Extreme Makeover, Kitty Edition
grooming a cat
Cat owners will agree that grooming a cat is not always easy. Oh sure, some cats like to be brushed and combed, but those who don’t present a huge challenge. Let’s don’t even get started about the challenges of bathing your feline companions. To be fair, they don’t often need it. As pets go, the fastidious feline does not usually engage in some of the smellier doggy pursuits. Cats so not feel the need to roll in that dead animal carcass. Dogs, they sniff, have no class. Most cats regard water as something to delicately sip from a dish or a running faucet, not from the toilet. Older and heftier kitties may not be able to reach their nether regions and some waste removal may be needed. They will protest loudly, but secretly they are grateful. They do not like to be dirty.
If you are blessed with a long haired cat, matting can be a problem. Persians are notorious for getting matted. A friend of mine rescues neglected Persians and Himalayans who have been surrendered to an animal shelter because they are matted to the skin. This is not only unsightly, it’s downright uncomfortable for the kitty. In those cases a shave down is in order, often under sedation. These cats have very thin skin and excessive pulling on the matted hair can cause actual tears in the skin underneath. The so called “lion cut” is increasingly popular among owners of long haired cats. The hair is shaved leaving a large ruff around the neck and a pompom of sorts at the end of the tail. Some groomers also leave little “booties” on the feet. Our hospital cat, an obese tortie got a lion cut every so often as she disliked being combed. She protested vigorously and I’m not sure if it was the shaving or the ridiculous way she looked that upset her. Her abundant belly was in full view, something no girl likes.
Bathing a cat is a challenge all its own. The less you stress a cat, the better. Unless the hair is very dirty, you can often avoid the water torture. If you must do it, get an unwitting friend or spouse to help you. You’ll need it. Lower your kitty gently into a pan of warm soapy water and wash away. The rinsing process is easier if you pour water slowly over her instead of using a hand held shower device. Once you dry her off, prepare for the resulting “ticked off kitty” face and hours or days of snubbing that no amount of treats or catnip will cure.
If your cat has smaller mats, they can usually get them out unaided. If they choose not to, you can wait until they are asleep and quickly snatch them out with dematting rake. It may take several tries to accomplish this and you will again be snubbed.
I worked in a veterinary hospital for many years and grooming was something I did .I became known as someone who liked a challenge and when I was presented with “Critter,” an aptly named Persian mix, I got one. She had lovely owners who were terrified of her. Don’t get me wrong. She wasn’t mistreated. In fact, just the opposite was true. She was a loved and pampered pet and reciprocated in kind as long as things went her way. When she was matted beyond help, she came to us. She had no claws in front, but would attack with such ferocity, you forgot for a second that they were gone. On grooming day she was removed from her carrier and placed in my arms to be immediately anesthetized. If you dared put her in a cage, you would never be able to get her out. While she snoozed, I clipped and combed and returned her to the carrier before she woke up. Her owners paid handsomely and spent the remainder of the day trying to make it up to her. As she got older, I’d like to say she mellowed, but it would be a lie.
Just remember, if you cannot face grooming your cat, there are professionals who will do it for you. Kitty can be mad with them and you may only get minor snubbing for taking her to them.
