Panda is mad at mommy! :o(

[kimlovescats]

Oh, Kim, I do feel for you! Mishi gets matted something terrible and absolutely HATES being brushed, but I'm persistent and try to brush him a little bit every day. Their long silky fur and that butt-fluff matts super easy. When I can, I use a matt-breaker, but getting Mishi to sit still to let me use it on him is another thing. He hasn't bitten me, but he does make some very menacing noises when I'm trying to de-mat him.

When it gets as bad as it sounds Panda has gotten, shaving may be the only option. When I adopted Mishi, well, we still joke about his kitty mohawk that he had - they only shaved him in the areas where he had had mats. Their fur does grow back very quickly so you won't have bald Maine Coons for long, but I do feel for you. Poor Panda! Poor Kim!

Thank you for the information. What is a matt-breaker? I've never heard of that. Can you get them at most pet stores or will I need to order from a pet supply company? I'm already thinking of ordering a grooming shaver with a #10 blade like Jen told me about. I've never had kitties THIS furry with such THICK fur before. Like you said, it is mostly on their undersides.... under armpits, neck and rear ends. I try to brush them, but one time through absolutely fills my brush! I can't get them to sit still long enough to really do them entirely!

[RedHedd]

What is a matt-breaker? I've never heard of that. Can you get them at most pet stores or will I need to order from a pet supply company?

Pic from Petco:

They are pricey but SO worth it. (I see Petco has on sale for $14.99). Take your time gently combing through the mats.

[Freedom]

Demat BEFORE a bath. Getting the mats wet makes them tighten up and then you have no choice but to cut or shave them out.

Good luck.

[kimlovescats]

THANK YOU for all the links and pics! I bought an undercoat rake (dog) today at Wal-Mart to try. If it won't do the trick, I will definitely buy the other two tools!!! I order fairly regularly from online pet supply companies any way! I'll keep you informed of the outcome! Wish me (us) luck!