Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
PAMPERING A PERSIAN
Persians are the most popular type of pedigreed cat.To maintain
their beautiful long coats, they need frequent grooming. Most
owners are not capable of keeping Persian hair under control
themselves. Ask other Persian owners about what is involved and
consider selecting a different breed if you don't have the time or
money to have the cat regularly groomed by a professional.
How to Pick a Groomer
The best groomer is one who has worked with cats and has access to a
veterinarian in case of problems. Medical assistance may be required if
the cat is nicked accidentally with sharp grooming tools or if she needs
to be sedated so that the groomer can do a proper job. Many cats freak
out with strangers or are so badly matted that the grooming process is
painful. In these cases sedation is recommended so that neither the ani-
mal nor the groomer gets injured.
If you have a cat who you don't feel comfortable grooming on your
own, she should be groomed professionally at least every three months.
The shorter the interval between grooming sessions, the less matting
will occur.
Cat Hairdos
Different breeds of dogs typically have different haircuts, but the same
is not true for cats. Most cats do not get haircuts unless they are matted
or their coats are difficult to manage. There is really only one haircut
for a cat: the body shave. If a cat is shaved, the entire trunk is typically
shaved close, like a crew cut. How far down the legs and tail the animal
is shaved and how much of the neck or mane hair is removed depends
on the cat. If you have never had your cat shaved and you request it, ask
to see a sample of what a shaved animal looks like so that you are not
shocked with the results.
Don't be surprised if you take a matted cat to a groomer and body
shaving is suggested. A shaved cat may not look as good to you as a cat
with all her hair, but the pain and discomfort associated with combing
