Topic: shameful matting question (Read 4579 times)

Millys Mum · « **Reply #34 on:** June 17, 2008, 18:07:36 PM »

The mikki ones are smaller than your average scissors, so good for cats that dont like seeing their humans with a weapon in their hands

Puffball (Louise) · « **Reply #33 on:** June 17, 2008, 17:51:47 PM »

If you're not near a PAH you can also buy safety scissors with rounded ends from Boots, they'll be in the baby section

Sheli_80 · « **Reply #32 on:** June 17, 2008, 17:33:35 PM »

We had loads of issues trying to get Charley to stay still. Now I hold a weebox stick for him to lick while I groom with the other hand. Can get a good 10-15 mins out of him as opposed to the 3 I got before. Just as well these long-haired cats are so cute!!

Millys Mum · « **Reply #31 on:** June 17, 2008, 16:53:28 PM »

PAH sell them

Dawn F · « **Reply #30 on:** June 17, 2008, 11:57:11 AM »

thanks for that I might get the round ended ones, I'd feel a bit safer!

Den · « **Reply #29 on:** June 17, 2008, 11:55:18 AM »

Quote from: Dawn F on June 17, 2008, 11:37:53 AM

what are mikki scissors Den??

Mikki is a brand, I find they do good quality grooming scissors which aren't expensive.

You have the ear and face ones with a rounded tip http://www.everythingforpets.com/mikki_ear_amp_face_scissors.pet/use.id.5.item_id.5078.dept.1072/

Coat scissors http://www.everythingforpets.com/mikki_coat_scissors.pet/use.id.5.item_id.5075.dept.1072/

You can also get a matt splitter, which is just a little tool with a blade in that helps you cut through small matts. It's probably not easy to use on matts very close to the skin. http://www.hubintsecured.co.uk/acatalog/mikki-1737.jpg http://www.hubintsecured.co.uk/acatalog/Dematting_Tools.html

Dawn F · « **Reply #28 on:** June 17, 2008, 11:37:53 AM »

what are mikki scissors Den??

Den · « **Reply #27 on:** June 16, 2008, 21:47:09 PM »

Quote from: Kirst on June 16, 2008, 21:41:55 PM

The kittens are doing well if they get 5 minutes a day................not that they dont like it , just dont stay still long eough!

If you have any problems with them .....

Kirst · « **Reply #26 on:** June 16, 2008, 21:41:55 PM »

The kittens are doing well if they get 5 minutes a day................not that they dont like it , just dont stay still long eough!

Liz · « **Reply #25 on:** June 16, 2008, 20:57:59 PM »

Can sympathise, I combed Minmin the raggie out this morning, nearly 40 mins later and she was knot free - she is indoor/outdoor due to her pointing habit and I come home this evening and she is clumpy again, currently Robin is combing her whilst watching the football!

Oscar gets his 10 mins in the morning and he is remarkably ok and knot free, Phoenix my long haired ginger on the other hand brings the outdoors in and then some and has sticky burrs on his hind end so thats a bed time treat for me - he will only let himself be groomed on the bed so another 15 mins gone from the day

Boston and Dallas the ferals never have a clump or knot but they are house cats and nearly 3 so more good luck as we haven't got a chance of getting near with a brush its a merry cahse with the crush cage usually!

Miss gracie is clumpy but I think its her age and mouth issues so its a quick walkby with the brush which she hates but in her defence having lived outside till she was 15 and being feral its a wonder she is as sweet as she is!

Brodie is a demon in ginger fur but soes loved being brushed so he's a dream

Sky the Border Collie only likes to be groomed if Jazz is having a groom - he is longhaired she is short haired so it can be a pain to "groom" Jazz for 30 mins just to get Sky - Jazz is so tolerant for a pigs ear!!!!!!!!!!!

Den · « **Reply #24 on:** June 16, 2008, 20:34:08 PM »

It's not just cats either, I have to deal with Matt on Mig and Molly too. No matter how careful you are they appear and some areas are prone to matting. Just a gentle tease and brush sorts them out. I do cut out some, most undo themselves.

The Mikki sissors are great.

madkittyrescue · « **Reply #23 on:** June 16, 2008, 20:28:17 PM »

you'll probably find that most of us with the DLh always have the stray knot appear from time to time Dawn!

I know my pair do!

candyshandy · « **Reply #22 on:** June 16, 2008, 18:16:16 PM »

I use this comb as an everyday item on my fluffs, simple but effective

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WAHL-6-Stainless-Steel-Comb-Dog-Grooming-Low-UK-P-P_W0QQitemZ350068150504QQihZ022QQcategoryZ20751QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Millys Mum · « **Reply #21 on:** June 16, 2008, 17:34:16 PM »

I cut then split the mats too. Taz gets little ones in his armpits and between his back legs where the hair is really fine and curly

Iv got tiny round ended scissors with a slight curve to them, they are face and ear scissors made by Mikki i think

Corporal Smokey · « **Reply #20 on:** June 16, 2008, 17:09:14 PM »

I prefer the clippers all the way cos I'm scared of using scissors as he's so wiggly. They're very small and specifically designed for animal use. Also, I've run them on my hand to make sure they don't clip skin and they're fine.

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #19 on:** June 16, 2008, 17:08:23 PM »

Quote from: Bazsmum on June 16, 2008, 16:34:24 PM

I would use scissors to cut through and pull the matt apart first....sometimes the clippers can tug or nip if the matt is too compacted!

