Getting Stuff out of fur

[Saphire_1975]

My Mom's cat has a very thick fur, and she got some unknown substance stuck in a small section of it it's on her back were she can't reach it. It is to close to the skin to cut out. I tried soap and water, and I tried gently combing it out. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get it off?

Thanks,
Saphire

[Traci]

It would help to know what the "substance" is.....color/texture/what does it smell like, etc (i.e., wax? engine grease? glue?). The most important thing is determining it is not toxic in the event she tries to groom there and ingests it. Is she allowed outdoors? If so, it could be nearly any toxin.

If you cannot determine what it is, I strongly suggest a quick vet visit so they can remove it and treat her if they feel it could be a toxic substance.

[Saphire_1975]

The substance to me looks like gum The cat is 15 years old and has never been outside. My mom babysits, so her house is very toxin free.

Saphire

[Traci]

If you are certain it is gum, you can try using rubbing alcohol to loosen it....maybe put an icecube on it to harden, bring it upward from the fur, and use a comb under the fur, then cut with scissors the fur above the comb.

Whatever you do, when bathing her, using rubbing alcohol, ice cubes, etc, be sure to keep her thoroughly dry, you don't want her chilled.

[MA]

Actually the best thing to remove this (oddly enough) is Crisco Shortening (lard) Put a glop of it on the spot, let it sit there for 5 minutes, wipe it off, then comb the fur. Don't ask me how, but if works.