Cat grooming.

Question
Hi Norman,
We have a 5-year old indoor (neutered) cat.  We have a problem in that she doesn't like being brushed and subsequently sheds a lot of hair around the house.  My husband is prone to allergies and finds that the cat hair affects him.  Howeveer, he is devoted to her and wants to keep her anyway.  She actually hates being brushed - she will hiss and whine when we try - so, if we could get her over that hurdle, it could solve the loose hair problem!  Can you suggest anything for us?  My husband wanted to have her shaved but they don't do that here in Ireland!!!  Maybe there is a way of calming her down and then brushing her?  She is probably spoilt by us by now and thinks she can behave accordingly!  She adores my husband (even sleeping on his dressing gown at night) as he is at home most of the time, and gets quite upset if he shouts at her, she then goes into another room and sulks for a while!!!  PLEASE  HELT...........  Thanks for your time!

Answer
Carmel,

How is she about being bathed?  If she does not mind, bathing is one of the most effective ways of removing dead hair.

When you go to comb her (more effective than brushing), do you give her treats for good behavior.  Vats will tend to do better with positive reinforcement. If she knows she is going to get a tasty treat whenever she gets groomed, she might tolerate it more.

One other possibility is that she has some kind of medical issue whereas she feels discomfort whenever you brush certain areas of her body.

Please get back to me.

Best regards... Norm.