Elderly Cat. Matting

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toonces

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I've an elderly cat who has some bad matting.  I've tried brushing, but obviously too little, too late.

He's 17 and is matting.   I'm wondering the best way of dealing with it.  We believe the stress of taking him out of the house would be unhealthy for him, but it needs to be dealt with.  He is also skittish, and I'm not sure how someone coming in to help with the matting will effect him.

I'm not adverse to buying a clipper and doing it myself except for the fact he is quite thin, and consequenty somewhat 'boney'.  For the most part, he's actually quite healthy.  He eats, drinks and still enjoys his treats.  He still manages to do some post-litterbox sprinting every now and then.

Would it be best using a clipper or the old fashion way of scissors, or have someone come in and try it?

Any suggestions are gratefully welcome.

Thanks
 

hexiesfriend

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I would try clippers first but he may be scared of the noise. I have actually used nail clippers to cut thm out too. As cats age they will not keep up as well with their grooming. My vet said to just use a simple flea comb to keep up the grooming. Mine stopped grooming her throat and chest and I needed to start doing it for her.
 

stephenq

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I've an elderly cat who has some bad matting.  I've tried brushing, but obviously too little, too late.

He's 17 and is matting.   I'm wondering the best way of dealing with it.  We believe the stress of taking him out of the house would be unhealthy for him, but it needs to be dealt with.  He is also skittish, and I'm not sure how someone coming in to help with the matting will effect him.

I'm not adverse to buying a clipper and doing it myself except for the fact he is quite thin, and consequenty somewhat 'boney'.  For the most part, he's actually quite healthy.  He eats, drinks and still enjoys his treats.  He still manages to do some post-litterbox sprinting every now and then.

Would it be best using a clipper or the old fashion way of scissors, or have someone come in and try it?

Any suggestions are gratefully welcome.

Thanks
Can you take your cat to a groomer?
 
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toonces

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No.  I fear taking him to the groomer would stress him too much.  He's always been an indoor cat, and doesn't like leaving the confines of his living space.

I'm apprehensive in the clippers since he is so thin.  I certainly don't want to hurt him.

He spends his time in the upstairs, which in the winter tends to be cooler, but not cold.  I also don't want to leave him shivering.
 

betsygee

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I had a couple of older, ill cats who needed grooming and I didn't want to subject them to the stress of waiting someplace with other animals around.  I found a mobile groomer who came to the house.  She was so sweet and gentle with them and did a wonderful job of cleaning them up.  Is there someone in your area who has a mobile grooming service?
 

hexiesfriend

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I think an electric blanket upstairs and blankets for him downstairs would keep him warm. The mats are probably painful to him so they need to be removed.
 
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toonces

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An update.

I did take Oliver to the vet.  It was discovered that in addition to the matting, he was dehydrated among other issues and had problems with his kidneys.

It was recommended that the best course of action would be to put him down, and that is what did.  The vet had him cremated and we got a small wooden box with his named engraved, along with a tuft of fur and a paw print with a condolence card.  They even made a small donation to an animal shelter in his name.

It's mostly why I've not returned until now to follow-up on the situation, as it's just been too hard for me.  I wanted to follow-up because I know that I don't like the drive-bys where someone asks a question and then you never learn what the outcome was

He was one of my best friends from the time I adopted him over 16 years ago.  It wasn't so much that I rescued him, he rescued me.  I got him at a time where I needed someone, and he was able to fill that void in my home.

I miss him dearly and am still avoiding activities or objects which remind me of him

I don't know if it's a common reaction, but there is a lot of guilt when you think of the what ifs what I could have done different.  What if I had taken him sooner.  I should have spent more time with him.  Should I have told them to go ahead and do what they could for him.

If I let you down Oliver, I'm sorry.  I'd give anything to have you back.

Love you always.

 

pinkdagger

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I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you gave Oliver the best 16 years a cat could ask for, and I'm sure he felt as rescued by you as you him. I think everyone feels that guilt - like if they could have gone back and changed that one thing, if the outcome would be different. It's natural. But you did what you felt was right and prevented him from further pain and discomfort. Very sweet to have him cremated, and to have that donation made for him as well!
 

di and bob

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I'm so sorry. I know it's hard to not think of all those should haves and could haves, but I know from experience it only brings heartache and grief. Your sweet Oliver would never want you to remember him with such sadness, he would want you to relive all those good times and the love you two shared for 16 years. That hole in your heart takes a long time to heal, but one day the tears will turn to smiles when something reminds you of him. He will always be with you in spirit, as long as you are alive his memory will live on in your heart. My heart goes out to you, I hope you can find some comfort by talking to those who know what you are going through. Bless you for loving so much to hurt so bad. RIP beautiful Oliver!
 
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