It’s that time of year Andy dreads: Matting Season!

Andy doesn’t shed so much as he mats, thanks to the dual coat, dense nature of Persian fur. He instantly avoids me when he knows I have the brush and if I extend my hand toward him. He runs over to the cactus kitty scratcher, which as you can see in the photo he uses a lot. That helps comfort him to scratch the cactus.  He uses it for normal claw maintenance, of course, but he also uses it to tell me to stop tormenting him!

Yes, it’s that time of year. Andy dreads it because he hates being brushed. If he were more compliant, the brushing would be daily, weekly, or on a regular schedule. Now that he doesn’t have a confirmed groomer, his coat’s gone past the stage where matting happens, so Mr. Brush comes out again after lots of hiding.

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I already brushed his tummy and chest today, both big problem areas for his hair. I pulled one mat apart on his chest and one in his left armpit. Or was it the right? Maybe both! I want to get in control of his cute little butt hair before that is a problem. I may try a hygienic cut, though it would be the first time I tried it.

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Andy purrs when I brush him, but I know from the size of his pupils and other signs that he is upset and scared. As soon as he can manage it, he tries to escape! Come to think of it, he’s not hanging out with me this morning, part of the aftermath of brushing sessions. 

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Bless his heart! Andy decided to stop by to pose, then hop off the lapboard for important kitty business elsewhere. I bet it is watching for birds out the front door. It’s about that time of morning they stop around.

By afternoon, Andy came around to give me more good poses!

“Yes, thanks for holding that pose, Andrew! Good shot!“

I rewarded the wee rascal with ear rubs, neck scratches, and face rubs.

Wow! Then Andy gave me his glamour pose!

So much hard kitty work deserves some Greenies.

Then Andy hopped onto the kitty lounger for a snooze.

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I thought this was going to be a one-kitty-photo day, given how upset Andy was about being brushed, then he gave me several opportunities to fill this page! You never know with a kitty boy.