Coordinating Cat Council of Australia 1.2 Identify the range of cats and coat types within the determined group 1.3 Identify the requirements of cats within breed group for grooming to show standards |
2. Plan styling for individual cat’s needs | 2.1 Identify and recognise signs of behaviour traits and ill health 2.2 Determine the risks associated with grooming cats and minimise according to WHS and animal welfare requirements 2.3 Evaluate coat condition and impact on general health of cat, and discuss with client to determine the cat’s styling needs |
3. Prepare cats for styling | 3.1 Use safe and effective techniques to restrain cats for styling and monitor for signs of stress 3.2 Trim nails and apply nail caps if requested 3.3 Clip cats to remove mats if it is determined that this is the best option for cat health and comfort, or if a full-clip has been requested by client 3.4 Groom cats to remove excess coat, knots, mats and debris 3.5 Perform sanitary or belly clip if required 3.6 Perform external evacuation of anal glands if required 3.7 Perform face trim as required by breed standard, if required |
4. Wash and dry cats | 4.1 Select and prepare cat bathing products according to skin and coat types 4.2 Use bathing techniques and products to clean cats and enhance coat properties 4.3 Clean eyes, ears and face wrinkles 4.4 Dry coats according to coat types and breed requirements 4.5 Apply post-wash grooming products to manage coat and skin characteristics |
5. Groom and style cat coats | 5.1 Identify clip styles for cat breeds and coat types 5.2 Perform techniques used to establish and maintain clip types for cat breeds and coat types 5.3 Use scissoring and hand finishing techniques to complete styling of cat breeds 5.4 Use grooming techniques to complete cat breed standards and coat types |
6. Complete post-styling procedures | 6.1 Explain techniques for maintaining breed and coat types between styling sessions to clients 6.2 Create or update client records according to organisational policies and procedures 6.3 Clean and maintain equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions and industry standards 6.4 Clean styling area and dispose of waste with consideration to WHS, environmental and biosecurity hazards |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Oral communication | Discuss client needs in relation to styling requirements in a clear and friendly manner, listening carefully and asking clarifying questions where required |
Reading | Use recognised publications to identify and understand characteristics of cat breed types and requirements of breed standards |
Sectors
Grooming (GRM)