Theo has been growing his winter coat, and is currently very very floofy indeed. Unfortunately, in the past month he's also developed two knots, small ones, but nevertheless they have had to be cut out. By me, I hasten to add, they weren't nearly bad enough to be a vet/ groomer job, but nevertheless a timely reminder to stay on top of grooming. We've never had knot problems before, so I can only think it's the fullness of his coat that's suddenly presenting an issue.
The girls aren't remotely concerning. Ava, who is also quite floofy but not to Theo's level adores being brushed, and it's part of our evening routine. Sofia likes a brush too, and whilst she doesn't strictly speaking need it, it helps to get rid of any loose hairs. Indie is so shorthaired she needs little more than the occasional swipe with a soft brush which again, she finds quite pleasant.
Theo though, he isn't a big fan of the brush. He never has been, even from a small kitten. Birman fur is quite silky and not really inclined to knot, unlike breeds like the Persian who need thorough brushing every day. As a result it's never become a routine. I tend to pounce on him when he's sleepy and acquiescent and give him a quick going over, which he seems to tolerate, and he quite enjoys his throat being brushed, poking out his tongue comically. But the knots have both formed in the floof between and under his front legs where it's difficult to get with a brush and where he doesn't like to be exposed- it's a vulnerable area for a cat I guess.
Nevertheless, today he had no option but to consent to a thorough brushing. He disliked it, but he dislikes knot removal even more so I didn't feel at all guilty. He's currently in the highest place in the house (up the cat tree and along the bookshelves) radiating displeasure; his dignity has been upset, I feel! I would take his picture, but I think that might annoy him further, so I've posted an old one from about two years back. Must have been before his first winter, as his tail colour is much darker now.
(Incidentally, in all the worry about Indigo, I forgot to update on Theo's test results last month. They were all clear. My cats go in for unidentifiable illnesses, it seems! But his kidneys and so on all seem to be working fine. Phew! Of course that doesn't explain his illnesses, and the plan now is that IF he has another episode, he will be admitted at that point and further tests run- a scan and an endoscopy in all probability. Of course I'm hoping he doesn't have any more funny turns and that those tests will not be necessary. Anyway, now back to the floof...)
I couldn't imagine being a breeder of longhairs, I must say! They must spend all day brushing their cats, and then brushing themselves- one round with Theo and I'm all over cat hair. Not to mention the carpets, the sofa... They have my wholehearted respect, but I'll stick to my one floofy guy, thanks!
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