Yes I agree, cut across the knot (not close to skin!) then tease apart and work on the individual bits you've split apart one by one. Those wahl mini clippers suggested are good for small mats, can't cope with large ones though. Good price here: http://www.fosseequestrian.co.uk/wahl-pocket-pro-1480-p.asp

blackcat · « **Reply #18 on:** June 16, 2008, 16:37:08 PM »

a comb should do it as long as it has fairly close-together teeth ...

Bazsmum · « **Reply #17 on:** June 16, 2008, 16:34:24 PM »

I would use scissors to cut through and pull the matt apart first....sometimes the clippers can tug or nip if the matt is too compacted!

Dawn F · « **Reply #16 on:** June 16, 2008, 16:31:22 PM »

I thought I might put a comb through the base and clip above??? nasty about the sheep

blackcat · « **Reply #15 on:** June 16, 2008, 16:29:29 PM »

just be very careful to keep your fingers between the skin and the blades (clipers, scissors, whatever you are using). The first sheep I shore had to be slaughtered because it was bleeding from so many places

(the second sheep I shore had to be shorn again because I had overcompensated and missed the skin altogether

) and the third sheep I shore survived, as did the fleece ... I have yet to shear another sheep, and don't think I will start now ...

Dawn F · « **Reply #14 on:** June 16, 2008, 16:22:32 PM »

I've got a wahl electric clipper set I've never used it but thing it might have its debut soon!

Corporal Smokey · « **Reply #13 on:** June 16, 2008, 16:19:51 PM »

Smoo always seems to get a visible huuuge mat whenever someone comes round to the house. Especially if it's a rescue person. Do not let them fool you, it's deliberate.

I normally whip proper mats out with my little mini clippers I bought from Chapelhouse. I don't know how I coped before I had them.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #12 on:** June 16, 2008, 16:13:27 PM »

Dont the scruffs just love to show you up....seriously when Gizzy ~~walks~~ runs away from being groomed, I can see the fur going into strands!

Dawn F · « **Reply #11 on:** June 16, 2008, 16:12:11 PM »

I nearly didn't post I was so ashamed! At least I am in good company! The pet sitter is coming in from Thursday and I didn't think it was fair for her to think she had caused them so I will be dealing with them before then. I hate to think of her being uncomfortable when she was taken in by the rscpa she was hugely pregnant (well actually in labour) and completely matted so I've always tried to keep her nice but she really is loving these dust baths lately not sure if it is the heat

LesleyW · « **Reply #10 on:** June 16, 2008, 16:07:38 PM »

I have the same trouble with both Olivia and Elvis. Olivia gets tight matts right under her chest which I sometimes have to cut out and she tolerates it quite well. Elvis is a demon and even though I handreared him and tried to get him used to grooming he HATES it with a vengeance and I only ever manage a quick stroke now and again before getting a clawful from him. Sometimes, I just have to wait until they grow out a bit and I can cut them out. If he ever gets lost he will probably be picked up as an unloved stray

Dawn F · « **Reply #9 on:** June 16, 2008, 16:02:22 PM »

that actually looks like Star!!

Bazsmum · « **Reply #8 on:** June 16, 2008, 16:01:19 PM »

Here is my fury monster....I can also confirm that he gets knotted up very easily!

Dawn F · « **Reply #7 on:** June 16, 2008, 15:52:12 PM »

what a sweetie BC, Star is mostly white with a tabby mask and tail - can't post photos because I am a techie incompetent!!

I just thought shaving would be over quicker Kirst, she makes such a pitiful noise if you restrain her

I have a feeling rolling in dust may having something to do with it Bazmum, it's her fav thing at the moment!!

blackcat · « **Reply #6 on:** June 16, 2008, 15:48:10 PM »

As Bob got older and found it harder to bend, his back end became knotted with monotonous regularity. Since we had never done the grooming thing he would look at me as if I had taken to him with a hot poker when I got the brush out. Three strokes was usually all I managed before he shredded the towel and me on his way out the door ... To look at him you would reckon butter wouldn't melt ...

Kirst · « **Reply #5 on:** June 16, 2008, 15:46:48 PM »

aww dont blame yourself - Oscar used to get some nasty knots , usually within seconds of grooming him!

Before you try shaving if they are just localized know you may be able to cut them out very gently with small nail scissors - we oftem had to with Oscar!

Bazsmum · « **Reply #4 on:** June 16, 2008, 15:46:04 PM »

I cut through the matting Dawn.....Gizzy the fury one is a monster for keeping his coat nice...I will groom him, he then follows that by going out and rolling in dust!

Dawn F · « **Reply #3 on:** June 16, 2008, 15:43:03 PM »

so you agree it sounds like I'm trying lol! I feel awful for her it can't be comfortable

blackcat · « **Reply #2 on:** June 16, 2008, 15:35:47 PM »

run your fingers over those areas once you have groomed to check you have the snarls out. The tools you are using sound terrifyingly comprehensive to me (you can tell I have always had short-hairs), but I find that if you run your fingers over a long-hair you can soon pick up any snarls. So if you do it after grooming, you will spot it if you have missed any.

Dawn F · « **Reply #1 on:** June 16, 2008, 15:28:40 PM »

I brush Star (dlh) every other day, zoom groom and then slicker, to my horror while giving her a cuddle yesterday I found a cluster of matted fur on each of her rump areas, what have I been doing wrong?? they are awful and tight up to her skin and I think shaving might be the only thing I can do. What should I be using in the future so this doesn't happen again, please don't say furminator I sold it on ebay!

Author Topic: shameful matting question (Read 4579 times)