Turn your love for cats into a career: International College of Art and Design launches "Cat Groomer Course" - It's not just dogs, it's time to make cats beautiful too!

In recent years, the perception of pets has shifted from "beings to be kept" to "members of the family," and the number of households living with cats is increasing year by year. Along with this, the demand for "cat groomers" who specialize in the beauty and health management of cats is also growing.

In response to these societal changes, the International College of Art and Design, part of the NSG Group, has newly established a "Cat Groomer Course" starting in April 2026. This new course aims to cultivate professionals who can thrive in the future pet industry by learning specialized beauty techniques and health management for cats.

On July 2, 2026, the first semester classes concluded, with all students successfully completing the first half of their "Cat Grooming Practice" sessions, which are held every Thursday.

In the practical sessions, students learn basic techniques such as brushing, shampooing, and coat care, as well as "trimming techniques that do not burden the cat," which involve performing procedures while assessing the personality and physical condition of each individual cat.

Although it was the first time for all students to learn cat trimming, under the careful guidance of active professional cat groomers, they gained hands-on experience working with real cats. They have each felt their skills improve, with comments like, "I've learned how to interact with cats" and "I can do more now, and I feel myself growing."

Cat beauty care not only enhances appearance but also involves checking the condition of the skin and coat, making it an important job that contributes to health management. Therefore, there is a growing expectation for specialized professionals who understand cat behavior and can perform safe, low-stress procedures.

Students will continue to hone their skills through the second half of their cat grooming practice, aiming to become cat groomers trusted by both cats and their owners.

[Student Comments]

In the cat grooming practice, I learned the importance of interacting with each cat according to its personality and physical condition. I was nervous at first, but as I gained more practice, I became able to work calmly while considering the cat's feelings, and I feel my own growth. The moments when the cats relax, and the joy of the owners when they see the finished result, are the most rewarding aspects. I want to continue to refine my skills and knowledge to provide better grooming for each individual cat.

In addition, starting in fiscal year 2026, in addition to the new Cat Groomer Course, our school has also begun accepting applications for the four-year "Department of Pet Sciences," which aims to develop professionals with advanced knowledge and management skills in the pet industry, and the three-year "Comprehensive Pet Course," which focuses on practical training to produce immediately employable professionals.

We are evolving our curriculum to train professionals who can meet the diverse needs of the pet industry, including animal nursing, grooming, training, and pet business.

By offering the Cat Groomer Course for specialized learning in cat beauty and health management, and the Department of Pet Sciences for acquiring broad expertise over four years, our school is quickly adopting new learning approaches required by the changing pet society and working to foster the next generation of professionals who will support the pet industry.

Turn your "love" into a career and step into the future.

Through advanced education that anticipates industry changes, the International College of Art and Design will cultivate professionals who can thrive in the future pet society.

About the International College of Art and Design

Our college aims to foster individuals who can succeed in society by acquiring knowledge and skills in design, entertainment, and the pet industry. It is the only specialized school in Fukushima Prefecture offering creative learning and practical skills in design, entertainment, and pets.

International College of Art and Design, International Academic Foundation

Location: 2-4-1 Katahachicho, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, 963-8811

Representative: Hisahiro Ichida

URL: https://www.art-design.ac.jp/

<About NSG Group> https://www.nsg.gr.jp/

NSG Group is a corporate group composed of 101 organizations that, with education and medical/welfare/nursing care as its core, engages in a wide range of businesses including health & sports, construction & real estate, food & agriculture, trading companies, advertising agencies, ICT, hotels, apparel, beauty, human resource services, and entertainment. Aiming to make each region "the most prosperous and happy town in the world," we are working from a private sector standpoint to create businesses that revitalize regions with the keywords "people," "security," "work," and "attractiveness."