Tips On Combing a Persian Cat

I once fell in love with a big ginger fluff ball,
or technically a red haired Persian. He was the
most affectionate, greedy, hysterically funny
cat I'd ever had. However his grooming
requirements weren't fun. I had been used to
medium and short haired cats as pets and
brushing was never a chore. So I decided to
educate myself fast as he wasn't particularly
good at grooming himself, even though, bless
him, he did try.

Combing Not Brushing

A Persians fur is so dense that combing, not
brushing, is the only option. A brush will just
slide over the surface, only removing dead hair
from the top and not getting deep enough in to
the coat. A Persians hair is made up of guard
hair awn and down and can shed all year long.
You should use a metal comb which should have
two different lengths of teeth, one short, one
long. It is also a good idea to have two
different types of comb. One with wide teeth,
one with regular teeth. The wide toothed comb
will be easier to use on your cats knots and
matted areas. Once you've loosened the knotted
fur you can revert back to the original comb.
Unfortunately you may have to cut the knots out
if their fur has become really tangled and
matted. A cat's skin is very thin and sensitive
so make sure you are gentle but firm.

Starting the Combing Procedure

First of all get your combs and accessories
ready. Nothing is harder than trying to persuade
your cat to come back for more combing if you've
had to get up to find another item. It's likely
they'll disappear for quite some time. Spraying
your combs with Feliway Feline Spray, and
letting them dry before using, is a good way to
keep him calm and relaxed. Choose a time when
your Persian has played before hand so he's not
too energetic. Then find a comfortable seating
area for you and your cat, don't make a big deal
about it, just act as if you were about to watch
T.V. or relax for the evening. It will make your
cat feel calmer if he thinks this is part of your
normal pattern. Your sofa will probably be best
as your cat can stretch out and it gives you
space whilst combing.

The next step is to start from the head moving
down the body to the tail. Carefully comb the
fur in the direction of the hair growth and in
an upwards motion, which will remove the dead
hair. Even though you need to be firm remember
that your cat's skin is like tissue paper, be
careful. The base of the tail is extremely
sensitive especially in male cats that haven't
been neutered. So again take care. You then have
to comb the chest and stomach. You may be lucky
enough to have a cat roll on to his back and let
you do this, but it's unlikely. They're not dogs.

The armpit area gets very knotty as well so it's
best to lift their front legs, supporting their
weight so they don't struggle. You can then comb
their underneath area. You may need to wear
rubber gloves as they might claw at you with
their back feet which will be very painful.
Encouraging words and praising him whilst he's
being combed will help. Also having his
favourite cat toy near him may keep him happy
too. Most pet shops and pet sites have a variety
of combs to suit different breeds of cats.
Hopefully if you start combing your Persian from
kittenhood you will get him used to his daily
routine and it will be a lot easier for both of
you.

If you're going to have a Persian then every day
combing is necessary. They will matt frequently
if you don't, which is very painful for them, as
in time it pulls at the skin. If you honestly
don't think you'll be up to the daily job, then
stick to owning short haired cat's as it's not
fair on their health if you know you can't be
bothered. Owning a Persian is a big
responsibility, so be honest with yourself
before you even think about looking to add a
Persian to the family.

----------------------------------------------------
Alex Kelly

As a pet and website owner, my articles are
based on issues I feel are important for fellow
animal lovers.
Pet Promenade has everything you will need for
the furry member of the family. From pet food,
dog leads, grooming equipment and bird cages.
With over 5000 pet products, at competetive
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