I have a very fluffy, but feisty, male cat. I am not a fan of taking animals to parlours to be buffed, clipped, coiffed etc... BUT.
a) he must be suffering in the heat
b) More importantly: he keeps getting into fights recently. Awful ones. I am rather of the sort to let animals sort it out between themselves. But the last time was so bad I took him to the vet - who said he was fine - which he wasn't. I discovered a MASSIVE dog bite - he couldn't sit down for two weeks (the cat, not the vet), not even to eat and had to be carried up and down the stairs. It was pitiful and distressing for us both. Massive infections followed - the size of golf balls. He was clearly in a lot of pain.
I wanted to insist the vet gave him a sedative so that we could clipper his 10cm-long fur to have a proper look at him. But he wouldn't "he's running around just fine". Of course he was, he was scared, at the vets, and trying to get away.
So. Has anyone here ever taken the clippers to their moggy?
And if so, how did you get it to let you do it?
I am a first time cat owner. All help very appreciated.
If you can't find a vet who will sedate your cat, do look at this. My daughter used to shave her extremely long haired persian, who could matt up in days. This is not a video of her, but of a pet owner who clips his cats for the summer. If your cat is normally calm, it should not be a problem to do yourself. I particularly like the ending. :-)
Thanks Julie - I think this is the way to go. And yes, if the vet doesn't comply - i will find one that will. Thankfully Aris le chat LOVES being brushed and makes it quite clear that he doesn't feel properly dressed for the day without his morning ablutions (taps the brush and meows until I take notice).
Yes the infections are awful. And often I don't realise as you just can't see them. I will put him through a few minutes of being peed off if it means I can get a good look at him all over. Can't believe the vet didn't even get down to his skin and have a look. Poor thing fought for his life in that last attack. Thanks for the response. I'll pursue getting him sedated.
I had a ginger male tom (neutered) but he was long haired and would not let me near him for grooming which meant awful matts. I asked my vet to sedate him enough to put him into a good deep sleep for about 3 hours (injection). It was enough time for me to get him home and 'do the deed' without any stress for either of us.he was so more comfortable and happy puss. I used to have to do this at least once a year usually in the spring. If your vet won't do this , change your vet. Good luck !
A friend of mine has a Persian who is, let's say, 'unhelpful' when you try to brush/comb him. So he gets vile dreadlocks & also if he gets into a fight nasty infections which develop down in the fluffy bits nobody can get at. Her vet has shaved him a few times - not shaved bald, more like a good 1cm clip. He was sedated a bit but not knocked out completely, and then held down. Sounds grim & possibly was for the 20 minutes or so it takes to do, but he is much better for it & doesn't associate it with home. He does look a bit pitiful when he's just been done but then so do shorn sheep...