My wife and I have purchased our first male Maine Coon kitten. We named him Windsor and love him dearly. Our problem is that his underside hair gets very matted. We tried all types of combs and brushes but this seems to really make him mad as we try to comb them out. We were wondering if we could use some kind of hair conditioner on him. (He doesn't mind baths at all) Could we use my wifes conditioner on him or do we have to use some kind of feline conditioner only. If so, where do we get this special conditoiner. We looked at our local Pet Mart Store but didn't find anything for cats. Plenty of stuff for dogs but nothing for cats. Any input would be very much appreciated.

Thank you.

Jack Mrozinski

-- Anonymous, August 16, 1999

Answers

Like your Windsor, one of my two Maine Coon cats also mats seriously - across his chest and also in the groin area. Doctors Foster and Smith, a pet supply catalog, has a product called Grooming Mist. It is described as a conditioning and detangling spray - and can be used on cats. By using it, plus combing almost daily with a fine tooth comb (my guy does not mind the combing if there are no mats), I have pretty much eliminated the matting problem. F & S also has a conditioner that can be used on cats (it is made by Francodex). I think you can request a catalog at the F & S web site: www.drsfostersmith.com

Good luck! Carole

-- Anonymous, August 22, 1999

Try using talcum powder (unscented...unless you can find catnip scented!), it will make the combs slide through the tangles easier and also absorb the grease so matts are less likely to form. Cheers Ann Mary

-- Anonymous, August 25, 1999