SPOILER!!: responses

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

Awwwwwwwww! The kneazles and their knittens looked so cute and Tiana wanted to reach out, and pet one right away, but kept her hands to herself. Professor Menons words from a minute ago rang in her ears. 'Let the knittens come to you....' She looked around her mat, and spotted a basket nearby which she lifted up, and set down closer to her mat so it was within easy reach for when the grooming activity started later.

Raising her hand to answer Tiana said thoughtfully "I think many creatures like it when someone takes time to brush their firs regularly, and cut off long claws at least my family pets do. One is a cat, and one is a cat/kneazle mix, and they both seem happier after I've groomed them. If a creature is happy, and content then that affects their behavior, and health positively i think." At least that was Tiana's idea, but she was no expert. If a cat or any creature weren't groomed often or had damaged fir or too long claws then that could affect them negatively both in mood and health.

"Yes, just like regular cats, they can enjoy being groomed by a trusted human. Though trimming their claws can still be an uncomfortable experience, tender care is the most important."

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

It was quite clear that in some manner or the other, everyone’s responses were bouncing off the other. Which was quite lovely; plus everyone definitely knew that a lot of factors went into gaining the trust of a creature.

A certain creature missing? Iddy couldn’t say that he had, being so wrapped up in that trash of an article about his big brother. And then Menon made the most grand reveal that left the Gryffindor’s head spinning He reached out a hand to steady himself against Paully’s nearest arm as he studied the kneazles and knittens {HOW CUTE, BTW!!!}. The yellow one, in his opinion, its colour was vibrant enough to remind him of Hufflepuff House.

CUTE AGGRESSION WAS SETTLING IN!!!

Id was barely registering the words coming from the professor but it hardly mattered: Idris knew practically all of this information given his love for cats, kneazles and even the mundane feline creatures. However, the words ‘grooming’ and ‘coat maintenance’ pierced his overly excited mind, leaving him feeling even more dizzy. Oh, could they all start the grooming NOW?!

Id’s free hand raised slightly, though his gaze remained fixated on the knittens. See, they reminded his of baby Nesquik, and the day Paul picked out the tiny pink furball for him. “A careful and regular grooming routine,’’ he began in a rather squeaky and breathless voice. “Helps their physical health by preventing blockage in the intestines from hairballs which can form in the digestive tract when the cuties lick themselves. Er… there’s more to that but I’ve lost my train of thoughts, professor.” Iddy rather suspected that Menon knew exactly how the presence of the kneazles was affecting him - and in a good way. “I hope it doesn't turn into a Kobus Hendrik situation,’’ came a subsequent mutter.

Especially as mama Sassy and her itty bitty bitsy bbies were closer to him than they were before, there was definitely further difficulty in thinking. He might as well give up. So this was exactly what he did and gave into the cute aggression completely.

THOSE FUR BBIES WERE EVEN CUTER THIS CLOSE!!!

And with that thought, Idris Ace Grunt smoothly, and almost with the grace of a cat, slumped to the ground in a faint. Yep, he had lost consciousness

BEST. LESSON. EVER!!!

"Yes." Kraetos nodded, though he couldn't add anything more when Mr. Grunt seemed to be overwhelmed by the sight of all the knittens and Kneazles among them. One attempted to paw at him before Professor Menon reached over to get one of the smelling salts to hold under his nose. "Picked the right place to faint at." Waiting to see if they recovered in time otherwise they'll have to make a trip to the Hospital Wing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhittyBitty

Aurora nodded along to what Professor Menon said, but all other thoughts left her mind because kneazles and kneazle KITTENS. In an instant her mood matched Idris’ exactly, as the excitement took over her. She squealed.

THEY WERE SOOOOOO CUTE!!!

She wanted to adopt one right then and there so that Oreo would have a new kitten friend. And he would help look after the kitten because he was a GOOD BOY. The BEST BOY.

Somehow she managed to contain herself enough to raise her hand and answer the question. ”It also helps to keep their coats healthy and prevents them having to deal with painful matting. That definitely helps with both their health and behaviour.” Nod.

There was more that she could say, but KNEAZLE KITTENS!!!

"Yes, the matting makes it painful but also an easy target for certain pests to invade and make them even more uncomfortable and affect their health."

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

Well that was quite blunt of the older Slytherin girl, Laini. Don't be an idiot. Sadly while Bee was still like sixteen years young she'd seen far too many people falling for the trap of being an idiot. Particularly those in her age bracket, as she was sure that came with the territory of being a teenager. Hopefully under professor supervision her peers would behave themselves though.

In a moment after discussions, Professor Menon revealed two cats kneazles, along with a few knittens. She was much more of a reptile person, rather than enamored by fluffy things, but who could resist babies no matter the species. Even if she wasn't about that grooming maintenance lifestyle.

"Grooming helps to earn that trust... Sometimes self-care isn't as evident with creatures as it is with humans, so when the creatures know they're being taken care of, they lean into you more. They feel better."

She tilted her head in confusion over at Idris, "Who's Kobus Hendrick and what sort of situation do you mean?" she asked curiously. Sometimes spending the first 14-15 years of life on a different continent, she felt like a martian when it came to some of the historical figures on this side of the pond. She supposed she'd eventually get caught up.

"True, of course, there are some expections. Some just don't like contact in general, like how not every human enjoys being hugged. Though that can be from multiple factors." Before they went too deep into the topic.

"As expected, not a single one of you have disappointed me with your answers." Though, responses rarely disappointed Professor Menon in general. Actions were more of an impact. By the time the discussion ended, several Kneazle kittens had been arranged across low cushions near the center of the paddock. Beside them sat soft-bristled brushes, detangling combs, cloths, and small tins of coat conditioner. One periwinkle Kneazle, Zazzles, immediately attempted to drag a comb from one of the blankets.

Without looking away from the class, Kraetos reached down, retrieved the comb, and set it back beside the creature.

"Right. Watch first." Professor Menon picked up a brush and slowly ran it along the silver Kneazle, Mr. Meowgi's back. Which caused them to stop licking themselves, looking up at Professor Menon before settling into the experience. "You don’t start yanking at knots immediately. You let the creature figure out you’re not about to make its life worse."

The Kneazle’s posture visibly loosened beneath the brush.

"Pay attention to the body language. Ears relaxed. Tail still. No twitching."

He carefully shifted the brush behind its ears. "Most Kneazles dislike having their stomach or tail touched before they trust you. Ignore that if you want, but you’ll probably regret it unless you like a few scars."

Kraetos worked carefully through a small tangle in the creature’s fur. "Grooming’s maintenance work. You would check for burs, skin irritation, injuries, parasites, overheating. These Kneazles have already been checked and shouldn't have anythng out of the ordinary except some dirt and grime and fur to straight out. Half the point is noticing problems before the creature starts acting differently because of them."

He finally stepped aside from the cushion area.

"Pick up a comb or brush, and give it a clean once over before attempting to use it with one of the knittens, who will be more cooperative of you holding onto them to groom." The assortment of knittens shifted across the cushions, some calm while others remained visibly alert or restless. "Next up, we'll attempt the safest magical way on the Kneazles."



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OOC: Thank you for waiting! Catch up is allowed as now you'll attempt to groom the Kneazle kittens. In at least 48 hours, we'll move onto grooming Kneazles.