My acrylic client's cat jumped in my lap mid-fill and I've never worked faster

I was at my station in Tampa doing a full set on a regular client last Tuesday when her cat - she brings it everywhere in a carrier - somehow popped the latch and bolted right into my lap. I had monomer everywhere and the cat was clawing at my smock while I tried to keep my brush steady and not ruin her nail. Somehow I finished the fill in under 20 minutes because the adrenaline made me speed through it. The cat just sat there purring while I did her top coat. Has anyone else had a pet totally derail their service and how do you even prep for that?

2 comments

2 Comments

luna_craig581mo ago

Gotta jump in here real quick because that might not have been a fill you did, that sounds more like a full set if she was coming in for a new application. Most nail techs I know use "fill" for upkeep on existing acrylics, not starting from scratch with a full set. But hey, I get the adrenaline rush thing, I've had dogs try to climb into my work truck before and it definitely makes you move faster. That cat must have really liked you to just chill like that once it settled, most of them would be flipping out with all the smells and sounds. Still, I'd probably invest in a carrier with a better latch or just lock it in the bathroom next time, one less thing to stress about while you're trying to keep your lines straight.

hernandez.brooke1mo ago

Wait, did you seriously just do a fill with a cat on your lap the whole time? I used to think having any pet near my station was a total no-go, that it was only good for distractions and mess. But that story kind of changed my mind actually. Cats are weirdly calming in their own way once they settle down, and it sounds like yours just wanted to be included in the action. I mean, if the cat was purring through the top coat, it probably wasn't even that big of a deal for you after the initial shock. Honestly, it might even make a good story to joke about with clients later. Still, I'd probably keep the carrier locked up tight next time just in case she tries to pull a fast one again.