Cat grooming gone bizarre

                   Ollie after the grooming session                    ©CavendishPress

4-year-old Ollie was taken for his regular £50 session at Pets at Home store in Gateshead, Tyne. However, the outcome wasn’t what 25-year-old Natalie Thompson, the owner, bargained for. The once fluffy cat discovered what it means to have a close shave when almost all his fur was cut off during the grooming session. Natalie’s mother Aileen, 55, who took Ollie into the pet store, claims staff said the four-year-old was shaved extensively to get rid of knots in its fur.

Natalie Thompson, owner, holding fluffy Ollie ©CavendishPress

Natalie describing her reaction said, ‘When I saw they had done to Ollie I just cried my eyes out. He looked distraught and a mess. He is usually an outgoing cat but that has all changed since the incident and he seems traumatized. Ollie just kind of looks a little bit lost, he looks really sad. I can’t describe it – he’s just not himself. You never really see him and now he’s just here all the time round your legs for a cuddle. He’s snuggling into each corner in the house, probably to keep warm.’

                                                                       ©CavendishPress

Ollie snuggling into a ball for comfort        ©CavendishPress

The store has since tendered their letter of apology stating:
Cats have a very delicate skin which can be easily torn or damaged.
So when a cat has a matted coat like Ollie’s it is sometimes necessary to clip the coat very close, using clippers designed specifically for use with cats,  to avoid causing any damage to its skin.
Although our terms and conditions highlight that a close clip may be necessary for the welfare of the pet when it’s coat is matted, we appreciate that this can be quite upsetting for an owner, particularly if it isn’t what they were expecting.
We have apologized to Ollie’s owner for not explaining exactly what would be involved in clipping his matted coat and have offered to refund the cost of the groom in full, together with a gesture of goodwill for the upset caused.