Need Help! Exotic Fur Matting

bloob & valo · Jan 8, 2008

Hi Guys, thanks. What shampoo and conditioner would you recommend to use monthly?

abymummy · Jan 8, 2008

As far as cost effectiveness goes and since you don't show, I would go for All Systems #1 products....with the dilution factor (1:1 product to water maximum) one bottle will last you a while

bloob & valo · Jan 9, 2008

Originally Posted by Abymummy

As far as cost effectiveness goes and since you don't show, I would go for All Systems #1 products....with the dilution factor (1:1 product to water maximum) one bottle will last you a while

OK thanks; should I get conditioner too? Will that help comb the knots out?

Also will the goop method you described or what method can I use to soften the hair right now just to comb all the present knots out without hurting him?

forensic · Jan 9, 2008

I wouldn't get the cat wet until you get those knots out, especially not with the goop.

Tons of conditioner, maybe, but I'd comb him dry first.

bloob & valo · Jan 9, 2008

OK thanks. What do you think about using this thing that cuts the hair while it comes it out? It's electric?

abymummy · Jan 9, 2008

A clipper/shaver you mean? Bear in mind it takes at least 4 months to grow a coat back and usually 6 for Exotics. Why don't you try send to a groomer first to see if s/he can untangle the knots first before going the drastic route - it is winter after all!

Goop is a degreaser and shouldn't be used to assist in untangling knots. I've heard that conditioner applied directly on the mat itself may help but I personally haven't tried that...

bloob & valo · Jan 9, 2008

Hi OK thanks!

mzjazz2u · Jan 10, 2008

Originally Posted by Abymummy

OK, I agree with getting the mats out first and with the tea tree aspect!

As for the balance of it....

Yes to the goop, but I disagree with the immediate rinse. (No offense intended.) You should leave the goop on for at least 5 mins to make sure it works.

Rinse, rinse, rinse.

You need a clarifying pet shampoo (but that's IMO since I've never used Dawn). I'm a breeder/show person, I always use shampoos made for cats. Maybe something like Jerob's One Step Grease Removing Shampoo. You can use this without starting with Goop, but it may take a longer time to work.

http://jerob.net/1step.html

Then condition maybe something like this:

http://www.jerob.net/creme_rinse.html

And the vinegar rinse last of all.

You could also use All Systems #1 Crisp Coat (diluted) and All Systems # Botanical Conditioner (diluted).

http://mjmcompany.com/1allsystems-grooming.htm

No, I am not sponsored by Jerob or for All Systems #1 and yes, for show grooming I do use other brand names. I'm just using them as an example. Make sure you rinse, rinse, rinse and when you think he's clean of shampoo/ conditioner, rinse again!

Since I cannot touch/feel your cat's coat, I cannot recommend anything more than that.

My cats' bathroom is filled with many different types of shampoos, conditioners, re-texturizers. But I repeat again, I breed/show, not just a cat lover!

Ok I admit it.... I'm a Cat lover! Just shoot me now!

On the other hand, I've done Persian rescue for years (until the last couple of years). And have been trained by several well known breeders on grooming. I recognize your right to have a different opinion but so do I have that right. But please don't undermine my opinion and try to imply and pass me off as "just a cat lover" who doesn't know what they're doing. Gosh, I've seen pictures of a lot of cats and kittens of breeders that are pretty sad looking. The method I listed is the method all of the Persian show cat/breeders in my circle use and very sucessfully. I've used several of the degreasing shampoos and they don't work nearly as well.

gingersmom · Jan 10, 2008

Originally Posted by mzjazz2u

Ok I admit it.... I'm a Cat lover! Just shoot me now!

On the other hand, I've done Persian rescue for years (until the last couple of years). And have been trained by several well known breeders on grooming. I recognize your right to have a different opinion but so do I have that right. But please don't undermine my opinion and try to imply and pass me off as "just a cat lover" who doesn't know what they're doing. Gosh, I've seen pictures of a lot of cats and kittens of breeders that are pretty sad looking. The method I listed is the method all of the Persian show cat/breeders in my circle use and very sucessfully. I've used several of the degreasing shampoos and they don't work nearly as well.

I didn't perceive Adilah's post as an attempt to undermine your opinion at all; it was simply a very informative post from a breeder that has become expert in grooming for showing - and showing quite successfully at that.

I think you took her comments just a tad bit personally - Adilah lives in Malaysia, and I don't know that they actually sell Dawn in that country, so you BOTH gave valid suggestions, and I don't think that it makes sense for anyone to get snippy.

Are you implying that Adilah's Abys are "sad looking?"

Believe me, she DOES know whereof she speaks, just as you do.

Please don't assume that a person offering a different opinion on grooming methods is attempting to "undermine" you.

TCS is blessed with MANY experts in MANY areas on all things feline - that's one of the wonderful things about this place. There is room for MORE THAN ONE OPINION.

To the OP: Try one method/product, see how you like it, if you don't, try another method/product.

