At Tabby’s Place in Ringoes, NJ, the volume on the heat was recently turned up to 11. Fans of Spinal Tap might think this is a good thing. Individuals from the southern hemisphere might think this has to do with the furnace. The reality is: heatwave. For cats, that means shedding. Very much shedding. Lots and lots of shedding. All of the shedding, all at once, and then, yes, more shedding.
Happily, the providers have provided! There are brushes galore for every type of coat and every type of cat, even those who are not so much a fan of being brushed yet need it more than all of the other cats. Anka’s sponsors know that brushing him is a weekly deal. Yes, deal. Squeeze treats in exchange for cooperation with combing that luscious fur. The human reward is the delight of time spent with an adored feline friend and sneaky kisses popped upon his keppie (That’s American Yiddish for “head.”).
Unfortunately, it is not always so easy to bribe a cat to tolerate a brush. Bing in Suite A has a gorgeous coat, but the approach with the whole brush thing is a slow thing. Being Bing and, ergo, exceedingly sweet and patient, fingers can be used to gently work out the worst mats. Much pausing and many scritches and ample time help make him more comfortable. That is, in and of itself, a big win. But, not every cat is tricky to convince that brushes are GOOOOOD.
In Suite E, good ol’ Juel (JU-JU-BEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!) is always up for a brushing. It’s a good thing too, since his coat is a gift that keeps on giving. Juel is a model of patience and perfect grooming behavior too. So, when Davey’s coat came under scrutiny, there was exactly one plan of action to take. The brush bin was delved into. The best tool for this particular job was extracted. The plan was implemented.
As usual, Juel was lounging in his preferred spot. Easy access to all of him and prime visibility where exactly as hoped. Brush, brush, brush. Someone else clearly has been brushing Juel (FANTASTIC!!), yet he still gave up a respectable pile of fur. Meanwhile, Davey popped himself into the sink and watched. Brush, brush, brush. Watch, watch, watch. Chatting with Davey. Rubbing Juel’s tummy. And, then, it’s Davey’s turn. Slow approach, then pet, pet, pet. Pet, pet, brush. Pet, brush, brush. Brush, brush, brush. Pet, pet, pet.
Turn on the water in the sink. Giggle a little at Davey’s damp face. Pet, pet, brush. Pet, brush, brush. Brush, brush, brush. Davey goes for a little walk over to Juel. Looks around. Pet, pet, pet. Pet, pet, brush. Pet, brush, brush. Brush, brush, brush. Then Hannah comes over to see what’s going on. Okay, brush Hannah too. Hannah barely needs any brushing with that silky short coat, but brush…oh, Hannah…kill the toy mouse not the brush…and not me, sassy boy. Pet, brush. Pet. And, then, back to Davey.
In this way, extreme progress was made. Rotating between the three cats with brush and fingers ready to pet and brush in turn, all the while scrutinized by Tommy, who, understandably, remains highly suspicious of human-cat interactions. Tommy is very shy and very nervous. He has been through very much. So, it is not yet time to try a pet, and brushing seems an eternity away. With Tommy things are still at, “Do you want to say hi?,” with outstretched fingers resting lightly on his blanket several inches away from him.
Davey was at that stage in the very recent not too long ago. It took time to get still-shy Davey to realize that he is “a friendly” (personal term for a cat that enjoys interacting with humans without anyone ending up shredded). Davey has learned that he really loves attention…and to sit in the sink…and to have the faucet turned on for him…and to stick his head under the water for a drink…a loud DRINK DRINK DRINK. Davey drinks loudly. Very loudly. And, when he’s done, he accepts more pets and more of the very necessary brushing. It’s a good deal when the outside ambient heat is trying to break records for July in New Jersey. It’s an extra good deal for Davey, since he is enjoying his first full summer as a Tabby’s Place cat. As with all of the cats, we want him to stay as cool and comfortable as possible. Davey already has a handle on being cool (Cue the sunglasses!). Keeping him brushed will go along way to keeping him comfortable, even when the outside heat on and turned up to 11.