Required skills include

Ability to

apply a range of industry recognised styling procedures for different cat coat types and breed standards

apply problem solving skills using available information and resources and prioritising daily tasks

complete relevant workrelated documents

differentiate between show standard and comfort styling techniques for cats

employ interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

employ safe humane and environmentally responsible organisational systems and procedures when working with and handling animals

follow sequenced written instructions record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of defined tasks

follow workplace policies procedures and requirements

identify cat behavioural characteristics and use cat handling and restraint techniques to ensure cat and staff safety

identify cat coat types and determine coat characteristics

identify grooming and styling tools and equipment selecting and using for specific purpose and maintaining in accordance with manufacturers specifications

introduce kittens and inexperienced cats to grooming and styling procedures

maintain the highest standards of hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and crossinfection

select and apply styling products for different coat types and conditions

use literacy skills to read and follow organisation policies and procedures including workplace health and safety infection control and waste management procedures

use oral communication skills including questioning techniques active listening asking for clarification and consulting with others

use numeracy skills to estimate calculate and record routine and more complex workplace elements

use safe manual handling techniques andor equipment

use safe hygienic and environmentally friendly waste handling and disposal procedures

Required knowledge includes

Knowledge of

cat anatomy and physiology related to grooming procedures and products

cat grooming and styling products techniques and services

cat behaviour traits signs of distress or illness

Cat Council of Australia cat breed standards

industry recognised grooming and styling establishment maintenance and restoration techniques procedures and equipment for Cat fancy and nonshow cat coat types and conditions

workplace health and safety and animal welfare legislative requirements and codes of practice

organisation policies procedures and requirements including workplace health and safety and emergency procedures hygiene standards and waste disposal regulations

principles of animal ethics and welfare

relevant recordkeeping systems

safe cat handling and restraint techniques and procedures

safe work practices

show grooming requirements for cat fancy breed standards and coat types

techniques used to introduce kittens and inexperienced cats to grooming and styling

use and maintenance of a range of grooming and styling equipment

workplace hygiene standards disinfectants cleaning agents cleaning techniques and cleaning equipment and materials

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this Unit Assessors should ensure that candidates can

assess health and condition of animals coat and determine styling requirements with clientowner

follow workplace instructions to apply industry recognised grooming and styling techniques to

establishmaintainrestore coat breed and conformation features for cats

establishmaintainrestore coats for nonshow cat care and comfort

remove excess coat mats or knots to restore coats for cat comfort and hygiene

handle cats in a safe and humane manner

select use and maintain grooming and styling equipment and supplies in accordance with organisational standards manufacturers specifications and cat welfare considerations

build relationships and communicate effectively with clients relating to the ongoing management of grooming and styling of their cat

maintain records and followup with clients as required

The skills and knowledge required to carry out styling on cats of different breed and coat type must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this Unit is to be practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in companion animal organisations that offer specialist cat grooming and styling services aligned with Australian cat breed standards as well as general cat care or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions

There must be access to a range of cats of different breeds and coat types from cat breed groups and as well as relevant information equipment andor resources to enable one to demonstrate competence

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency of performance competency must be demonstrated to industry recognised grooming and styling technique standards on more than one occasion covering at least two of the following three coat types

shorthaired

longhaired

densethick coat

and demonstration of the following clip types

sanitary

full underlinebelly area

full body

Assessment must take place over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances cases and responsibilities and over a number of assessment activities

The assessment strategies must include practical skills assessment Suggested strategies for this Unit are

written andor oral assessment of candidates required knowledge

observed documented and firsthand testimonial evidence of candidates application of practical tasks

simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions

thirdparty evidence

portfolio records that provide evidence of practical skills

This Unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other Units of Competency relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands eg literacy and numeracy demands and the needs of particular target groups eg people with disabilities Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people women people with a language background other than English youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds

Breed groups as recognised in Australia

Risks associated with grooming cats may include:

Products may include:

Clip styles for cat breeds and coat types may include:

Hand finishing techniques may include:

Grooming techniques

Environmental and biosecurity hazards may include: