Cat grooming help - need advice on clippers

[adventure_woman]

We have a what we think is part maine coon indoor only cat - long hair, etc. I need to buy some clippers to try to shave his bottom half - it mats like crazy. I'd try to find someone to do it, but I really don't trust him to behave. Anyone have any clippers they'd recommend? We need something that would work fast (if they even have those).

 

[mrs.sammich]

I have a Maine Coon- and I love him... hate his knots. I use a pair of clippers with the biggest guard on them for my cat. You have to be really careful, their skin is so thin, the slightest nick, can spill blood. He lets me work a few knots every evening- and when he's had enough, we part ways as friends.
I have a friend who takes her cats to the vet in the spring to be shaved. They are the saddest looking cats for a few weeks, but she never has the matted hair. I think her vet may put them under because they are evenly sheared. Everything from the neck to the tail- they look like lions. Really it's comical to see them, but I think the cats are embarrassed.

 

[adventure_woman]

I have a Maine Coon- and I love him... hate his knots. I use a pair of clippers with the biggest guard on them for my cat. You have to be really careful, their skin is so thin, the slightest nick, can spill blood. He lets me work a few knots every evening- and when he's had enough, we part ways as friends.
I have a friend who takes her cats to the vet in the spring to be shaved. They are the saddest looking cats for a few weeks, but she never has the matted hair. I think her vet may put them under because they are evenly sheared. Everything from the neck to the tail- they look like lions. Really it's comical to see them, but I think the cats are embarrassed.

Is there a brand of clippers that you have found that works ok?

 

[crystalight33]

I work at a vet clinic and we use thesehttp://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11532066&lmdn=Grooming. I know they are expensive but they are quiet (huge plus for your cat!) and they are fast. And I agree that you want a long blade, I wouldn't go any higher than a size 10 blade. We use a size 40 to get down to the skin for surgery and skin infections, so a size 10 will leave some fur there. And it's true, cat skin is like tissue paper, so always shave in the direction of the fur and if there are "wrinkles" you have to pull them straight before you shave or you'll lacerate the skin. Also, hold the blade parallel to the skin as in, almost the whole metal part of the blade should be touching the skin, this helps keep you from nicking the skin. Be very very careful clipping mats because it is SO easy to cut the skin! 90% of lacerations we see are from people trying to clip mats out. Never never NEVER use scissors to cut out a mat!!! Both Andis and Oster are good clipper brands.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

We have a main coon and he loves to get combed. We started a ritual in the morning by combing his face useing my husband old comb that he was about to toss in the trash. The cat loves it to the point that every morning he waits on the bathroom sink for his turn to get groomed. He begs us in the morning to pay attention to him and comb him. We comb behind his ears and then the rest of his body.

Another thing we noticed is that by given him the Temptations Skin and Coat treats his fur is so soft. Plus we live in Ohio where the winters are very dry so this helps his skin and keeps him from scratching because his skin is dry

He gets 5 treat in the morning and at night. If we run out and I give him something different in a day or two I can tell a difference because his fur is not as soft.