The mats on the sides of her body and down her legs are like an inch and a half thick, at least, and of massive size (each about the size of my hand). I called the groomer and they will not even attempt to groom her. I also called the vet and they weren't even sure that the groomer who works there would shave her. What should I do? Should I try to cut her hair so I can see what I'm working with and then shave the matts?
2007-03-04 14:41:12 · 15 answers · asked by Postal_Wife 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
You need to get the cat shaved, it is the only thing to do at this point. You need to find a groomer or a vet who will do this for you. It isn't good for the cat to be so matted. You are getting this info from someone who has had this problem. I made the mistake and let my cat go too long and had a total mess and last summer did have my cat shaved. It was amazing to see the difference in the cat, she became like a new cat, so much happier with herself. She is 16 and became like a kitten with her new "do" and no more matts. Please understand that cats have egos, and they know when they are a mess and it upsets them. So, if your vet won't help find someone who will help you out.
I don't suggest that you do it yourself for one basic reason, you can do what both I have done and a friend of mine has done. You try and get the matt and goof and end up getting a bit of cat, and end up with a huge hole in the cat, which results in a rush visit to the vet and stitches, which is worse then where you started out with.
2007-03-04 17:24:34 · answer #1 · answered by lochmessy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have Persians, and even with daily brushing they still get knots that turn into mats. I use hair clippers and shave the mats off. The hair should grow back pretty quickly. Don't use scissors for obvious reasons.
2007-03-04 15:05:21 · answer #2 · answered by djk 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't believe I am in the same situation. I brought in a smoky gray persion 2 months ago, and his hair is matted down to his skin. I found a vet that would put him under, shave him, and nutuer him , in that order. It will run me about 150 dollars. Oh well, he's suffering with that hair matted up tight against his skin. Make a few phone calls.
2007-03-04 15:03:55 · answer #3 · answered by Sam B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Poor baby! :( Yeah, you're probably going to have to take it all off. She'll look a little funny for a little while, but it's for the best. Get as much as you can with scissors, but be really careful not to cut skin. You'll probably have to do it a little bit at a time, unless the cat is just extremely patient and understanding. You might try a "matbreaker" brush with razor blades in it, but it sounds like you're already beyond that point.
2007-03-04 14:46:16 · answer #4 · answered by drumrchick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Poor thing :( I'd call another groomer. I would think an experience groomer should be able to handle it. If not, try cutting out the mats with some scissors. Once you get doen close to the skin, you may be able to work out the rest with your fingers. Good luck!
2007-03-04 14:50:26 · answer #5 · answered by babydoll 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to take my Persian to a groomer and request the lion cut, it was sooo cute and unique and I didn't have to brush her for weeks at a time. Try it, if you don't like it the fur grows back!
2007-03-05 11:22:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wrap your new cat in a warm towel.. warm will relax her. then uncover a spot you are going to work on.
Cut each matt in several pieces.. if you can slip the scissors between her body and the matt do this and then cut outward.. in several different spots.. then the mat should start to release.. start with the easiest area first.
Do this a little at a time and each time you will be able to work a little longer.. no since in just cutting her hair down.. she could go into shock.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU HON
2007-03-04 14:48:29 · answer #7 · answered by H.O.T. Dog 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shave your cat with clippers. It'll grow back normal, then keep it brushed. I was given a monstrous cat big around as a basketball, with horrendous fur. We shaved him with clippers, brushed the rest of the fur, and it grew back normal. Don't use a guard, because they pull sometimes. Have someone help you hold the kitty down, if you have to.
2007-03-04 15:01:26 · answer #8 · answered by Angela L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I plead with you do not do this yourself. I have had so many clients try this with scissors or clippers and they think it will be fine. CATS HAVE VERY STRANGE SKIN IT WILL HIDE IN THE FUR. If you take scissors to her you will think you have just fur and you will cut and you may see a tiny little nick and think no problem until you let go of fur and what will appear is a GIANT GAPING HOLE. I have had at least 10 clients from our kennel tell me this same story after they attempted to do this themselves. I do not groom myself but it would be my advice you call all groomers and vets till you find one that knows what they are doing. I am in Oregon and the phone book is full of groomers not sure where you are from, but I guarantee you will end up with a huge vet bill and a very hurt cat.
2007-03-04 15:07:12 · answer #9 · answered by KittyCondos 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its beyond a Point, and gtting her to sit still is going to be horrible, the shelter should have taken care of it befor they let you adopt the poor baby!! if your vet/Groomer wont help I dont see why your vet cant sedate her so the groomer can clip you may ask for that as an Option... Mats like that are unhealthy for felines its added weight and causes an overheating of their body an elevation of body temperature...
for yourself......you dont want to stress the poor baby out, you can wrap her in a towel and hold her cutting with scissors as close to the body as you can beneath the Mats..then shave the towel will keep hr situated and keep YOU from getting clawed...you can do it in sessions slow and short...a little until you can shave hr completely....step one is mat rmoval good luck hun!
2007-03-04 14:51:55 · answer #10 · answered by Raven Song 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