Conference misery::feline_v1

   I know this sounds weird but...

   See if she'll put up with being vaccuumed(sp?).  I read several letters 
and articles in my kitty magazines about people who have longhaired cats 
that love to be vaccuumed.  Gets the hair off and out of the way.

tlh

Our long-haired kitty likes (this is a relative term) to be vacuumed
BUT this doesn't pull out all the shedding under-hairs very well.  It's
fine for getting the sawdust and cobwebs off him when he's been down
in the basement exploring, but we still have to brush him to get the
loose fur out.  This has to be done daily around this time of year.
Otherwise his fur mats underneath and it's hell for both of us when
I try to get it out.

Generally, combing cats will not render them bald unless they have a serious
health problem.  Ideally, use one of those two-sided stainless-steel "pet
combs" that have a coarse and fine tooth spacing (much wider than on "human"
combs).  Comb gently but firmly with the "coarse" side until the major res-
istance is gone, then repeat with the "fine."  Regular combing will result
in less fur loss; in this season, maybe twise a week or better is good.

As fur buildup occurs on the comb, remove periodically.  It's a good idea
to keep removed fur clumps in something you'll dispose of quickly (e.g., a
bag to be taken outside right away): some cats will go after their just-
removed fur.  No sense giving them either a ready-made hairball or an
excuse to scatter the cat hair around anyway after some careful combing.

A word to the wise... If you are going to try vacuuming your cat, make sure
you've got a pretty wimpy vacuum cleaner.  I tried this once with a shop vac
and all I have to do now is THINK about the vacuum cleaner and the cats head
for higher ground.

denise

Right...we usually use the little hand-held vac on Chorniy.

Re:  109.3  Try daily combing

     An  excellent  comb  is the Greyhound comb made in Belgium.  Mr. and
     Mrs.  Terrance who own and show Persians use only this comb on their
     cats.   On  their  advice I purchased several, both fine and coarse,
     for  use  on my long haired cat several years ago.  It does not have
     sharp teeth and will not damage the cats skin or fur.  I love it and
     so  does  my cat -- he "asks" for his daily combing.  The only model
     currently  available  is  the combination comb, fine on one side and
     coarse  on the other.  Testing  the Greyhound against several  other 
     good quality combs by running the combs over my hand,  I thought the 
     other combs felt rough or sharp by comparison.

     You can purchase this comb from the Terrance's pet store by mail.  I
     called recently to verify the address and price.

          Kimline Pet Shop                             w:  (518) 456-3312
          1813 Western Avenue
          Albany, New York  12203

          Greyhound Poodle Show Comb

          $15.00 each      (includes $1.00 for postage;
                            add sales tax if you live in New York state)

     Julie A. Swant

I'll agree, the best way to get rid of the excess fur
is just to comb him/her daily. Some kitty's like it and
other's don't. I just use a barber's comb. That is a  comb
that is generally used by a barber. It has real fine teeth
on one end and large teeth on the other.
You can pick on up for under a buck at K-mart or Bradless.
<++tim++>

Or get a Japanese Bobtail.   I am glad to report that the reputation
this breed has for not shedding is TRUE.