Thread: De-mating without injury

Thanks for all the great advice. I had another go last night, just a short burst and I stopped before he got too mad. It started with him on my lap and ended with him and me on the floor - me playing with him and giving him treats with a brush or two inbetween. It seemed to go a lot better - me less stressed and Simba less cross and I managed to get another mat out.

Karen - that's conversation sounds very familiar

Howlinbob
'I'm nervous of using scissors for the very reason you mention - the chance you might nick their skin - ouch! When using scissors, always get a comb behind the knot, and cut up to the comb. But I don't use scissors any more - I find the cordless beard trimmers are much better. You are much less likely to nick the skin, and you don't have to pull on the knot so much, so I find the cat doesn't mind it as much, even though it makes a slight noise' - I tried to put the comb behind the mat last night but Simba kept knocking it out - however does make sense and felt more comfortable with something between scissors and the skin.

Candes - I think you are right about the pointy scissors - mine are rounded end ones and it's very difficult to get in to the mat but I did manage a few snips and got the mat out by pulling it apart like you suggested - which worked well - thank you.

I'm going to do a bit each night and try and make it fun and relaxing so maybe inthe end he will start to enjoy it - here's hoping. Did get a few more bite marks on my hand last night though