Chapelhouse Persian & Pedigree Rescue . The Butler's House, Wytham Abbey, Wytham,
Oxford OX2 8QE
Persian Cat Care -
Grooming
Grooming the Rescued Persian Cat
Grooming the rescued Persian is usually a case of 'little & often', especially at first. This all depends on the cat's nature and what he has been through before he came into rescue. To know how to address this, you would first benefit from understanding the condition of these cats when they arrive, which will give insight into why a cat may fear grooming.
Persians Are Often Matted
It is very sad that many of the cats come into rescue centres totally matted, some to a point where they cannot sit, use a litter tray, or eat properly. Sometimes I had to peel layers off cats to make them more comfortable, before taking them to the vet for a total shave. Beneath these matted, dirt ridden felt-like lumps, there often hides a flea infestation and all kinds of debris. Many rescued Persians have lived in dirty households where cigarette smoke, crumbs and all kinds of dirt have penetrated the coat. Cats must suffer a great deal from this kind of neglect; they smell dreadful, have sore skin, and have cuts where owners tried to use scissors to remove matting.
Grooming Persians Gently is Important
It's therefore really important to be patient when grooming, and only do what the cat will tolerate without becoming too distressed. Never do anything that will make your rescued cat feel like he is having to fight against you. Personally, I'd sooner take my cats to the vet and have them shaved now and then, than become involved in a power struggle where I'm bound to win and he feels powerless. By having a new cat shaved, and then also grooming little and often (even though he may have virtually no fur to begin with), he becomes used to the feeling of the comb. Eventually many cats will come to enjoy being combed and having lots of attention, but it can take a year or so to reach this point. This progress pace is fine.
Buy Correct Grooming Tools for Persians
Equip yourself with the right grooming tools in advance of getting a cat. With Persians is that a metal comb is used, which penetrates deep into the coat and does not encourage static build up. Never use on a Persian anything that comprises bristles. If it doesn't give the cat electric shocks, it will almost certainly make him look 'greasy' and it will not get down to the thick undercoat.
There are no 'Persian specific' combs, i.e. you would not find combs labelled as such in the pet store. Some are multi purpose but many have actually been designed for dogs. In the dog section of the larger pet store/pet superstore, you'll find a variety of double toothed metal combs and rakes. It is useful to buy two or three different ones of these and just experiment, because each cat's fur is different and each cat responds differently to them. We sell grooming tools in our online shop and all have been Persian-tested and accredited!
Tools to Avoid in Grooming Persians
Things I would never advocate for the layperson to use when grooming, are:
- Talcum powder. This is used by many people but I feel that these cats have enough breathing problems without adding talc to the environment! I don't think it's either necessary or useful.
- A 'mat splitter'! If you have come across such a thing as a mat splitter in the pet store, please give it a wide berth as many owners go wrong with these and end up cutting into the cat's skin. However, I DO recommend ther undercoat stripper as although it also has sharp blades it works in a very different way, and the angle at which you hold it will ensure it doesn't cut.
- Scissors and other sharp implements. Leave the 'surgery' to your vet! It is all too easy to inadvertently stab your cat when he panics and moves, as you go to use scissors. It's not worth it. If the cat is this matted, take him to the vet.
SHOPPING INDEX:
(Pet Shavers, Manual Clippers, Trimmers)
(Undercoat Strippers, Fur Exterminators)
(Combs, Slickers, Rakes)
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