Long Haired Cat that Hates Grooming--HELP!

[SoccerJMK]

Hi, I have a persian mix female cat Tabby, that absolutely hates being brushed/combed. She happens to have a great personality when we're not grooming, and enjoys being held, petted and kissed. However she's now starting to snap and bite us when we're brushing her (it takes 2 of us to hold her down now). When we don't groom her daily she develops hairballs and throws them up. She also gets very matted and develops big knots in her fur that need to be cut or shaved out. Any advice on to how to make the grooming experience more enjoyable for both me and Tabby?

-Jess

[Lucky Rescue]

Holding her down is going to make it worse, since most cats just HATE being restrained. If you are pulling her hair and hurting her (inadvertantly) her hatred of being groomed is understandable.

You could start off by getting one of those grooming gloves, and just stroking her. Hopefully she won't realize she's being groomed. Do it gently and stop if she gets agitated. Once she is comfortable with this, you can try using a soft brush. You want to teach her that grooming can be pleasant, but some cats just will never accept it.

Good luck.

[djeffer]

My long hair domestic kitty also dilikes being brushed/combed altough she doesn't need too much grooming because she takes very good care of herself.

When I brush her I find that she likes to be brushed on her head and neck but dislikes it on the rest of her body. I usually brush her head for a little bit and then move to another part of her body and then back to her head and neck before she gets too aggitated. I also try and have treats on hand to distract her. Maybe you could try this???

She still gets furball because we can't stop her from grooming herself and her fur is very long and thick, but we use hairball control food and treats to help with the problem.

[SoccerJMK]

I really like the idea of purchasing a grooming glove, but I'm having a hard time locating one. The local pet stores just don't seem to carry it. Any ideas on where I could find one? Thanks for the help!

[chico2]

My cats are SH,but I groom them regularly,hubby should tape me while I do it,I'll be crawling after them brush in hand,while they move with every stroke,a sight to behold
Rocky needs to sniff the brush,probably to make sure it's not a shaver,so one stroke and a sniff
My little Vinnie loves it,stretches and purrs,even when I brush his tummy
Chico keeps moving all through the house or across the lawn,if done outside..
Cats definetly do not want to be hold down,the only time we do that is when clipping nails.

[Iggette]

My cats love to be brushed with the exception of one that seems a little nervous about the body part being done....loves the head and neck so at the slightest sign of a ball being formed I just cut it out, she is so furry you would never notice, but she is slowly starting to trust that I will not hurt her.

As for the petting gloves I have seen the odd grocery store carry them in the pet section or just keep popping in to different pet stores you are bound to find one somewhere or perhaps a store can order one for you?

[Spoiled]

A grooming glove is a good idea. Here is another idea that might work as well.

Gently restraining her might work. Hold her by the collar or harness and show her the brush. If she starts to move, keep your hold on the harness/collar firm. As soon as she stops resisting, give her a treat. When she is fine with this, start brushing her on a place that isn't matted and will feel really nice to her. A place where she likes to be scratched is good. Give her lots of praise, treats, and breaks. The longest you should do it at first should be about half a minute, and then a break. Work up to a higher time.

[wAggie]

I haven't read the replies.... but here's my 2 cents

when i had Boss, he HATED me touching him on his chest and belly. i would have the the brush by the couch. so when i'd be sitting, along would come Boss and i'd give him a brush or two before he'd get irritated... and slowly that grew.

of course, i never did get to brush him whole in one sitting but we had fun.