We shaved the cat last night

[sajetto]

...................And we have battle wounds. He lit into my ankle and arm. Poor DF came away with the bragging rights, a huge slice into his wrist.

Baxter looks hilarious, but on the bright side he's sooooo happy today! We shave him this time every year b/c he mats so much and gets miserably hot. We don't let the vet do it b/c he has to be tranquilized to travel (you don't want to see this kitty in a car )

It took at least 2 hours because we had to keep giving him breaks. In the end it was worth it.

Does anyone else have to shave their Maine Coon or Persian?

 

[rhanditresmom]

We have a Maine Coon and it is truly a pleasure to shave him. Of course, I let DH take care of that little chore. It usually takes about 3 hours total. Yep, Buster loves his twice a year shave! We've been doing this for about 5 years now and it hasn't gotten any easier. I just lock DH up in the bathroom and let him do his magic! Then he lets me clean up. Yippee!

 

[sajetto]

Ours is a Maine Coon too. Does your cat naturally behave well for the shave or do you do something special? Baxter did great while he was distracted with treats, but once his belly was full it was a nightmare. Do you have any tips?

 

[DaisyD]

We had a Main Coon but never needed to shave him. We just brushed him a couple times a week and his coat was gorgeous. We didn't have to worry about the heat either as Tigger was an indoor cat and survived off AC all summer.

 

[dadto1]

With the title of this thread I was kinda afraid to open it!!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Wouldn't it be easier to just brush him? I can't imagine trying to hold down my Kitty to shave him. I have a scar on my tummy from a bathing incident with him.

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

We shave our Maine Coon too - she finally got her adult coat last year and vet recommended it - this will be the first year we know to do it ahead of time. Just waiting for our weather to warm up - although it probably isn't necessary since she is an indoor cat. Will be nice to just be done with all that hair and not have it shedding. Of course, my DH gets the task of doing it - she isn't soooo bad as long as she can sit in her sink - I think DH is able to do most of it that way, not sure. I know it is not funtime, but he doesn't come out wounded either!!!

 

[LindaR]

Why do people get pets (cats AND dogs) with fur they are not willing to take care of? I knew someone who used to shave their Sheltie because they were too lazy to brush him.

If you brush your own hair, why not your pet's? Fur is protection....

 

[sajetto]

The vet told us it was the best thing for Baxter. Because of his age he tends to forget to bathe himself at times making those huge mats. Trying to brush those mats out just hurts him. He has a terrible time with shedding year round and we've tried multiple hairball treatments and foods. It helps, but sure doesn't take care of all of it.

We think that he takes it badly b/c the clippers make so much noise and vibrate on his skin. Do any of you have quiet clippers?

 

[sajetto]

Why do people get pets (cats AND dogs) with fur they are not willing to take care of? I knew someone who used to shave their Sheltie because they were too lazy to brush him.

If you brush your own hair, why not your pet's? Fur is protection....

Linda I'm not in the mood to turn my thread into a debate. I brush Baxter daily. He is shaved b/c he is OLD. It has nothing to do with laziness.

 

[Cantw8]

It starts out like this......

and ends up like this....

 

[sajetto]

OMG

 

[helenabear]

Wow, I didn't realize people had to shave Maine Coons. Have two of them, and never even been close to needing to! The fur does have mats, but with brushing every few days (even on my 13 yo) never been close to needing it. He must have it bad I bet he feels better now though... poor thing.

Cantw8

 

[agnes!]

Next time, get some cat 'happy pills' from your vet. If that won't work, try giving your cat some (preferably fresh) catnip in advance of the shaving session. Kitty will probably get very frisky at first & then about 15/20 minutes later will *really* calm down .

agnes!

 

[bananiem]

It starts out like this......

and ends up like this....

You have a picture for everything, don't you?

 

[sajetto]

Wow, I didn't realize people had to shave Maine Coons. Have two of them, and never even been close to needing to! The fur does have mats, but with brushing every few days (even on my 13 yo) never been close to needing it. He must have it bad I bet he feels better now though... poor thing.

Cantw8

Baxter is senile. He frequently forgets where the litterbox is and cleaning is not high on his priority list. Brushing daily helps, but a human can't do all the work that a cat is naturally supposed to do. He does feel better now and is lying on his favorite chair sunning himself. He's in a good mood today, but he usually is after a shave.

 

[gris gris]

I'd love to see a pic of Baxter!! Did you shave him to look like a lion?

 

[sajetto]

I'd love to see a pic of Baxter!! Did you shave him to look like a lion?

I'll have to scan one. We'd never attempt to shave him all over so he does have the lion cut. His big fluffy mane, tail, and fur on his feet remain. Its actually pretty cute

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

it has nothing to do with laziness - the mats are unmanageable - and the vet recommended it and said that it is common practice with cats with this type of undercoat. The vet joked that they may not be thrilled at first - but they will love you when they are cooler because of it - and quite frankly, with energy bills what they are we are planning on using the AC less this summer.

I agree there is no reason for debate.

those pics are too funny.

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

It starts out like this......

and ends up like this....

There are no words to describe how funny that second picture is. I haven't laughed over something like that in along time. We should have a caption contest for that one!!!!!!!!