Hi All, I wondered if anyone has had a problem with static electricity when grooming their maine coon. I guess it's because of the cold weather as it's never happened before... But after he gets brushed or combed we shock each other and he usually gives me a few slaps. I think he thinks I'm doing it on purpose. I can't get the fur to lay down, especially the tail. Any suggestions? Linda & Mozart

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2000

Answers

Hi, I would try lightly rubbing a fragrance-free, dye-free dryer sheet on him, or, spray his comb/brush lightly with Static Guard, or, what I use on my hair every single day, cause I absolutely hate static electricity, is Nexus Humectress. Just rub a pea-sized amount onto your hands and lightly distribute on the surface of his fur, here and there. Or, try Johnson and Johnson's "No More Tangles" spray. Any of these should help.

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2000

I was quite amused to see this topic raised because I was going to raise the subject myself. In the last few weeks it's been very dry in Southern California, and I was getting static charges when I petted my cats. Fortunately they didn't get upset. I will try the Humectress.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2000

I would NOT spray your cat with Static Guard or rub a dryer sheet on him. Your cat will clean himself off and eat the chemicals from these products which may be harmful to your cat. Unless you feel comfortable sparying Static Guard on your own food or licking dryer sheets yourself, don't subject your cat to these chemicals.

A healthie solution would be to invest in a humidifier. Raising the humidity is better for your own personal health as well as your cats and will solve the static electricity problem without exposing your cat to potentially harmful chemicals.

-- Anonymous, January 21, 2000

Mr. yoo, I did NOT say to spray static guard on you cat. I said to spray it LIGHTLY on his comb/brush. And to get a FRAGRANCE-FREE, DYE-FREE dryer sheet and rub it LIGHTLY on him. I have checked with my friend who happens to be a vet on these suggestions and they are perfectly safe, on occasion. Hmmmmm.....let's read the ingredients on the label of flea powder, flea shampoo, flea collars, yum, how would anyone like to lick these?

-- Anonymous, January 23, 2000

I live in Michigan and every year in the winter all of my cats get static. Actually, my short hair cat seems to get it the worst. One of my cats gets dandruff during this time too. They got much better when I got the humidifier. I also notice that if I go a few days without filling the humidifier, they get back to the way they were. I hope this is helpful!

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2000