to shave the cat?

[ladyfirenze]

just come in to a load of white clumps on new red rug (again) cat is very lovely but turns into a complete bastard if you try and keep on top off his semi-long fur with daily or whatever grooming. He was a rescue cat, so I can't really moan - it's his only fault!

I heard some where it's common practice in Florida to shave your cat (not bald, just short obv!) and seing as spring is here......

aibu?

I also have a Ragdoll, and shaved him last year with dog clippers. He wasn't overly keen, I have to say...and the shaving wasn't even, totally bald patches, the odd clump etc He looked interesting to say the least!

The neighbours (according to my sis, who overheard them) were discussing whether to call the RSPCA as he looked such a fright (It wasn't that bad ).

Anyway, I'll take him to the vet this year but it's so bloody expensive. He doesn't even attempt to groom himself, and won't let us near him with a brush..so he gets horribly matted, silly creature. And he smells.

I do love him though

Yes, Ragdolls are beautiful and very easy cats, but the hairest things in the whole world!

I am actually wondering if the cat will let us shave her ourselves. (obviously leaving some length!) She loves being hoovered, oddly and will seek us out whenever we are hoovering the stairs and refuse to leave until she's had her turn. Hoovering doesn't stop her getting matted though, so she still needs brushing.

Ours also isn't scared of the brush, she just hates having to do something we want her to do instead of it all being on her own terms I think. And yes, her teeth and claws are sharp!

I am from Florida I have never seen a shaved cat. ANyway I am assuming you are not in Florida and that it isn't warm to justify shaving a cat.

The only time cat shaving is OK is if it's bum fur and you are doing it to keep them clean IMO

i live in northern england. it gets bloody freezing here sometimes. Might i then have to go out and buy the cat some clothes??

Ragdolls should really be kept inside anyway (ours is) so outside temperatures aren't really an issue.

my beastie is the product of a ragdoll and a moggy, so he does okay in our yard and green bits.

I have a Maine coon boy who is a) very long haired and b) very lazy and we have to de matt him every spring as his back legs and armpits get very knotted indeed. I wouldn't attempt to shave or clipper him as I'd be scared to cut him plus the noise would undoubtedly result in loss of blood (ours!)

WHat we do is when he is relaxed I slide a comb under the mat then snip through it with nail scissors.. and bit bit I can tease the mat out a bit and then trim it close to the skin. When I have to brush him , DH dons motorcycle gloves and allows himself to be chewed while I use the comb. 11 years of this and I still have all my fingers...:D

righ. just charging clipper. i'm going to do the worst offending bits, and leave some can't work out where to position camera, as it's a laptop

Don't listen to them! Don't shave the cat. Buy a good vacuum cleaner!!!!

< chants >

Shave it! Shave it! Shave it!

Then turn the clippers on yourself and claim to be Dr Evil

I am pmsl at MrMedusa in motorbike gloves, clutching a furious writhing ball of razor claws the darling cat as Medusa combs him.

Combs the cat, I mean, not MrMedusa.