Rescue cat dislikes being brushed???

[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!