The Pet Care Trade Association is launching a new cat grooming qualification at this year’s British Dog Grooming Championship. It will take place on Sunday 28 October at the Kennel Club Building in Stoneleigh Park.

Meriel France, the PCTA’s Education & Animal Welfare Manager said: "Our groomer members tell us that their customers are increasingly requesting cat grooming from them. In response to that we’ve developed this qualification which will give groomers the confidence to offer this service in their salons. 

"Whilst many groomers are highly adept at grooming dogs, the needs of cats in a salon environment are very different, and this certificate addresses those differences and develops candidates into proficient cat groomers."

The Certificate of Competence in Cat Grooming comprises seven units, which include cat breeds and behaviour, handling and cat diseases as well as techniques and routines for cat grooming and managing the health and welfare of cats in the grooming salon.

Initially, the certificate will be available through some of the PCTA Accredited Training Centres and member Colleges only. A list of centres that have been approved to deliver the qualification will be available at www.petcare.org.uk from mid-November. Course fees will be set by the centres themselves.

Interested people should attend the  cat grooming qualification launch and presentation at 1.30pm in the Seminar Room at the British Dog Grooming Championship.