Neville can suffer from some terrible mats. His fur is long and, despite combining in locks, is individually fine. He dislikes being brushed or combed, so I fall behind on taking care of the mats. I tried picking them out with the tines of a comb, and I tried using a seam-ripper on them. Both methods tugged and pulled the Nevsky this way and that, causing him some discomfort and even more annoyance.
Then, I saw on Tim’s Tomcat Commentary that Rumpy, who is also prone to matting, is periodically given a trim in certain places by his dad. I don’t think Rumpy likes it much, but it is over quickly and effectively. I have electric trimmers myself, so I thought I would use them on Nev.
This plan worked well. Neville didn’t care for having to lie still through it, but it was much less of a bother than other methods of dealing with his mats, and he wasn’t startled or frightened by the clippers. I was able to rid his fur of the worst clogs, and will be dealing with the smaller ones, as well.
Neville doesn’t look pretty after a bit of trimming (and yes, he has a bit of dandruff, due to his diabetes), but it worries him less than any other way, and doesn’t cost anything, unlike taking him to a groomer or a vet. And I think if he had to choose, he would plump for treatment at home. After all, that comes with a few treats as a reward. Thanks, Timmy and Rumpy.
I got a potty patch while lying there unconscious and defenseless. And an underarm mat taken. Pea sized. But "that" area still has a thickening of fur that mom will have to try to address.
ReplyDeleteAlex gets mats on occasion, and like Neville, he does not like combing or brushing. Using an electric clipper sounds like a great idea, and if the "haircut" isn't the most professional looking, that's OK - the fur will grow back.
ReplyDeleteI've had to use those clippers before, too. They are a godsend for cats with matted fur. Glad to hear they worked on Neville, as well.
ReplyDeleteI well remember my long haired cats problems and the work it took to
ReplyDeletesnip and cut and trim and and and. Glad to hear electric clippers
did the trick. I have seen that Rumpy gets a cut now and then.
dood....ya look good ta uz.....welcome mattz ☺☺☺ ore un wel come matz....
ReplyDeleteN speekin oh welcome......welcome two yur sisturr portia :) ☺☺♥♥
Over time, no doubt, both you and Nevsky will discover that you can both come out of his trim sessions feeling comfortable with the process.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad this worked, and without the need for a professional groomer!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a much better solution for both of you.
ReplyDeleteThose mats are no fun at all, they hurt and it's good when they are gone!
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear this worked for Neville and for you. He's such a handsome boy!
ReplyDeleteGood job. I get the vet to give miss pops a quick trim in her trouser pants a couple of times a year.
ReplyDeleteGlad you found a way tp combat those mats. He does have lovely,floofy furs.
ReplyDeleteMine are short. Maybe that's why I love getting brushed ;)
Purrs, Julie
With Mr Jinx aging into his senior years he has stopped a lot of grooming and all of a sudden I had a cat with short hair getting matted. I knew he had to be uncomfortable, so I got out the shears and over time and with a lot of patience got rid of those mats and now I brush him pretty regularly. He likes the brushing and it keeps the mats away. but yes, he does look a bit like someone (ME!) chopped off sections of fur and it's not too becoming, even if it's got to be a lot more comfortable!
ReplyDeleteWe are just about ready for another clipper adventure here. I felt several clumps under his front leg this morning while he was demanding attention so I will bring them out tomorrow for my boy. We are so glad it helped. Clippers are invaluable if you have a longer haired cat and possibly for other reasons like age and health also. Purrs Neville hope you feel better
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