Hello, I’m Christopher! Learn my introduction to study extra about me and my foolish Russian Blue cat, Olga.
Brushing your cat’s coat retains it wholesome, reduces shedding, redistributes the pure oil, and generally means that you can observe first-aid expertise. Veterinarians and behavioral specialists suggest introducing grooming to cats once they’re kittens, and whereas I agree with their recommendation, Olga’s early experiences have been extra violent than useful.
Youthful Aggression
As a kitten, her outsized head and potbelly gave her a comical look, however beneath the lovable exterior lay the soul of a psychopath. I let her look at the comb and left it on the sofa for just a few hours earlier than trying a grooming session, however my efforts have been in useless. After sniffing it and hitting it just a few instances, she ignored it, which appeared promising since she didn’t think about it a menace.
Nonetheless, once I tried to brush her, she curled right into a ball and attacked my hand along with her sharp enamel and claws. I made a number of makes an attempt, however grooming a cat is difficult when she doesn’t help you contact her again, facet, or stomach. She solely allowed petting on her neck and head, so I gave up attempting to brush her till she turned an grownup and calmed down.
Early Days of Grooming
She stored her coat clear as a kitten and by no means developed mats or tangles. After she was round a 12 months previous, I purchased a softer brush that was gentler on her mild coat. She didn’t assault me however stored attempting to eat the comb. Then, I attempted bribing her, a constructive reinforcement basic, when she behaved after a grooming session.
I gave her a deal with when she sat nonetheless for various seconds, and it appeared to work. Subsequent classes have been extra productive; ultimately, I may brush 2/3rds of her coat with out getting injured or annoyed.
Current-Day Grooming
Typically, I believe rewarding for good habits labored too nicely. Once I brush her fur or trim her nails, she purrs, strikes round, and tries to rub her head on my neck. I do know purring sounds extra interesting than scratching and biting, however not less than when she attacked me, she typically stayed in a single place.
She’s not as food-motivated as she was when she was youthful, however she will get excited and extra affectionate earlier than her feeding instances. I don’t give her treats after grooming or nail-trimming classes, however she nonetheless expects them and continues to make use of manipulative like to persuade me she’s malnourished.
Fortunately, Olga’s skinny coat doesn’t require frequent brushing, and her sound-barrier-breaking tongue handles many of the each day upkeep. She solely resorts to violence after I trim her entrance claws and transfer on to the rear ones. I often trim one and two earlier than she screams and tries to hit me within the face. I thought of shopping for a hockey masks and Kevlar sleeves to guard myself, however hydrogen peroxide and bandages are extra inexpensive. In addition to, she’s too relaxed generally, and I like seeing my miniature panther in assault mode. It takes me again to the times of her violent youth.
This text is part of Christopher and Olga’s sequence.
