You & Your Pet by Dr. Wise

Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association 11 South Angell Street #347 · Providence, RI 02906 (877) 521-0103 (866) 277-0238 Toll-Free ·Fax

Kitty is spending more time outdoors now that the weather is warmer.  The problem is that he comes back in with burrs and tangles in his coat.  Then he won't stand still while I try to repair the damage.   Do you have any suggestions?

Grooming a cat can be frustrating.  Not every cat enjoys being brushed and some cats can be downright hostile.  If your cat is a long-haired cat, it might be advisable to take him to a professional groomer.  Many veterinarians have groomers on staff.   Some cats resent the process so much that they actually need to be sedated by the veterinarian before grooming can be done.  Sedation can make the entire procedure much more tolerable for a finicky feline!

If you want to try on your own, begin with very short grooming episodes and use a soft brush.  Try to stop the sessions before Kitty resists too much and, if you can make a habit out of daily grooming, you should find that he is less resistant with each passing day.  As his tolerance increases, try using combs to help ease the snarls out.  Remember that each increase in grooming vigor is going to be resented by him, and it might feel as though the whole process is going backwards rather than forward.  This is why it is so important not to move too quickly.  I know it will be tempting to take those mats out, but if you make the daily grooming more strenuous than what he is ready for, be prepared for backsliding.  

Always be gentle with your cat, and try to make the entire grooming experience pleasurable for him.  It also helps if you pick a time when he is feeling cuddly or sleepy.  Good luck!

This information, prepared as a public service by the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association, answers problems Rhode Island veterinarians currently are seeing in their practices, as well as new developments in animal care.