How can I get my cat to let me brush his long hair

• EM

  Edie Mendonca

  6/9/23, 23:14

  I have a 2 yr old male cat who has Maine Coon in him. He won't let me brush his fur and it starting to get some mats in his fur.  What can i do without holding him down and traumatizing him. 

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• LS

  Linda Simon

  6/10/23, 06:35

  Hi Edie, this is Dr Linda.

  I'm sorry you're having this issue with your boy.

   

  There are a few other things I think we can try here.

   

  • I'd consider a few weeks of a natural calming supplement such as Zylkene to help reduce his general anxiety levels, which could be making him less compliant to grooming.
  • Offer him extra high value treats when we do have short grooming sessions; so really nice treats like pieces of chicken or fish. 
  • Being as patient as possible, trying to never push him past his limit. This means watching his body language closely and stopping the grooming as soon as we notice him becoming irritable (tail wagging, ears back, freezing still etc.)
  • Consider using a Furminator brush. It is really effective and removes a lot of loose fur in a short amount of time.
  • Using professional grooming mits. This was a real game changer for me and my Cavapoo, who hates being groomed. When I use these gloves, he thinks he is just being patted and tolerates it much better than a brush. Something like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pet-Grooming-Massage-Rabbits-Chinchillas/dp/B074H64ZS8/ref=asc_df_B074H64ZS8/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=210374073338&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3396257736091201109&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046078&hvtargid=pla-421689483331&psc=1
  • Putting up a self grooming brush in the home. Something like this:https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/catit-20-senses-self-groomer-for-cats

   

  For most healthy adult cats, they do a good job of keeping themselves well groomed. So it is worth a vet check to check for e.g. gingivitis, which could be making him reluctant to groom himself.

   

  If he has mats that are established and cannot be removed by yourself, he'd need to see a vet or groomer to remove them ASAP.

   

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