Serious question re my meezer Coco Puff *Update 4/25; Pidge not doing well; post #140

[jenluckenbach]

So sorry about the matting problem. Basically it happens because she probably doesn't groom herself as thoroughly as she used to. the cat's tongue actually combes the hair.

anyway, let me comment on some of the suggestions.

cornstarch will probably not help wth mats. I am sure it was used to help absorb some of the dirt and grease in the coat. But, it can't hurt to try.

Spray on detanglers might not be safe for cats. READ labels!! And you do still have to COMB the hair, so she still might resist.

The comb pictured above is a fantastic comb, I could not live without it, but it WILL still pull at the fur.

Shaving is the quickest way to get the offensive hair away, and the results last longer than just combing. But I understand not wanting sedation.

Call any and all groomers in your area and ask if they do cats. Your vet is not always the best option. We (at our shop) would be able to do what is needed without sedation. All you need is a shop with experience, a few exta hands, and the willingness to work within the customer's request.

Ask them to just shave the hindquarters. Explain that she is old and doesn't tolerate a lot of grooming, but needs this done for sanitary reasons. She should be in and out quickly before she gets agitated.

Good luck!

[Medusa]

ROLLER COMB - mom and I went to a local cat show yesterday. Of course, the Persians looked like they had fur made out of angel hair!

One lady was putting her lovely brown persian baby back in her carrier, and I asked her what she used to groom her.

She held up a comb. It looks like a wide tooth slicker comb, with a two rows of steel teeth, one half the length of the other.

Each tine ROLLS. She said she has used the roller comb for 30 years. I tried to find one locally and online. I can't recall the make - started with an "E". Excaliber? Entourage? Expedition?

Mary, I think this would really help you groom Pidge...when I find one for Cole, I'll give you a report.

The breeder said all better pet stores have one.

ETA: Found a pic!

The NAME I was trying to think of is "Evolution". Bamboo makes a comb like this, as does Master Grooming.

I have one. She hates it.

[Catty1]

I would ask you to ship it to me, but the shipping would cost more than what I would pay for it, likely!

With the detangler spray I have, I spray it into my hands and rub my hands a bit, then apply it that way to Cole. Maybe try that for a couple of days, and see if the combing goes better.

I guess Dr Lee would still put a no-no on painkillers? Seems to me that some pain she might have is causing the combing difficulty?

Maybe only for use on grooming days???

[Medusa]

I would ask you to ship it to me, but the shipping would cost more than what I would pay for it, likely!

With the detangler spray I have, I spray it into my hands and rub my hands a bit, then apply it that way to Cole. Maybe try that for a couple of days, and see if the combing goes better.

I guess Dr Lee would still put a no-no on painkillers? Seems to me that some pain she might have is causing the combing difficulty?

Maybe only for use on grooming days???

I use it on the rest of the Fur Posse and, actually, Pidge lets me groom her everywhere except her hindquarters and, of course, that's where she mats because that area is neglected. None of the other cats mind it at all. I believe I may have an extra one, Candace, and if I can find it, I'll send it to you. No worries about the postage.

Good idea about pain killers or maybe just a chill pill for her. I'll ask Dr. Lee about it and see what he says. I can't dig in there and really give her a good brushing because it truly appears to hurt her but I sure would like to. W/the rest of my cats, I can turn them upside down and they don't mind. LOL

[Medusa]

She barely eats at all, turns her nose up at most treats and more often than not, vomits her meds. I didn't get one single med into her this morning, so I have to wait before I try again because she vomited instantly. She doesn't like pill pockets so that won't work either. I was supposed to take a first aid/CPR course for pets this morning but I cancelled because I'm afraid to leave her. To make matters worse, she got underfoot and I accidentally stepped on her tail. She took off running and I just feel awful. And scared. I was going to shave her a little bit more today but not after all that.

[Catty1]

I hope this is just an "off" day for poor Pidge. Sending prayers and gentle cuddles her way and healing is all hers.

[Medusa]

I hope this is just an "off" day for poor Pidge. Sending prayers and gentle cuddles her way and healing is all hers.

I hope so, too, Candace. She's treating me as though I have the plague. "Tell it to the paw!" She has the same body language as Puddy did when she saw me coming towards her: she stiffens because she knows it's going to be meds or subQ's or a shot. If I try to show her affection at any other time, she pulls away. It's so sad to watch them grow old.

[Medusa]

This just isn't Pidge's day. I waited to give her the subQ treatment because of all that transpired this morning and I didn't want to stress her out. I've done hundreds of subQ's but you'd think that this was my first one. That needle just would not go in right and I made her bleed, not a lot, but it just added to her stress and my feeling awful. She's really avoiding me now.

[Taz_Zoee]

Oh Mary, I am so sorry Pidge is not having a good day today. I know how stressed you must be to see her so stressed. That's probably why the subQ's didn't go so well today. I would tell you to try and relax, but that's much easier said than done, I know.
I will just keep hoping that Ms Pidge gets over this little hump today and starts to improve again.

HUGS to you and Pidgelet!!

[Laura's Babies]

Aww Geez, my heart is so heavy reading this..

[phesina]

Oh, Pidgie, your Meowmie loves you SOOOO much, and she isn't being mean to you sticking you with the needle, she is giving you fluid to make you feel much better!

Sending Pidgelet and Mary prayers and good wishes and calming energies..

[krazyaboutkatz]

Mary, I'm sorry to hear that Pidge isn't doing well today. I hope that tomorrow will be a much better day. I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care and try not to stress out too much. (((HUGS)))

[Pinot's Mom]

Mary, I'm so sorry you're going through this with Pidge - I wish there was something I could do. Keep up hope, and faith, and you'll pull through this.

[rg_girlca]

Mary, I'm sorry to hear that Pidge isn't doing well today. I hope that tomorrow will be a much better day. I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care and try not to stress out too much. (((HUGS)))

My thoughts exactly.

[katladyd]

Prayers for you and Pidge from me.