Stray cat with BIG hair problems?

A stray cat has started visiting me in the past couple of weeks. He is a long haired orange and white cat. As he has warmed up to me, I've gotten closer to him and see TONS AND TONS of mats all over him. I feel so bad because I know that it probably hurts.

He is a great cat and very friendly (a little skittish at first). I don't want to take him to the shelters because I feel they probably will just put him down because he probably has a lot of problems and he looks like an older cat.

I don't have the money to go and get him professionally groomed (he would need it badly) but was wondering if it would be a good idea to try and groom him myself.

I have already tried to clip him with scissors but it's so bad that he'll start meowing and pulling away. Would clippers (like the ones that you use for your own hair) work better?

Any advice would be great!

Stray cat with BIG hair problems?

i used to work for a vet and we saw this all the time. yes, you can shave him at your house with hair clippers for people. won't be the best or look the best. you need to watch out that the clippers don't get to hot. the blades will become extremely hot to the touch if you have them on for a while. so i recommened that you first get kitty use to the sound of the clippers. then, wrap kitty in towel, snuggle on lap, and proceed to shave one area at a time. start with the back of the neck first. and talk and pet all at the same time. do small areas a couple of times a day until you are done. and remember that cat's tails DO NOT wag when they are happy. That is a sign that he is mad so take a break.

Stray cat with BIG hair problems?

you can def. take him to a no kill shelter or like a no kill humane society center. they will take him right him hopefully. the HSC (no kill) will take him in and if you want, you can leave a donation whatever the amount. but yes, take him in please. thanks for giving attention to the strays :-)

Stray cat with BIG hair problems?

call around to vets or groomers for a pricing and explain whats going on.

I doubt you can handle the guy with a running razor and end up doing more harm than good if he moves and nicks him or pulls the mats. It would take a good long time for a stray to get use (or any cat really) to a buzzing noise.

So call around and see if a vet can help you or a groomer can trim him for you. for a low price

Stray cat with BIG hair problems?

You should be very careful with clippers as lots of times mats will pull the skin inside the mat and you can cut the cat badly using clippers. If you can't afford a groomer, a trip to the vets for stitches will cost twice as much. Mats ideally should be loosened with a comb and scissors. Work the tip of the scissors into the top of the mat and make a small snip. Keep working at the mat until you can get the comb through it. It's time consuming but much safer.

Remember that mats are very painful because they pull at the skin. Work just a few minutes at a time. It may take several days to get it done but you'll both feel better when it's all over.

Stray cat with BIG hair problems?

Clippers will work but if he is skittish be VERY CAREFUL. The noise from the clippers could scare him and cause him to attack. Try sitting outside with the clippers turned on and see how he responds. I have a cat that attacks the hair dryer daily, whether it's on or not. She knows it makes a noise that she doesn't like and that's all it takes.