Expert: Tomay - 5/13/2005

Question
My cat, Rosie, is about 13 years old.  She has stopped cleaning herself and she is getting really matted and gross.  What can I do get her coat clean and keep her looking nice?  -she is an outdoor cat.

Heather

Answer
Hello Heather,
Sounds like it is time for a trip to the groomer for Rosie.  Matts don't go away, nor can they be washed away.  Matts must be shaved off.  Call around or check with your vet to find a groomer in your area who accepts and works with cats.  Not all do.  Once the coat begins to grow back in , it will be easy to keep up with using a coarse/fine tooth comb.  Undercoat and tangles can be easily combed out before they become matts, even if it's just every couple days.  You can then maintain it by regular grooming trips (maybe 3 or 4 a year) for a bath and comb out along with any sanitary needs Rosie might have, like clipping the coat under the tail and between the back legs for hygeine purposes.
Good luck, and thank you for your intrest in this site.