My long haired [black-haired green eyed] cat has a bionic [fixed] right knee, and always comes to me for assistance with her shedding. I can usually carefully pull out the matted hair. She has been having hairball vomiting issues, and some has gotten into her matted fur, so I need to bathe her gently in a slightly warm bath. I would like to know about a cat safe shampoo and conditioner that might aid with the matted hair removal. I read that human products are unacceptable for cats due to PH incompatibilities. I am going to have to at least use warm water and may have to carefully use comb and scissors [blunt]. The cat was semi-wild as a kitten and I have be careful not to "piss her off "too much, as she did sink her fangs into me during her broken leg ordeal. [vet said cat bites can be bad news]. I need some sort of cat friendly de-tangler, or I may just have to use warm water and comb and blunt scissors, gloves and patience. I also need to clip her rear claws a bit [carefully]. Thankx
First of all, you have to get out EVERY mat before she is bathed, because the water will set them like cement and your only recourse will be to have her shaved down.
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Second, there are a few ways to get the mats out. Sometimes you can carefully comb them out with a flea comb, which is fine-toothed enough for the most delicate fur. Or, you may have to trim them out if they are already too established to get the comb through, or if the cat won't hold still for a long period of combing. I've managed to get some out of my longhair with my fingers, but she's pretty patient about it.
Since you don't sound particularly comfortable with the process, I would recommend that you make an appointment either with a groomer or with a vet tech at your local clinic. Vet tech visits are much cheaper than vet visits (last I checked, our clinic scheduled them for $ 7) and they work with strays and elderly cats all the time, so they have the skills and the tools to take care of mats. My mother-in-law's cat was so matted up on her stomach at one point she couldn 't walk without her fur pulling, so she went to the vet and they had her combed out in 10 minutes, without even getting out the scissors. Now she doesn't mind having her belly brushed, either. If you'd rather go to a groomer so you can get the bath done there as well, ask your vet or the local shelter for a recommendation. They will know who has experience with seriously matted cats. The vet and the groomer also can recommend the best products for your cat's fur.
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Most importantly, once you get her de-matted, you must keep up with combing and brushing so she does not get in that condition again. My longhair doesn't mind being brushed daily - it's a bonding experience for us. We also have an upright brush (it's a loop of brush material set into a carpeted base - you can get them at pet stores), and she will go over and groom her face and neck on her own.
Since your cat has a previous injury and the cat has matted fur, it is better that you not even attempt to give this cat a bath. Most vets can remove the mats and cut the claws. Shampooing will just make more tangles. The tangles and mats need to be removed before bathing. By the way, most cats don't need to be bathed at all.
HEY,
ive had 7 cats,
iv known long haired 2 b real difficult 2 keep clean,
they get dreadlocks ni dont think u can do anything!
maybe sum nice food, and cat calming pheremones from vets,
then a shave,
and plenty of brushing.
good luck
This is the easiest way I know of:
http://www .ehow.com/how_5071852_dry-sham ... pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com After which I would take her to your vet and have her shaved down. It will be less stressful if she is under anesthetic.
