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

[Medusa]

Have you tried a spray on detangler? I used to use that on my Lhasas when I kept their hair long.

No, I haven't. I looked for one at the pet supply stores but wasn't able to find any, just detangler shampoo and I don't want to bathe her. She's had enough stress, poor girl. She cringes when she sees me coming towards her. Not exactly the reaction I want.

[Catty1]

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.

[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.

[pomtzu]

No, I haven't. I looked for one at the pet supply stores but wasn't able to find any, just detangler shampoo and I don't want to bathe her. She's had enough stress, poor girl. She cringes when she sees me coming towards her. Not exactly the reaction I want.

What I used wasn't a shampoo - just a spray on detangler - can't remember the name. If you Google "detangler for dogs" - it brings up a bunch of different ones - I didn't check every one out since there's quite a few.

[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!