help from Persian owners needed

So, I moved in with the boyfriend about 7-8 months ago, and he introduced me to the wonderful world of cats lol. He's got a black Persian, about 11 yrs old and a regular run-of-the-mill house cat (medium hair). Well, I've always been a big grooming freak, and with a Persian - its a good thing. But I'm at a loss at what to do. I brush Bidou (the persian) daily. Usually for about 10 minutes at a time (that's all she'll allow lol). But she always seems to have large matts in her fur :S. They're not hard to get out, but does anyone have any tips, or grooming tools that they swear by to keep they furr-baby nice and fluffy? There are so many different brushes around the house, you'd think we're a grooming parlor x) And Mogley (the dmh) absolutely hates getting brushed. He's around 7-8 yrs, and he's very set in his ways. Anybody got any tips to get him to accept brushing? He doesn't really knot up, but he sheds like a maniac since he won't let me near him to brush the dead hairs out.

So pretty much, I need help xP lol Since I was raised a dog-person, I'm not very educated in cats yet. Although I've managed to get our 2 kittens (sisters) quite used to getting poked and prodded and brushed (one even purrs the whole time, ear cleaning and bum checking included lol), I'm at a loss with what to do with the older ones. Any and all help is greatly appreciated

Brushes really don't do a good job on a longhair (other then the ones with "spikes". You need to get several combs - fine-toothed, medium, and wide-toothed for proper grooming.

If you are only used a normal brush it will NOT get the mats out - even if using every day. You need a groom or a brush with the wire teeth to get down UNDER the coat to the bottom.

Here is the fine tooth comb I use, this is one half day's worth of fur, and believe me, he is ready for more! Note the can of Pounce that I set in front of him while combing him. He never complains a bit as long as he sees what he is going to get when the brushing is done!

Thanks for the help I'll go get some combs tomorrow I guess lol. And I'll have to try keeping the treats right in front of her, although I'll have to lock the rest of the cats up to do that

Originally Posted by Persi

Here is the fine tooth comb I use, this is one half day's worth of fur, and believe me, he is ready for more! Note the can of Pounce that I set in front of him while combing him. He never complains a bit as long as he sees what he is going to get when the brushing is done!

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This is the exact comb I use for my persians. In fact I have to go get another one because I've used it so much the handle fell off! Bathing them once every month or two helps too. It's always made a huge difference for my Persian's that matted easily.

haha well I don't think we'll get her anywhere near a bath anytime soon Not if I want to keep all my skin intact

my sisiter has a blue persian rescue cat, she took it to a grooming parlour as it was severley matted, and they bathed it (got scratched to peices in the process) blow dryed it and removed a bag full of hair. The advice the groomer gave my sister was to groom every day and sprinkle talcum powder to prevent matting!! near the roots.... so far so good, he's looking lovely and fluffy!! and super soft!

Please do NOT use talc powder on your cats. Switch to CORNSTARCH baby powder - much safer. Talc is not good for the lungs of cats. Most persian show people use cornstarch - I've heard them tell people not to be using talc!

there are great brushes with a rasor set into them. they are called coat thinners. they work great. i use them all the time at the shelter.