My girl Pfeffa, who is long haired, has never groomed herself, not in any real useful way, at least. I think it is a combination of her unusual body structure and her neurological issues (nothing diagnosed, she's just...weird). She licks her front paws - just the tops, not between the toes or anything, and has this odd sitting position where she can reach her belly and she licks that. I've seen her do the "using the paw as a washcloth" thing on her face, but she doesn't swipe much beyond her nose. That's ALL.
Her fur, probably because of her lack luster grooming, has always formed quick mats, and certain spots (especially on her back, near her tail) sometimes have a greasy feel, and she occasionally suffers from dandruff. I spend time several days a week combing her out with a mat comb - the only thing I could find that would go all the way through her thick fur - it's like she has a double coat. I'm often having to resort to cutting the mats out. Since her brother Norville passed away, it's gotten worse, since he used to groom her too. I have not given her an actual bath since she was a kitten with diarrhea - she's too panic-prone.
I'd appreciate any suggestions on what to do. I've seen somewhere that you can use a washcloth - is there a safe soap-type thing to use as well, or is water enough? Does anyone have any recommendations for a good tool (brush, comb, mit) that works well on long haired cats?
Her fur, probably because of her lack luster grooming, has always formed quick mats, and certain spots (especially on her back, near her tail) sometimes have a greasy feel, and she occasionally suffers from dandruff. I spend time several days a week combing her out with a mat comb - the only thing I could find that would go all the way through her thick fur - it's like she has a double coat. I'm often having to resort to cutting the mats out. Since her brother Norville passed away, it's gotten worse, since he used to groom her too. I have not given her an actual bath since she was a kitten with diarrhea - she's too panic-prone.
I'd appreciate any suggestions on what to do. I've seen somewhere that you can use a washcloth - is there a safe soap-type thing to use as well, or is water enough? Does anyone have any recommendations for a good tool (brush, comb, mit) that works well on long haired cats?