Groomers?

[joflake]

Does anybody take their cats to a groomer? I have three but only one with really long hair. My female, Banjo. Her hair gets so matted in the winter time. Every spring I have to comb her out and try to get the mats out. Sometimes I have to take the scissors and trim her up a little bit. I was feeling lazy and was considering taking her to be groomed. How do cats like that and will they cut her hair short?

[rayluckgoo]

I don't but then I have a long-haired cat that loves to be combed (as long as you're sitting on the john for it...captive audience) but it was one of the jobs I used to do as a vet tech. Luckily for me those cats were sedated and we literally just pulled the mats out with a comb. I don't think any cat would stand for that if they weren't knocked out. There have been times that cats were so matted that we shaved them. Those were some PO'd cats when they woke up!

[joflake]

Oh, that sounds awful. Poor kitties. I won't take her, I think I'll comb her out myself. She does like it when I do that. I'm not going to have her sedated just to come her hair.

[gailatmsu]

I was a groomer for 5 years, and we had a lot of cats come into our shop. We had to muzzle a couple over the years, but most were fine with brushing out or shaving. I'd say give it a try if you don't want to do it, and the groomer will let you know if it was too much for her.

[TobysTrix]

A friend of mine has 4 long-haired cats, three of whom sometimes go outside. It's hot here, and they get mats. She takes two of them to a groomer for haircuts each summer. She swears that it helps and regardless of looking ridiculous, they're much more comfortable. Personally, I think the results are horrifying and I don't know why the cats haven't plotted revenge yet.

This is what one of them looks like right now.



We have one (indoor only) long haired cat. He's NEVER getting a cut like my friend's cats, I can tell you that! Though I know what you mean about all the brushing and trimming of mats, it really isn't fun.

[joflake]

Oh my gosh, that poor kitty. I've started working on Banjo, she's being very patient with me, but it's taking a long time. I'm trying to do a little a day. She has never in all her 11 years been this bad. I don't know why. It's not that I really mind doing it, I've always done it, I just thought this once I'd try a groomer. Maybe not!

[joflake]

I groomed my cat myself. Bought some clippers, read the directions and just did it. It was easier than I thought. Since it was so hard to find a groomer that does cats, maybe I should be one.

[Paddysmom]

Good job, Jodie!

[Sams Mom]

Interesting thread. Thanks! We have a long-haired cat that is a bit heavy to groom herself and a 4 month old baby. When she starts crawling this could be a problem. Problem is Shadow isn't the cleanest and can sometimes get things stuck to her backside. She hates being combed. I put on my leather gardening gloves and brush her and cut mats out. I'd love to get her shaved down a bit, but can't really afford to have the vet do it. She'd need a muzzle for sure-see note about gardening gloves.

[joflake]

Bring her to me, I'll give it a try!