Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.
Brushing your cat’s coat keeps it healthy, reduces shedding, redistributes natural oils, and sometimes allows you to practice first-aid skills. Veterinarians and behaviorists recommend introducing grooming to cats when they are kittens, and while I agree with their advice, Olga’s early experiences were more violent than helpful. .
Youth Attack
As a kitten, his oversized head and belly gave him a comical appearance, but beneath the cute exterior lay the soul of a psychopath. I let him examine the brush and left it on the couch for a few hours before attempting a grooming session, but my efforts were in vain. After sniffing it and hitting it a few times, he ignored it as if promising because he didn’t consider it a threat.
However, when I tried to comb her, she curled up into a ball and attacked my hand with her sharp teeth and claws. I’ve tried several times, but grooming a cat is difficult when he won’t let you touch his back, sides, or belly. He just lets his neck and head be stroked, so I give up on brushing him until he matures and calms down.
Early Days of Settlement
He keeps his coat clean as a kitten and never develops mats or tangles. After he was about a year old, I bought a softer brush that was softer on his light coat. He didn’t attack me but he tried to eat the brush. Then, I tried to bribe him, a positive reinforcement classic, when he behaved after the grooming session.
I gave him a treat when he sat for more than a few seconds, and it seemed to work. Subsequent sessions were more productive; in the end, I could comb 2/3 of his coat without getting injured or frustrated.
Current Arrangements
Sometimes, I think, rewarding good behavior works well. When I brush his fur or trim his nails, he purrs, moves, and tries to rub his head against my neck. I know growling is more appealing than scratching and biting, but somehow when he attacks me, he usually stays put.
He doesn’t love food as much as he did when he was younger, but he is excited and more affectionate before his feeding times. I don’t give her treats after grooming or nail grooming sessions, but she still expects them and continues to use manipulative love to convince me that she is malnourished.
Luckily, Olga’s thin coat doesn’t require frequent brushing, and her snapping tongue handles most of the daily maintenance. He only resorted to violence after I cut his front nails and moved to the back. I usually cut one and two before he screams and tries to punch me in the face. I considered buying a hockey mask and Kevlar sleeves to protect myself, but hydrogen peroxide and bandages were more affordable. Also, he is too relaxed sometimes, and I like to see my miniature panther in attack mode. It takes me back to the days of his violent youth.
This article is part of a series by Christopher and Olga.