What is MOST important, regardless of the method/products you choose, is to institute a regular grooming schedule to keep your furbaby as healthy and happy as possible.

mzjazz2u · Jan 10, 2008

Originally Posted by GingersMom

I didn't perceive Adilah's post as an attempt to undermine your opinion at all; it was simply a very informative post from a breeder that has become expert in grooming for showing - and showing quite successfully at that.

I think you took her comments just a tad bit personally - Adilah lives in Malaysia, and I don't know that they actually sell Dawn in that country, so you BOTH gave valid suggestions, and I don't think that it makes sense for anyone to get snippy.

Are you implying that Adilah's Abys are "sad looking?"

Believe me, she DOES know whereof she speaks, just as you do.

Please don't assume that a person offering a different opinion on grooming methods is attempting to "undermine" you.

TCS is blessed with MANY experts in MANY areas on all things feline - that's one of the wonderful things about this place. There is room for MORE THAN ONE OPINION.

To the OP: Try one method/product, see how you like it, if you don't, try another method/product.

What is MOST important, regardless of the method/products you choose, is to institute a regular grooming schedule to keep your furbaby as healthy and happy as possible.

I never said anything about what she said about prodcuts specifically. This was the statement that had the tone of [I breed and show cats so I'm the one who knows what they're saying]

But I repeat again, I breed/show, not just a cat lover!

And I never said anything about her cats. This is what I said:

I've seen pictures of a lot of cats and kittens of breeders that are pretty sad looking.

As you can see, no mention of her cats. In fact I'm not sure I've even ever seen her cats. Don't take it personal. But Adilah and I can speak to each other as adults and come to an understanding. I appreciate your concern and that you wanted to try to explain what we meant.

bloob & valo · Jan 20, 2008

Hi Guys,

I'm very excited! I just purchased online the medium-coarse teflon comb and the Furminator!

My ex-H who is a mechanic is going to bring over some grease remover. Now I just need to choose a shampoo!

I don't show cats, but now that I'm fixing Blueberry up, I want to make him to look as beautiful as a show cat.

So I'm thinking of getting the oatmeal shampoo because he has dandruff? Is that right?

Also he's blue, so I'm thinking of getting the blue or purple shampoo to brighten him up?

And then there's the crispy coat shampoo to show off his texture?

Please give me your advice. I want to make him beeeeuuutiful!

goldenkitty45 · Jan 20, 2008

Blue/Purple shampoo is more for white or light color cats. I'd use an oatmeal shampoo and some conditioner.

IMO the "crisp" coat would be for something like a selkirk rex where you want the hair to be more kinky, etc. I would not use that on an exotic.

mzjazz2u · Jan 20, 2008

Originally Posted by GoldenKitty45

Blue/Purple shampoo is more for white or light color cats. I'd use an oatmeal shampoo and some conditioner.

IMO the "crisp" coat would be for something like a selkirk rex where you want the hair to be more kinky, etc. I would not use that on an exotic.

I agree with all of the above. Stick with the oatmeal shampoo and conditioner for now. He will look beautiful!

abymummy · Jan 22, 2008

If you're talking about All Systems #1 Crisp Coat Shampoo then by all means....

http://mjmcompany.com/1allsystems-grooming.htm]

adds volume
enhances texture
for hard coated
for rough coated
builds body
removes residue
concentrated

This superb, highly concentrated shampoo effectively removes chlorine and heavy minerals from both skin and coat and is safe for the most fragile coats.

But, I would remind you to dilute the shampoo to at least 4 parts water to 1 part shampoo.

goldenkitty45 · Jan 22, 2008

IMO with that description - you would not use it on an exotic - they don't have a rough/hard coat.

petstorejunkie · Jan 26, 2008

If it were me and i was dealing with a matted coat, and didnt want to shave it and start all over i would first use a silicone based detangler on the matts.
Here is the one i use on the horses, dogs, cats, and my long hair when i go for car rides with the windows down http://www.horse.com/products/sku-BK...-hfroogle.html Then I use a graduated tooth metal comb and gently work on the matts. if they arent coming loose, more detangler.

Once the cat is completely detangled, you have to bathe them to get all that detangler off! I absolutely adore solid golds super sens gel shampoo. it has natural bug repelling ingredients, as well as calming ingredients for itchy and flaky skin. It never leaves it's own scent but keeps the critters odor free for a long time. repeat the shampoo until the cat doesnt feel slippery anymore (usually 2 does the trick) then follow up with a high quality conditioner.

Everything with fur in my house gets furminated weekly, cuts down on the dust bunnies and tangles. And before furmination, they get combed or brushed with a soft slicker.

faith's_mom · Jan 26, 2008

Depending on how matted your kitty really is, it may be worth it to take him to a groomer and have them thoroughly comb him out; they will know how to do it quickly and with as least amount of stress to the animal as possible. This coming from a dog\\cat groomer...Lol.

After the cat has been groomed, then you can keep up with the daily grooming yourself.

I do agree, with the dense coat, an exotic would require more than a regular pin brush; I would have a good quality steel comb and a decent slicker brush on hand for a cat like that; I use both on dense coated cats like that. I go through initially with the comb, then when I am done, I go back through with the brush...this will remove more of the loose hair than the comb will, once any matts are removed.

Need Help! Exotic Fur Matting

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