A few weeks ago my family visited my father in law in MI. He had a persian cat and was not grooming it. I had to cut huge sections of hair off of her and she was very uncomfortable. Needless to say, we ended up with the cat so that it could get proper care. I have several other cats, but never any long hair like a persian. My husband and I shaved her har (its still about 2" long) to help with the tangles. Can anyone give me ideas on how to shave the cat myself or any other grooming ideas? Thanks a ton
I would have him groomed and thinned. You will have to comb him regularly, but that shouldn't be horrible if he is docile. Good luck. I took in my parents dog and cat- long haired, when they died, now we have 3 dogs and 2 cats.
Just get some animal clippers from the pet store and lay it on the cat and glide the clippers down the cat. It won't cut the cat as the blade is guarded. Just have someone help hold it and then glide the clippers over the cat till everything has been shaved. It will start to grow out a week and it will look great. Then you can start from cratch and take care of it like it should have been taken care of.
I myself have a long hair cat and I find that they are high maintenance. I bought a comb that can get through the undercoat to where the tangles are. However, he has to be combed at least 2 or 3 times a week to keep his hair from matting up. If you would prefer to keep the cat shaved, you could always call PetSmart and find out how much it would cost. I would be hesitant to do that myself as cats are easily scared by strange noises and grooming. My cat still wiggles when I comb him, but he stays relatively calm. To start, cutting the mats was a smart choice. Once they start matting really bad, that is the only choice to alleviate the discomfort. If you feel confident enough and the cat can stay calm enough, combing is pretty easy. It only takes me 15 minutes 3 times a week for a beautiful long-haired kitty. You just have to decide which option is best for you.
I am a pet groomer and the advice about getting a comb is just what I would recommend. You don't, neccessarily, need to bathe her but getting her professionally groomed would probably be a good idea. It would be easier upkeep if you started fresh. If you would like to talk to me you can call ###-###-####. Good luck.
We have a very fluffy dog (part German Shepherd and I think part Yellow Lab), and I ordered a comb like the 'FURminator' but a cheaper brand of 'deshedding' tool. It works WONDERS when they're shedding their undercoat (fur!! Watch the video @ http://www.furminator.com/ but I'd recommend combing the pet a little more slowly than they demonstrate. I knew it had to be some simple concept that they charge an arm and a leg for, so I asked lots of questions on ebay when I was shopping for one. I found out that it's simply a plastic handle with a replica of the stationary blade from a pair of electric barber clippers attached as the 'rake/comb'; so if you can just get one of those blades (off a pair of old clippers that no longer work), you're all set! Just be careful not to pull too hard. It does really catch the fur. It might not work very well this year since her fur had gotten matted, but just get a head start on it for the next shedding season! It's truly amazing!
Also, FYI, if you do buy some pet clippers to actually groom/clip the cat's hair, pet clippers are more long-lasting as barber clippers than the usual 'people' clippers!
This might sound silly but have you thought of giving her a bath? My cat (long-black haired) loves baths and showers! Granted I have had her since she was a few weeks old and have always bathed her and it is strange. You literally have to beat her out of the bathroom if she thinks you are getting in the shower or else she will join you.
We have lots of white carpet so I am pleased she likes baths.
Best of luck to you!
I have a doll-faced tortie persian, and we bathe her every 2 weeks, and you have to blow dry her hair and comb it with a special "de-matting" comb (you can get at PetSmart for about 10.00, better ones cost more).... daily combing is necessary w/ persians because their fur is a cotton texture that binds easily.
I would recommend one professional grooming, ask them for the 'lion cut' - they will shave her back close to skin...leaving her face, paws, and tail furry - this will look a little funny for her, but SHE will be very comfortable that way. I would not recommend trying this at home, as you could easily cut her skin - it's very thin. I'm not sure where you live, but the local PetSmart has groomers who do cats- you have to ask them specifically about persians. We have our cat professionally groomed about 4 times a year.... it's alittle pricey, but I try to get it done each season so that I know she has no matting - the mats cause bruising and pain for the cat.
Good luck - contact me if you have any other ?'s. Persians are a different breed of cat indeed, and we've had ours for a little over 5 years now.
The Furminator is fantastic. It's about $40 but worth it considering the price of grooming a cat.
About me: 30 yrs old 2 gorgeous girls, 2 dobies and a home business. www.BabyBootyWear.com
