Calico Cat Hair Problem

by Joni
(Lake Tahoe, NV)

My cat has very fine medium length fur similar to rabbit fur. Sami is a beautiful calico who turns into an alien fur ball by the end of Summer. She is 16 and has never "allowed" brushing. I carefully snip out knots and avoid claws and teeth for two months a year - what to do?

- Sami's mom

Suggestion from Cat Health Guide Editor:

Calico cats are predisposed to a number of skin problems genetically. Abnormalities such as pigmentation, hypersensitivity and allergic reactions are more frequent is such cats.

In other words, the skin and hair follicles are relatively sensitive, thus extra care is needed.

In the case of your Calico, she is an older cat who is experiencing a sub clinical form of a skin problem. Since she does not allow brushing, it seems that the cat hair follicles or the base of the hair is weak. This makes Sami sensitive to the feeling of brushing which is somewhat annoying to the cat.

On the other hand, as you said, that by end of summer, things get worse, which I think is because of excessive hair shedding.

Unfortunately, there is no solution for genetic abnormalities, like what is happening to your Calico. Also, age is another factor in skin sensitivity.

You can use a quality herbal shampoo for keeping the skin healthy and which will help to strengthen the hair follicles such as a Waterless deShedding Shampoo & Conditioner. Secondly, you can try using a special tool for grooming your cat such as a grooming glove like this one offered by Simple Solution. When you stroke your cat using the glove, it will feel more familiar to Sami while helping with the hair problem.

Also, you can use medications that are primarily used to address a cat’s aggressiveness, but those are usually available via prescription only. You can also try using herbal preparations in place of prescription drugs that address skin health such as Skin and Coat Tonic

Your cat has sensitive skin, so snipping knots yourself can be a risk since cats have very thin skin. Preferably you should consult a professional groomer for this purpose.