I have neglected my cat :-(

[PrettyKitty1]

Hi ladies,

Been a long time but here I am with yet another question about…well…you know who lol.  

Truth is I’ve been neglecting Abby for almost a year. My whole pregnancy and postpartum experiences were not what I had in mind…very challenging to say the least. So I had to practically move to my parents’ house to get much needed help. The cats remained in the house and my husband would come every other day to check on them, give them some clean fresh water and scoop the litter box.  

The cats didn’t get groomed this whole time since I’m the one who usually does it. Dillan is not a problem. His fur is PERFECT since it never gets matted. Abby is another story. But don’t we already know that lol. So his skin is full of filthy, matted hair especially in the belly.  It is painful for the cat when I brush or comb, and it is becoming traumatic for him to get groomed. I have tried removing the mats with scissors but they are so deep into his long fur and close to the skin I’m afraid to hurt him.

I’m thinking it’s time to take him to the groomer or to the vet. I like the vet better because they can use anesthesia to sedate him and then shave that belly. I’m a bit skeptic about sedating him though. The groomer….Hmm I don’t quite like that idea. Abby is very strong and big and he gets aggressive even with me when I groom him. It’s a fiasco.  He’s never been to the groomer before and he is 3. What if he bites the lady? I don’t want a law suit on my back. He is very, very aggressive. What should I do?

[PrettyKitty1]

Jade,

It's nice to be back honey. I have missed you as well.

Nancy,

You have said it yourself. His mats have become too tight to brush and it is painful. That is why he gets so aggressive. Heck, I would bite the brush too, and growl and hiss if someone was pulling my hair. His fur is so long now. I don't know where it came from. He was not a short hair cat but his hair wasn't looong either. It's so long it reaches the floor!! And while he looks beautiful.......it is also uncomfortable for him, especially in a climate such as this one..so hot and humid most of the time. Poor Abby.

[nancyjac]

Hi PK, nice to see you again.

I'm chiming in with a vote for the vet instead of a groomer as well.  Sounds as though his mats have become too tight to brush out and he may need a shaving down to skin level.  Even for more submissive cats, this typically needs to be done under sedation.  When mats become tight down to the skin level it can be pretty painful for the cat, sort of like having some one pulling on your hair constantly.  If Abby tends to be sensitive to drugs, SQ hydration within 24 hours prior to sedation can help.  One of our cats was this way and we always gave her fluids the day before any vaccinations or other drugs.

[Jade59]

Hi honey, trailing in at the last minute.  I vote with everyone else in taking Abby to the vet where they know him and can fix him right up with minimal stress.  It's So wonderful to see you back, PK!  We all missed you!!

I hope you continue to feel better and better every day, honey...♥

[PrettyKitty1]

aw thanks a lot ladies. I feel the love! ((())) :-) and believe me when I say I have missed ya'll so, so much....it's nice to be back.

I will take my kitty to the vet. I was a bit doubtful of the anesthesia because of the many times he's been sedated this year and the previous years as well (competely knocked out). He does need his teeth cleaned so I suppose I could use that as an excuse lol. I just don't want him to get all crazy. I mean the cat has had enough. He wasn't this aggressive but due to all he has been through, grooming him is almost impossible, and I understand. Poor little kitty...it hurts when I brush him since his hair is all messed up. He's got such long air you guys. It is even longer, thicker, fuller yet soft now that the winter is coming. It must be so uncomfortable for him to walk around like that :-(

Oh well......to te vet's office we'll go :-)

Love

PK

[Maddie6]

Hi PK,
So nice to hear from you and so sorry you've had such a hard time.  I vote with the others to take Abby to your Vet.  They know her personality.  Take care of yourself and stay in touch.

[zodiacqueen]

Hi hon!!!  It's great seeing your name in the forum again.  You've been soooo missed, girl!  

I would most definitely take Ab to the vets to get the mats out!!  They can probably give him a sedative in pill form, rather than knocking him totally out.  He would be a much happier, calmer  kitty if the vets do it.

Hugs
ZQ

[opus88]

hi hon, can't tell you how nice it is to see your name back on a post once again, we sure have missed you....missed the stories and updates on the furry boys and of course the new baby boy!!..
You get yourself all healed and back to your old self dear so you can visit us often!!

as far as your dilemma with poor little Abby...he did well didn't he, just a few matts now to look after, nothing major....good for him!

my Sami is the very same, thats how I got that major bite and ended up in the ER this summer....when I tried to dematt him, he won't allow brushing either but I do try and sneak a stroke in when he's in a good mood, NOT a good idea to say the least.

He usually needs his teeth cleaned once a year, so I get my Vet to shave the matts while he's under(regretted getting over jealous this summer) I always did the same with Opus.

I know the risks of anesthesia is always a worry, perhaps Abby needs a teeth cleaning too.? Its so much less traumatic for him.

you take care there Pk...♥

[April2]

I agree, PK. I think the vet would be a less stressful place for him. The groomers may not have enough patience with him either. My vote is the vet as well!

[dominosarah]

I would take him to the vet.  It will be alot less stressful for him and you.  I hope you are feeling better PK.  Noah is adorable~~~sara