The California Cat Doctor: Cat Fur

Friday, May 20, 2011

Cat Fur

We aren't a grooming parlor, but we DO get involved in feline grooming issues when a groomer can't or won't tackle it. Sometimes this is because a cat is simply too fractious (I like that term - it sounds so much less judgemental than "nasty") to be combed or shaved, and sometimes it is because the groomer sees something scary about the cat's condition and alerts the owner that medical attention is needed, not simply grooming.

Either way, when a cat comes to us with grooming issues, we always start with an EXAMINATION. By the DOCTOR. In the EXAM room. And yes, we do charge for this exam. It's part of what I consider appropriate medical care, and is essential so that we can do a thorough evaluation of the cat's overall needs (we don't treat fur - we treat PATIENTS) and give an accurate fee estimate.

You'd be surprised at the vast number of phone calls we get from people demanding a bath and combout or shave WITHOUT my ever examining the patient. It would be funny if it weren't so sad, because this demand is usually AFTER the receptionist has already explained the need for an EXAM.

And no, we can't tell you how expensive it will be to combout or shave your cat, who we have never seen before, without having a good look at it. We don't have a magic crystal ball to intuit the concomitant kidney failure, or out-of-control hyperthyroidism, or advanced oral cancer that we sometimes see in cats presented for "grooming".

I try not to get frustrated by these things, but it's hard. Especially when it's clear the owner doesn't care nearly as much about their cat's medical well-being as they do their own personal convenience or entertainment budget.

We had a cat come in recently that was old and decrepit, and badly matted. When we got done shaving her, it was hard to tell which was the pile of fur and which was the cat. It ended well - she went home feeling much better than when she came in. But it was scary - and she isn't the worst I've ever seen.

So, which is the cat? And which is the fur? You decide.

Disclaimer: The cat depicted is alive. No cats were harmed in the production of this blog post.

Helpful suggestion: Grooming implements

About Cat's Meow Veterinary Clinic

Cat's Meow Veterinary Clinic opened as the San Fernando Valley's first FELINE-EXCLUSIVE practice in 1991. For the safety and comfort of our feline patients, we are a DOG-FREE environment, so please keep the pups at home.

We are located at 19909 Ventura Blvd in Woodland Hills, CA, three blocks east of Winnetka Ave on the north side of the street.

Phone: 818-346-7161

Office hours are 8 AM - 6 PM Monday - Friday and 8 AM - 1 PM Saturday. Please call to schedule an appointment. We are a one doctor practice so our ability to accommodate walk-ins is limited. Cat's Meow Veterinary Clinic is closed on major holidays.

After-hours emergency care is available at ACCESS Critical Care, 20051 Ventura Blvd (NE corner of Ventura and Winnetka) in Woodland Hills - 818-887-2262

Dr. Gayle Robison received her DVM from Colorado State University in 1982. She has been in private practice in Southern California since 1983 and opened Cat's Meow Veterinary Clinic in 1991. She is cat mother to Hobie and Momo.