Grooming long hair cat

mouseymousey99

Hello - We have been adopted by a long haired little cat. I have 'Frontlined' and de-liced her (nice). She is very nervous, and while trying to calm her down I think the next task is her coat. It is very matty. I'm thinking blunt scissors and a wide tooth comb? Its not so bad (I think) that it needs shaving but it sure needs some attention. Any ideas please? Many thanks....

HypnoNu

I don;t have any suggestions for the matting but once you've got most of it out then it's worth investing in a Furminator, it's helps take out loose hair and prevent matting and knots....i have it for our 2 semi-long haired cats and it works a treat, you'll be amazed at how much comes out though!

snowman2_2

I like Shedders and Slickers - great for getting dead fur out. We sell them both at the surgery. Bad matts need careful cutting or clippers, even if it is just a few patches that need the clippers. Just be careful of the skin.

foreign_correspondent

yes, do be careful. When I was a kid we had a cat that got like this - I managed to clipper all its fur off, aided and abetted by my grandma and using my uncle's beard trimmer!! (we never told him!)

It worked a treat, but it left the cat somewhat nekked, and she got sunburnt, so we ended up smothering in acriflex burn cream, and bandaging around her torso!! (Before you all line up to kill me, please bear in mind that I was about 8!) - She recovered in a day or two, and her new coat grew back much better, and we managed to keep her groomed better after that.

So, I suppose what i am saying, is by all means take the matts out, but if your cat looks a bit bald it is likely to be affected by the elements more - at this time if year its likely to get cold if you have to take too much off, so perhaps keep her in at night till she has some insulation!

Waterfalls

i highly recommend not using scissors if at all possible. have seen some nasty wounds occur in that situation,
u could try phoning ur local vet to see if a nurse can trim the matts off in a nurses clinic. and they are ususally free

MrsE_2

Furminators are great, buy one.

Sissors are ok for the odd knot.

Clipppers for larger areas.

Its a good idea to get a long haired cat used to being bathed.

Talc is good to clean them up a bit, instead of bathing.