My Pet World: How to encourage a dog to use a pee pad, not the rug

Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on Jul 6, 2022

Fortunately, the vet brushed it out and encouraged us to try brushing him daily. He is normally calm when picked up for short durations, but he's not having any part of being brushed. He attacks our hands and the brush, so we immediately stop. At issue now is a large, matted patch of fur on his back. It looks horrible, and I imagine it must be uncomfortable. My husband wants to sedate him and then shave that area. I won't let him, but I am at a loss on what to do.

— Karen, Wantagh, New York

Dear Karen,

If the mat is as bad as you describe, it could be tugging at his skin and causing discomfort for your kitty. You will need help from a professional groomer or your vet to cut or shave it off, as your husband suggests. Also, ask your vet if there are any health problems that could be contributing to this problem. Diet can play a part in the health of a feline’s coat, so talk to your vet about switching to a diet that might better address this problem.

While training a cat to accept brushing can be challenging, it sounds like this feline needs some assistance with grooming. Try a pet grooming glove or grooming wipes instead of a brush to remove loose fur. These tools feel more like petting than brushing to a cat, so they are more likely to tolerate it. Use the mitt or one wipe daily and swipe their back a few times.

Over time, build on the amount of time your cat will tolerate being “petted” in this way, always stopping before you think he will react negatively. If you do this every day, he should eventually become more comfortable with this process, and you will be doing him a great service in keeping his fur healthy and tangle-free.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)