One of our newest additions, Sam, is a Maine Coon.
His previous owner kept him in a "lion cut", which I don't care for how it looks. I really want to have him his full, gorgeous coat of fur. His coat is growing back out, and I really want to keep it maintained.
The problem is this: Sam doesn't like to be brushed.
He will tolerate a soft-bristle brush - loves it on his face, in fact. It's brushing out his body and tail that is proving problematic. He won't hold still long enough, and when I scruff him to get him to hold still his mood gets ugly.
Sam hates the regular slicker brush. Barely tolerates the slicker brush that has those little protective ends. Haven't tried the comb on him yet...
I've tried a reward system with treats and catnip for letting me brush him. Fail. I've tried distracting him with a toy or another brush while brushing him. Another fail. The only thing I can come up with left to try is to wear him out with a play session (like chasing the laser pointer), then try when he is tired.
Had him professionally groomed earlier this week, so his fur is in good condition. The groomer had no problems with him, but taking him in regularly is not an option for us financially. He has no skin problems. I'm guessing he never really was exposed to regular brushing before coming into our home (he's 7 years old).
The absolute last resort is keeping him shaved down. Which I'd like to try and avoid if possible. I can't figure out if there is a way I can get him to at least tolerate being brushed. Help! And thanks.
His previous owner kept him in a "lion cut", which I don't care for how it looks. I really want to have him his full, gorgeous coat of fur. His coat is growing back out, and I really want to keep it maintained.
The problem is this: Sam doesn't like to be brushed.
He will tolerate a soft-bristle brush - loves it on his face, in fact. It's brushing out his body and tail that is proving problematic. He won't hold still long enough, and when I scruff him to get him to hold still his mood gets ugly.
Sam hates the regular slicker brush. Barely tolerates the slicker brush that has those little protective ends. Haven't tried the comb on him yet...
I've tried a reward system with treats and catnip for letting me brush him. Fail. I've tried distracting him with a toy or another brush while brushing him. Another fail. The only thing I can come up with left to try is to wear him out with a play session (like chasing the laser pointer), then try when he is tired.
Had him professionally groomed earlier this week, so his fur is in good condition. The groomer had no problems with him, but taking him in regularly is not an option for us financially. He has no skin problems. I'm guessing he never really was exposed to regular brushing before coming into our home (he's 7 years old).
The absolute last resort is keeping him shaved down. Which I'd like to try and avoid if possible. I can't figure out if there is a way I can get him to at least tolerate being brushed. Help! And thanks.