| The key to this kind of thing is, I've found, patience. LOTS of
patience. Keep the comb handy at all times. When the cat is
sitting relaxed, preferably in your lap, show her the comb and
let her sniff it at her leisure. Then touch her with it. Then
gently, very gently slide it down her back. At all times, if she
tenses AT ALL, stop and talk to her and pet her. The first few
days (or weeks) you shouldn't try to actually get any knots out
or make any serious progress. This may take weeks or more, but
eventually, she will probably get calmer and more accepting.
The real key is to start before you NEED to groom her, so that
you have the time to take it very easy and slowly.
My two are shorthairs, so it's much easier. But Tenzing likes it
so well now that when she sees the comb come out she starts purring!
Good luck,
Karen, Tenzing and Ryan.
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| Being a longhair, does your cat possibly have mats in her fur so when
you use the comb/brush you may be pulling on her fur? I know if they
do get mats it can become painful when trying to get them out and pulls
on their skin. I had a similar situation when I first got my only LH
cat and due to the matting on her underside, had to take her to a pro-
fessional groomer and they had to shave all the mats off. That was a
long time ago and because I groom her often, she has never matted up
since. For a LH the wire brush sold for LH cats is the best; got that
info. from a Maine Coon cat breeder.
I have 6 cats plus a dog I groom every week and some are good about it
and some don't like some aspects - like one who doesn't like his teeth
brushed, and one who doesn't like Petromalt fur ball preventative - but
basically they're all good about the routine.
Good luck!
Pat, Holly, D.P., Thai, Buffy, Midnight, Jamie (& Cookie)
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