A Fiery Transformation: Aziemah’s Journey in Cat Grooming

In a dazzling display of creativity and skill, Ms. Aziemah Zakiyyah Azmi, a talented cat groomer from Singapore, secured third place in two prestigious categories at the Universal Cat Association’s Elite Grooming Competition held in Jiaxing, China. Her standout creation? A mesmerizing dragon-inspired grooming style that took the feline world by storm!

Representing Singapore on an International Stage

The competition, which took place on August 16, was an invitation-only event that featured 12 top groomers from countries including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Ms. Aziemah, a permanent resident with a passion for cat grooming, was overjoyed to represent her home country.

"It was such an honor to represent Singapore," she exclaimed. Having gained accolades in previous competitions within Singapore and Malaysia, she was eager to share her craft with an international audience.

Crafting a Dragon Look: A Unique Challenge

In preparation for this high-stakes competition, Ms. Aziemah meticulously planned her grooming strategy, dedicating weeks to perfect her skills. Armed with Google Translate to assist her in overcoming the language barrier, she flew to Shanghai days before the event to build rapport with her feline model, a grey munchkin cat named Food Bucket.

Determined to make a cultural statement, she opted for a dragon cut—a stunning style that mimics the scales of a dragon with a striking mohawk and sculpted fur. "Being in China, I wanted to create something that was visually impactful and culturally resonant," she explained.

Overcoming Challenges: A Groomer's Tale

Despite her creative vision, Ms. Aziemah faced a hurdle when she found out her model was a munchkin rather than a British shorthair, which boasts a thicker coat ideal for dramatic styles. "The British shorthair would have provided more volume and texture, allowing for a more dramatic dragon cut," she noted. However, she embraced the challenge and still managed to impress the judges.

Sweet Rewards and Priceless Experiences

Her third-place finish came with not just accolades but also tangible rewards: two rosettes made of banknotes totaling around $1,000 along with two trophies. "While the prizes are fantastic, the experience, recognition, and the connections made are truly priceless," Ms. Aziemah reflected.

A Passion for the Feline World

Aziemah’s journey into cat grooming began with a simple desire to care for her own cats and blossomed into a full-fledged passion. Having lived in Singapore for 18 years and adopted nine furry friends along the way, she felt a strong need for specialized grooming that caters to the unique temperaments of cats.

In 2018, she established Cats Garage in Ubi, creating a nurturing environment where cats can feel safe and pampered. Her commitment to her craft led her to undertake numerous training courses across Asia, honing her skills in grooming techniques and feline behavior.

Grooming: An Art and a Science

Each day, Ms. Aziemah and her dedicated team groom between four to 18 cats, often accommodating requests for whimsical styles like dragon, bear, and lion cuts. "The most rewarding part is witnessing the transformation of each cat, especially when even the most nervous ones find comfort under my care," she shared.

In a world where every pet has its own personality, Ms. Aziemah emphasizes the importance of patience, gentleness, and an understanding of body language to ensure each grooming session is safe and effective.

Continuing the Journey of Learning

As she reflects on her journey and the skills gained, Ms. Aziemah acknowledges that grooming is not just about technique; it’s a continuous learning process. "Every experience teaches me more about grooming, handling, and the ever-evolving trends in creative styles," she concluded, inspiring aspiring groomers and pet lovers alike.