Himalayan becomes violent at sight of brush.
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bluemoon
Himalayan becomes violent at sight of brush.
His name is Zachary. He's otherwise very lovey and friendly. But when you try to brush him he'll attack you. His fur gets matted to the point where it hurts him. We end up taking him to be groomed where he gives them a hard time. Is there a sedative we can give him? He is willing to hurt himself trying to get away. It's hard to think it's the same cat that will make friends with anyone and will follow you around with a devotion normaly assosiated with dogs. We want to groom him ourselves. Is there a trick? He's actually a himalayan persian if that helps. Many thanks
Re: Himalayan becomes violent at sight of brush.
You didn't say how old he is, but if he's older by chance, you have to give him the benefit of the doubt. Older cats don't often like to be handled as much as they did when younger.
The trick is directly after a pro groomer or your vet has successfully removed the mats and has conditioned the skin and fur. After that, keep up with it by brushing on a daily basis, using the correct grooming tools (a slicker brush or wide-toothed kitty comb are fine for this purpose), ...ensuring a good diet that is balanced and not a generic or store-brand food. An appropriate balance of fatty acids are essential to coat condition, so make sure the diet you're feeding is a recommended diet and is sufficient in nutrients. You can also ask your vet about supplementing with Linatone or other fatty acid supplements (please let him advise you on this, don't automatically assume anything you find in the store or on the net is safe or appropriate for your kitty)
As for getting him accustomed to regular grooming, make the experience for him as pleasant as possible. Don't spend hours on this..if he gets agitated, stop, and try again later. The key is ensuring that at least brushing is done on a daily basis or at least a couple times a week. Offer him a nutritious treat at the end of a grooming session, or offer playtime and one on one attention as a reward for his behavior. Don't stress him at any time during a grooming session, again, take time-outs if needed.
The trick is directly after a pro groomer or your vet has successfully removed the mats and has conditioned the skin and fur. After that, keep up with it by brushing on a daily basis, using the correct grooming tools (a slicker brush or wide-toothed kitty comb are fine for this purpose), ...ensuring a good diet that is balanced and not a generic or store-brand food. An appropriate balance of fatty acids are essential to coat condition, so make sure the diet you're feeding is a recommended diet and is sufficient in nutrients. You can also ask your vet about supplementing with Linatone or other fatty acid supplements (please let him advise you on this, don't automatically assume anything you find in the store or on the net is safe or appropriate for your kitty)
As for getting him accustomed to regular grooming, make the experience for him as pleasant as possible. Don't spend hours on this..if he gets agitated, stop, and try again later. The key is ensuring that at least brushing is done on a daily basis or at least a couple times a week. Offer him a nutritious treat at the end of a grooming session, or offer playtime and one on one attention as a reward for his behavior. Don't stress him at any time during a grooming session, again, take time-outs if needed.
..........Traci
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bluemoon
Re: Himalayan becomes violent at sight of brush.
He is about 10 years old. He loves to be handled just not brushed. Even after a grooming when his fur is perfect he still wont let you touch him with a brush. He's on persription food for urinary tract problems. I think the treat idea might really work. Fatty acids I'll look into. Thanks for your help.