Pewdie's Spa Days: The Trials of Cat Grooming

When we first welcomed Pewdie into our home, I knew the essentials—clip his claws, give him a bath when needed, and keep up with regular grooming.

The Early Days of Grooming

 As any responsible cat owner knows, it’s crucial to start these routines early to desensitize them to things like water and claw clipping. Pewdie took to these rituals like a champ, especially when he was an indoor-only cat. He would sit calmly during claw clipping sessions, but the bathing... well, that became a bit of an adventure.

The Challenges of Bathing

After each bath, I’d find myself blow-drying him with a detangler, which made the afternoon a marathon grooming session. And let me tell you, skipping the blow dry was not an option—Pewdie’s long fur would mat so severely that it was nearly impossible to brush him out without turning him into clumps and clumps everywhere.

The Importance of Regular Grooming

Now, here’s a little tip from someone who learned the hard way: never cut out mats unless absolutely necessary. Cats' fur is different from ours, and cutting mats can actually make things worse, kind of like split ends on human hair. I invested in a grooming tool designed to reach the undercoat, and with a bit of elbow grease and a lot of patience, those mats could be coaxed out without needing to reach for the scissors. I used to call these long Saturday grooming sessions “Pewdie’s Spa Days,” as they involved the full treatment—bath, brush, blowout, and nail clipping. But as much as I loved our bonding time, —it was exhausting, especially during pregnancy.  

Brush that worked the best for our needs

grooming de-matting tool we use

Pregnancy and the Great Shave Down

During my pregnancy, keeping up with Pewdie’s grooming became increasingly difficult. Since he was used to only me handling him, his grooming routine quickly fell apart. The poor guy ended up with such severe matting that I had no choice but to call a professional groomer to come to the house and shave him down. It was a last resort, and I felt guilty that I hadn’t been able to give him the care he needed to stay happy and healthy. When he emerged from his grooming session looking like a tiny lion, he was often cold, so I got him a cat sweater, which he actually seemed to enjoy—until his fur grew out again, of course.

Despite the challenges, there were some sweet moments. Pewdie would sit by me more often during this time, with his little paw outstretched to touch my belly as we cozied up on the couch together. It was these tender times that made the difficulties seem a bit more manageable.

 Bonding Through Grooming

Taking good care of your cat, especially if they’re a long-haired breed, is vital. Regular brushing does more than prevent mats—it also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. Pewdie would often purr and nuzzle the brush during our grooming sessions, his way of saying, “Thanks, Mom!” Even though it was a lot of work, knowing that he was happy and well cared for made it all worth it.

Have you experienced the joys and challenges of grooming a long-haired cat? Share your stories in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out our previous post on Pewdie.