In June, I travelled to Singapore to attend a 10-day Asian Fusion Grooming Masterclass at PetPat, an intensive training programme designed to develop advanced grooming skills, handling techniques and coat care knowledge.
The trip pushed me well outside my comfort zone. Not only was I travelling solo, but I was learning alongside talented groomers in a region widely recognised as being at the forefront of grooming innovation. The tutors are judges at the ISFC, and the standards were incredibly high, so I was delighted to successfully pass the exams and complete the course. ISFC stands for the International Society of Feline Cosmetologists, a prominent body dedicated to raising feline-specific grooming standards, education, and safe handling. They are heavily active in the global competition and certification circuit, particularly throughout Asia.
Why Train Overseas?
The grooming industry is constantly evolving, with new techniques, products and approaches being developed all over the world. In the UK, cat grooming is still developing compared to other regions, particularly in Asia where feline grooming standards, education and innovation are far more advanced. Continuing education allows me to bring the latest knowledge and skills back to the salon, helping me provide the best possible care for both cats and dogs.
Whilst the course included specialist feline training, many of the skills learnt are directly transferable to canine grooming too.
What Did I Learn?
Over the 10 days, I studied a wide range of topics, including:
- Asian Fusion styling techniques
- Advanced scissoring skills
- Cat show grooming techniques
- Handling methods
- Approaches for working with more challenging cats
- Skin and coat health
- Product knowledge
- Coat preparation and finishing techniques
- Methods to improve grooming results whilst prioritising animal welfare
Every pet is different, and having a wider range of techniques available allows me to adapt my approach to suit each individual animal.
How Does This Benefit Your Pet?
Training isn’t about collecting certificates. It’s about improving the experience and results for the pets in my care.
The knowledge gained in Singapore will help me:
- Create more refined finishes and styling
- Improve coat preparation and maintenance
- Better assess skin and coat health
- Handle nervous or challenging pets more effectively
- Continue providing a calm, welfare-focused grooming experience
- Tailor grooming techniques to each individual pet
Whether your pet visits for a routine maintenance groom, a de-shedding treatment, a lion trim, or a full styling appointment, ongoing education helps ensure they receive the highest standard of care possible.
Looking ahead and becoming a tutor
One of the things I love most about grooming is that there is always something new to learn. Every course, seminar and workshop adds another tool to the toolbox and helps me continue growing as a groomer.
Thank you to everyone who followed along with my Singapore adventure, shared recommendations and sent messages of support. It was an unforgettable experience and I’m excited to put everything I’ve learnt into practice back home.
If you’d like to see some behind-the-scenes footage from the trip, be sure to check out the reels on Facebook and Instagram.
Some of you may know that before grooming I was working in education and that I am a fully qualified teacher. My aim over the next 6 months is to finalise the cat grooming course I’m currently writing, with the goal of helping raise the standards of cat grooming in the UK. Cats deserve better grooming.