Archive for August, 2015
such a good boy
Maine Coon Buster always feels better when his coat is short, so we meet up with him regularly to keep on top of it.
He’s 9 years old now, and lives in Chorlton Cum Hardy, Manchester. He’s a little nervous of outsiders (and being fiddled with !), but each session is getting easier for him. It’s obvious that he’s now used to the process and knows just what to expect.
Best session so far, Buster. Really well done fellow, you were a star !
little loulou
It was so nice to be asked to meet up with LouLou again.
LouLou is 19 years old, and it was 12 months to the day since we last saw her in Blackley, Manchester.
As LouLou isn’t as able to keep on top of her coat these days she’d developed a few mats here and there that needed to be removed. As they were scattered, and underneath were quite tight, we took off the coat for a fresh start.
It was obvious that LouLou remembered what it was all about. Although she was a little fidgety to begin with, her demeanour was much more settled that last year. We took off as much as possible on all 4s, then worked underneath … and you know what ? LouLou lay very still and calmly – with sweet talk from mum in her ear – whilst we zipped through those knots. LouLou is deaf these days but we still interact like she can hear, and she knows alright.
After the session LouLou panned herself out on the cool flooring for a couple of minutes, had a treat, then was off upstairs to bed to catch up on that all important sleep !
Mum later said :
“This is loulou who is the grand old age of 19. She’s stopped cleaning herself and has numerous health problems. Sandra came out to groom her last week and now she has a new lease of life. Sandra has so much patience and understanding of cats. Her coat was extremely matted so a shave was needed and loulou is much more mobile and happy now. Thanks again to essentiallypurrfect. Here is loulou now”
gentle oliver
We had the most gentle gentle with Oliver, a 2 year old Maine Coon in Altrincham, Cheshire. He lives there with his brother, a couple of housemates and family who adore all their chicks !
Oliver’s coat was in a great condition, with just a few ad-hoc knots on the trousers and underneath. We sorted those, then had a nice brush out of the rest of his coat.
It was our first session and Oliver was very relaxed. He even didn’t mind when we trimmed around his rear quarters.
Well done, Oliver ! Lovely session young man !
biiiig bertie
You’ll remember Maine Coon Bertie in Urmston, Greater Manchester, right ? Bertie is a biiiiiiig boy, and today his coat was biiiiiiig too.
Although it’s not that long since we last saw Bertie, mum hasn’t been able to comb to their usual routine and therefore his coat had been matted. Some areas needed to be zipped away, but a lot of it could be combed out. It’s just that it was extremely hard going.
Bertie was a trooper, but we broke the session off as he had reached his tolerance limit. It Bertie says enough, it’s enough – as he really is a good boy. A few days later we finished off, and now he’s looking so pleased with himself and feeling comfy again !
Well done Bertie .. We’ll see you again in a few weeks chick !
baby bear
This little fellow is quite a traveller. He can be found in either Preston, Lancashire or down in Liverpool, Merseyside.
Bear is a 17 month old Maine Coon – and it’s fair to say that he’s not keen on being brushed. Not a bad bone in his body – just really not keen. Athletic, acrobatic – full of beans !!
He’d recently had a visit to the vets to remove some tight mats, and his coat was growing back a treat. Even without any knots or problem areas, Bear couldn’t agree to a session.
We had a brush through, turning it more into a game for him. He likes chewing, so he chewed a combed at one end, whilst we worked on other areas.
It’s going to be a long, slow job for dad to get Bear into the habit of combing … Little and often … Good luck dad !
mr milo
Who this Chinchilla Persian Millo from Barrow in Furness, Cumbria ? That’s right – It’s Milo.
We last saw Milo around 4 months ago. Today, Milo was quite knotty underneath his tummy and ad-hoc on top of his torso. We took a lot of hair away from underneath, but left as much coverage as possible as he does venture outside.
It was a very hot day and part way through the session we abandoned ship and moved the grooming table out into the garden. Milo’s was extra-fidgety today, but we’ll put at least some of it down to the temperature to give him the benefit of the doubt !
Overall, well done Milo !
friendly alfie
Friendly Maine Coon Alfie in Urmston, Greater Manchester recently asked us to call in on him for his regular session.
Alfie’s around 7 years old and although he’s a timid boy, once he gets to know you he does love cuddles and sweet talk.
Since we last saw Alfie, his mum has broken her wrist. So, not as much combing has been going on. Hence, a few mats needed to be removed, and Alfie’s coat in general was mega-thick.
We had a lonnnnnng session and Alfie’s behavious was impeccable. 10/10 Alfie, you handsome man !
Just look at all the dead hair that came away … Alfie’s sure feeling lighter !
darling dexter
Maine Coon cross Dexter has recently moved house. He’s now with his (same) family in Chorlton Cum Hardy, Manchester – and both he and his housemate have settled in very well.
We met up with Dexter again as he has regular maintenance clips to keep his coat short. He’s noticeably happier this way.
It’s obvious that each session is becoming easier for Dexter. He’s quite a nervous guy, but he managed to keep his cool for the majority of the session.
Then – afterwards – he was back strolling through the grooming room totally unphased whilst we were clearing up !
Until next time, Dexter …
handsome thomas
Here’s Thomas, our friend from Manchester once again. Thomas is a very nervous young man, but affectionate once he’s made friends. He’s been with his new mum for almost a year now.
This second session was noticeably more relaxed than last time. We still had a few Houdini moments (!) and Thomas was a bit fidgety, but it was all quite half hearted.
Thomas’ coat was very thick today, but no knots. Combing is becoming a little easier for mum, but Thomas still really isn’t keen towards his rear and lower quarters. He was very compliant though during our session and we combed his tum without any fuss.
After the session, mum Charlotte told us
“Dear Sandra, yet another successful grooming session for Thomas – thank you. I really couldn’t manage him without you. He is currently asleep on my bed looking much more sleek than usual. He is definitely becoming more affectionate, although he is still a little biter ! Looking forward to seeing you again in autumn. All the best, Charlotte and Thomas xxx”
Looking forward to our next session too, guys !
lovely lizzie
At 6 years old, Lizzie is a brown tabby Maine Coon who lives in Altrincham, Cheshire with a family who adore her, and quite a houseful of housemates !
Lizzie is a little timid by nature, until she gets to know you – but it doesn’t take long, and she’s a most friendly chick who enjoys a bit of a fuss.
We worked through Lizzie’s coat and took away a couple of small areas that couldn’t be saved. The rest of her coat had a good work through to remove dead hair and make her a little lighter !
We broke off part way through the session as it was a hot day, with the sun shining through. Time for Lizzie to chill a little. Then we resumed, to finish off Lizzie’s coat.
Following the session, mum Lesley said
“It was a great pleasure to meet Sandra today. After a grooming experience that left me feeling rather uncomfortable my cats hadn’t been properly groomed for some time!! Sandra was so patient, kind and very gentle with the cats and me!! A very positive experience for all of us. Many, many thanks and hope to see you again if you’re brave enough!! Xxx”
A lovely session, Lizzie. Well done chick and looking forward already to seeing you again
