Expert: Tomay - 5/15/2005

Question
I have 3 cats, Spotty, Cleo, and Bright Eyes.
Spotty and Bright Eyes are both long haired cats, and they both hate being brushed, so i just dont brush them, then there hair gets all notty, and thick, and now i regret it. So how do i brush them without them going crazy?
-Sincerly Dee

Answer
Hello Dee,
Sorry for the delay.  You will need 2 different grooming tools for the upkeep and maintainance a long coated cat requires.  One is a comb, and the other, a rubber curry brush.  The comb should be fine toothed on one end and coarser teeth on the other.  It would probably be a good idea to start with a trip to the groomers to see what they recommend for the stage of matting that Spotty and Bright Eyes may be in.  Sometimes there is no other choice but to shave off the coat, and begin anew.  It will be relatively easy to keep up the maintainance with the coat being shorter.  The curry brush (an oval shaped rubber 'brush' with a strap to fit on your hand and with short teeth) is a great way to start getting the cats to enjoy grooming time with you.  Even cats that usually hate to be brushed, will enjoy a good brushing with a curry.  It creates a massaging action as well as stimulating the blood vessels and hair follicles.  When the coat gets long enough to comb, then start combing on a daily basis if possible. Pay special attention to the armpits, and between the back legs.  A good, quality food is also essential to a healthy coat.  'Precise' cat food is specifically designed to improve and maintain healthy skin and coat.  You will find all these supplies at your local pet shop.
Good luck, and sorry for the delay,
Tomay