Rescue cat dislikes being brushed???

[Eden]

The silicone ones - like the Zoom Groom that badger linked to are very soft. Even my non brush liking cat would tolerate some brushing with that, but it really only takes out the long hairs. OTOH - its a multi-tasker. It works great for taking fur off of furniture - much better than a sticky roller and reusable.

[tctrek]

+1 on using the brush to get fur off of furniture. Works great!!

[Blueberry]

+1 on talking to a pro. You may be better to start from scratch. Then, start with a nylon bristle brush (very soft) fairly soon to get kitty used to it. That way, you can use what you need to when the fur grows back in.

Have you tried catnip while brushing? My cat will let you do darned near anything with catnip...

CA

[Kano]

KC's not fond of brushing. He doesn't get mats, but gets hairballs from self-grooming, so I like to give it a shot now and then. I've got a furminator for him, and he kind of likes it. FAR more than he's liked other brushing. And INFINITELY more than having his toenails trimmed!

The trick has been to sit on the floor, lure him in, and brush a few strokes on whatever part(s) I can get at until he decides he's had enough and runs away. Interestingly, sometimes he'll come back over and over for a few more brushstrokes through an evening.

The job's never really done, but considering how cat hair gets everywhere when I'm brushing him, I don't mind working at it a little at a time now and then.

Karen in Boise

[tulip]

I don't think you should use a furminator on mats, at least that's what the instructions say. My mother's cats seem to really like the furminator, for a little while, then they hiss and spit and it's time to put it away.

Go to a pro, but I wonder about shaving her at the beginning of winter. Even if she's an indoor cat, she could get out and would be very cold without her fur.

[Biciclista]

Longhaired cats were always heart breakers for me. I had two different long haired cats, each was part Maine Coon, supposedly mat-free hair. That's true until they hit 10 years or so of age, and then both started getting mats. The older they get, the worse the mats and their skin itself is so delicate that it's easy to hurt them.
I started brushing both of them as kittens, but as they got older, neither liked it. IF you can give your cat a lion cut, i think you'd both be better off.

[Red Rock]

I just wanted to say thank you for all of your helpful comments. I will take them all into consideration.

Off to go talk to some people.

Red Rock

[bmccasland]

".... I started brushing both of them as kittens, but as they got older, neither liked it...

Bonnie cat is 16, longhair, and now I'm finding mats. Fortunately they're small. I've brushed her weekly (or more) all her life, and she loves the attention, but when I hit a mat, not so much. She growls or bites - just teeth on my hand to let me know she doesn't like it. I usually resort to my fine scissors to snip out the mat. Treats help. And taking your time. Once you have a good coat, then short grooming sessions, with treats, should help teach your kitty that a grooming session is fun, where he/she gets all the attention they know they deserve.

[arielmoon]

Oh my she is gorgeous! I hope you are able to figure something out for her!