Grooming help needed for matted ragdoll

[Goodiewhemper]

Morning, we have an indoor ragdoll who is very timid and sensitive. He got out before Christmas and got quite wet and has developed quite a lot of matts which I am struggling to remove. He has never been a huge fan of grooming but loves his tummy rubs. Whenever he got matts before I could remove by a combo of working out with my fingers, splitting the matt and gentle brushing.

This is not working this time. I suspect at some stage I tugged to hard or hurt him somehow and now he just won't stay still if I start grooming him. He will still allow belly rubs but as soon as the brush comes out he is off. I am always really careful and gentle so I am finding this really stressful. I have spoken to the vet but they have said to keep at it as to groom him he would need sedation and they are not keen.

So if you have a similar beastie and you have been found a way to manage the matts please share your tips and best tools. Both my cat and I will be very grateful.

I just got a normal set of clippers - not pet specific. Himself doesn't fight me too much but sometimes I'm only allowed to complete part of the job.

We were able to make an appointment with the nurse at our vets. She was able to gently comb out our Raggie’s mats & also gave her a hygiene shave. Can’t remember how much we paid but obviously a lot cheaper than a sedation. Maybe ask your vet if they would try this?

BTW our cat hates being brushed and does not tolerate it from us at all, but let the vet nurse brush her with no fuss.

I’ve also looked for cat groomers in our area but can’t find any. There are lots of dog groomers though!

We took our Maine coon to the vets to trim out his mats and he was like a furry angel for the nurse. We'd been warned they might need to sedate him as he's huge but nope he just let her get on with a couple of breaks

I would cut out the mats with scissors.

Then go out and but another brush/comb that looks as different to the one he doesn’t like.

Start grooming again very very slowly. Start on the places he likes (Face, neck) first, use treats liberally. Maybe leave it lying around, put it near cat but don’t use it.

Stop as soon as he shows he doesn’t like it. Little and often.

I have some pet hair scissors with rounded ends for ragdoll dcat’s matted bits.

Dcat also hates being groomed but I’m working on it. It’s not often but she gets matted bits and I just cut them out. Ideally when she is chilled but she is not stupid and it can take a while to catch her at the right moment.

I appreciate all the replies and great advice. One of you suggested changing vets but it would seem all the local ones discourage sedation for grooming. I have been working the past few days on reassuring him and gentle belly rubs which he enjoys. He occasionally now lets me work a little on the mats but not enough to make any real change. It is a marathon not a sprint I guess.

I may have some good news though. I went to a new petshop this evening in you get some kitty treats and feliway spray and was telling the assistant about our problem. Turns out they have a dog groomer working with them who has a couple of ragdolls as regular clients. I a. going to call her on Monday so fingers crossed! 😁