Any tips on grooming a Persian cat?

Question

My persion cat is getting older (she's now 8) and has developed a hair ball problem in the last year. She's been to the vet and I changed her food a long time ago to Science Diet Senior Hairball formula. It seems to have helped. I also feed her hairball gel three times a week, and I brush her with a slicker brush every day to remove as much shedding hair as possible. The vet suggested that I also have her groomed. The problem with that is, my cat and the groomer just don't work out. She's a shy house cat, and freaks out when she's at the groomer (ironically she's okay at the vet). I've tried taking her on 3 seperate occasions. She will not have it AT ALL. I've never groomed a cat before. I'm pretty sure I will be able to handle it, but tips from anyone who have done this before would be most appreciated.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/anas_contradiction/Fionasmall-3.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/anas_contradiction/princessfionakitty-1.jpg

Answer 1

What a beautiful kitty. You are doing a good job of keeping her brushed. By grooming, do you mean a bath or hair cut? I am not sure. I would just go to the pet store and buy a (greyhound comb). They have really fine teeth and pull out more fur when brushing. Or maybe even a flea comb, but I have never used one of those and do not know how they work. If you intend to give her a bath, they also sell shampoo and conditioner for cats. I have a really hard time with baths and do not do it unless they really need it. I have to do those in the kitchen sink and it takes 2 people to do it and both are bleeding profusely when we are done. Cats really hate water and no matter how hard you try to be easy while bathing them, they will fight you tooth and nail. I once had a cat that I gave baths from birth and she was easier when she got older, but to start one at 8 years old is going to be really hard. I only wish I had more advice for you. If you are thinking about a haircut, pet stores carry a battery operated (electric) razor. It does not make as much noise as regular electric razors and doesn't scare them as much. You just have to do a few cut now and a few later and a few later, etc. You will not get her trimmed all at once, so don't stress over it. It is normal and most cats don't look in the mirror. Good Luck.

Answer 2

I'd go to your local pet shop and ask them which brushes are best for Persians (they might even have a book on grooming) then check your local phone directory and phone about the cat groomers, speak to people with cats to get recommendations, ask the people yo got Bella from, see if they could point you in the right direction, so that you can do the basic day to day stuff and then get a professional to do the tougher bits if needed.

Answer 3

I took care of my Persian cat the same way you do, and he did just fine. I never had him professionally groomed. As long as she'll let you do it yourself, I think it's best, especially since leaving home traumatizes her. Why put her through all that drama if you don't have to? Just keep doing the best you can. If she gets matted -- and she will, no matter what you do -- take small scissors with rounded tips that aren't sharp and cut the mats out. That's what I did with Henry, and even though he had a few uneven spots, he was happy and loved, and that's what really matters.

Answer 4

Brush her yourself every day. I had the same problem and I bought a simple cat brush at Petsmart and the hairball problem went away.

I brush her every day for 15-20 minutes. It's kind of a pain but she enjoys it and I don't have to clean up hairball puke anymore so it's worth it to me.

Answer 5

Ask the vet if they offer grooming services, then if she goes bonkers they can give her a kitty valium. Since she doesn't mind the Vet i would try them first. If they don't, ask for a kitty Valium to give her prior to her appointment at the groomers.
Poor Princess Fiona!! Yes i am the "KITTYs GRANDMA" She can be a little kitty *****, i would sedate her

Answer 6

they make meds you can give your cat to calm her down, don't worry, it's not gonna make her fall asleep or anything harsh, it just soothes them a bit. I'd give them to her before going to the groomers, or even if you decide to groom her yourself. you can get shampoos and conditioners that help hairballs. good luck :)
calming meds:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3550&Ntt=stress&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=0&Nty=1
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3548&Ntt=stress&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=0&Nty=1

gorgeous cat, she's lucky to have such a loving owner. my friend had a persian and I wanted to tae him away form her, he could have been so pretty but she didn't take care of him. they fed him store brand foods, which is fine for some cats, except he had stomach problems and should have been on special food and meds. he had to be taken to get the poop (yeah, gross I know, but he couldn't poop) sucked out of him at the groomer's or something once a month because of it. one time they forgot to take him to the groomers that month and he died. they shaved him once a year and never brushed him, he was covered in matts. poor kitty.

Answer 7

all by your self is responsible 4 grooming your cat dear.........
me too have a pet named roxxane......i really love my pet

Answer 8

IF you did NOT groom this cat fr the time she was kitten, then you are ******!

Answer 9

I would help but I don't even have a cat!!! have a nice day!!!!!!! ;-)