What type of brush is best suited for a Maine Coon. I'm really tired of Lou looking like a street urchin. He is truly scruffy no matter how often I brush him. He also hates it.

-- Anonymous, May 02, 2000

Answers

Hi, our vet suggested a steel comb which looks sort of like a miniature rake with a wooden handle - it has two rows of teeth and our MC quite likes it. Hope this helps.

-- Anonymous, May 02, 2000

I use both a steel comb and a brush. The only times I even attempt to brush and comb him is if he is either pre-occupied looking out the window at birds, or if he is sleeping cause he HATES to be combed. He also gets mats and I wait till he's sleeping and cut them out, very carefully, putting my fingers between the scissors and his skin so as not to ever cut him. He actually growls at me if I attempt these things while he is fully awake.

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2000

My little girl (14.5 lbs red classic tabby with white) is the same way. She will tolerate about three strokes with the brush and then attacks the brush and my hand. I have to brush real quick when she is asleep. I am fortunate that she keeps herself very nicely groomed.

-- Anonymous, May 11, 2000

The steel/rake type brush with wooden handle is what I use for both my cats. Mom's fur is longer and gets matted - for her I also use the new rubberized brush which seems to loosen the long fluff underneath the top coat...then I follow with the steel/rake type to pick up all the loosened undercoat. They love it very much and all we need to do is pick up the brushes and ask..'want a brush'..with the usual highs and lows of voice..and we've got cooperations. However, mom growls occasionally...

-- Anonymous, December 21, 2000

The steel/rake type brush with wooden handle is what I use for both my cats. Mom's fur is longer and gets matted - for her I also use the new rubberized brush which seems to loosen the long fluff underneath the top coat...then I follow with the steel/rake type to pick up all the loosened undercoat. They love it very much and all we need to do is pick up the brushes and ask..'want a brush'..with the usual highs and lows of voice..and we've got cooperations. However, mom growls occasionally...but still keeps coming back for more.

-- Anonymous, December 21, 2000