Maureen O’Connor didn’t move to North Carolina to groom cats. But that’s what happened. Originally from New Jersey, Maureen moved to the South for a job with a utility company. It’s been 15 years since she moved here.
Six years ago, when one of her cats started matting, she knew she needed professional grooming. This realization led to my career change.
“I took her to a groomer, but it was a dog groomer,” Maureen said, adding that she couldn’t find a cat groomer. “It was a terrifying experience. After that, I had to learn how to do it myself.”
Through online lessons, I eventually earned my Master Trimmer certification. Last July 9, she opened The Catty Shack in Southern Pines.
“The response has been amazing,” Maureen said. “It went viral. This is marketing at its best.”
Given that many people think that cats are constantly groomed, the response to the salon shows some understanding on the part of the community.
“Cats lick themselves, but they don’t groom themselves,” Maureen advised. “There’s really a demand for it.”
Catty Shack only serves cats. Currently, most of our customers come from Carthage, Pinehurst and Southern Pines.
“They are my biggest supporters,” Maureen said.
When it comes to grooming, mats are a common problem for cats.
“The biggest grooming problem cats face is matted coats,” says Maureen. “In fact, it can happen to short-haired cats as well.”
A visit to The Caddy Shack could help you with this situation.
“People will be shocked when they see that change,” said Maureen, who majored in marketing at Rutgers University.
A popular cat among Moore County residents, the Ragdoll is a breed that requires professional help.
“They need regular grooming,” says Maureen. “A lot of people don’t know this. They have a triple coat.”
Cat grooming may not be dangerous for the person doing the work. That’s not the case. Processes must be followed to avoid injury.
“The hardest part is doing the nails,” Maureen said. “That’s the first thing you do.”
For many people, flushing a cat seems like a difficult task, but that’s not always the case.
“Cats love water,” says Maureen.
Indoor cats with caring and attentive owners are more likely to meet groomers and avoid other dangers. Outdoor cats, especially stray or feral cats, are not in the same position.
Maureen reveals some of the threats faced by cats exposed to the outside world, one of which is the use of poisons to exterminate rodents.
“I once had a confrontation with a guy who was shooting a cat with a BB gun,” she said. “Humans are very cruel to cats.”
Unlike feral cats, feral cats have limited interaction with humans. The stray cat is interested in humans because it once lived in the house. Feral cats may be on the smaller side, but they hunt to survive unless humans leave food for them. They seem to be used to their environment because they have only lived outdoors.
Maureen pointed out that no matter what type of cat you are or where you live, no two cats are the same.
“Each cat has a different personality,” she said.
Catty Shack is located at 1050 N May Street. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. For more information, call 910-208-4677 or visit us. online.
Featured photo: Maureen O’Connor, owner of Catty Shack in Southern Pines. Photo posted.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been praised as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Other publications he has contributed to include Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
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