methly b12 after remission? and looking for tips on mats!

[Amy & Herman]

Hello all!

We are just over a month into our remission - and hoping to keep it that way! A few questions...

Methyl b12
Herman's neuropathy got quite bad before regulation. I put him on methyl B12 (vitacost brand) and once regulated he started improving! I am thrilled to say he currently shows no signs whatsoever and even jumps easily on to the kitchen counter again (yay...)...so, should I continue with this supplementation in his status as a "diet controlled diabetic"? Or is this only when blood sugars are "too high".

Mats
Herman HATES grooming - (except for face, ears, forehead and beard - which he LOOOOOOVES)....but anywhere else he goes INSANE (yowls, hisses growls, attacks - Herman is VERY opinionated)...I do my best mat-wise to snip out whatever I can safely when the opportunity presents - but it's an impossible task. Spring is around the corner and as he sheds the mats get worse, he self grooms more, hairballs galore, etc - it's a mess - and the mats don't get better - I worry he is so uncomfortable. Aside from taking him to the vet and having them shave him (I assume he will be too scared to be his usual difficult self - he does find vets very stressful) - are there any supplements or any hints/tips anyone can share?

 

[tessa's mom]

Have you considered taking Herman to a professional cat groomer? They can be a bit difficult to find and pretty pricey but it's worth it if you can find a good one. Tessa gets regular grooming by a certified master feline groomer and she is a miracle worker! She has a grooming van so she comes to me and not once has Tessa ever acted traumatized or even upset after getting her groom. In fact, she's always seemed happier, I think because the matting was uncomfortable and she feels better when the mats are removed.

The National Cat Groomer Institute has a locator on their website: https://nationalcatgroomers.com/find-a-cat-groomer/

 

[Amy & Herman]

Have you considered taking Herman to a professional cat groomer? They can be a bit difficult to find and pretty pricey but it's worth it if you can find a good one. Tessa gets regular grooming by a certified master feline groomer and she is a miracle worker! She has a grooming van so she comes to me and not once has Tessa ever acted traumatized or even upset after getting her groom. In fact, she's always seemed happier, I think because the matting was uncomfortable and she feels better when the mats are removed.

The National Cat Groomer Institute has a locator on their website: https://nationalcatgroomers.com/find-a-cat-groomer/

I would consider it - he is just such a nut case about it I would hate for him to hurt the groomer or himself! But I am sure they have their techniques. I will look in to it - thanks! PS Tessa is adorable - she has the mane like Herman and actually similar face/expression!

 

[tessa's mom]

I would consider it - he is just such a nut case about it I would hate for him to hurt the groomer or himself! But I am sure they have their techniques. I will look in to it - thanks! PS Tessa is adorable - she has the mane like Herman and actually similar face/expression!

Yeah, cat groomers definitely have techniques to get the cat to relax but some cats still won't like it and it's possible Herman is one that won't.

Tessa does let me brush her sometimes but she starts getting feisty once I move away from her head and neck. I have to bribe her with treats if I need to comb her further down her body. She does have combs/brushes she prefers so you might have to try some different things with Herman to see if he likes one over the other. Tessa likes the Zoom Groom (although I think she likes chewing on that more than being brushed by it lol), greyhound combs, and the EquiGroomer. She doesn't like slicker brushes or deshedding brushes/combs.

Thank you for the compliment, I'll pass it along to the diva herself lol.

 

[Virginie & Chewie (GA)]

Second the certified feline groomer recommendation! They definitely are masters of handling techniques that reduce stress, and wear nylar sleeves to protect from scratches. They can also use an air muzzle for bitey cats (looks like a half astronaut helmet made of hard plastic). Chewie's brother Wicket hates being brushed, and as he started getting older his fur started matting like crazy, so now I give him "teddy bear trims" (about a half-inch long) myself every 6 months. I think it's also called a "comb cut". I like it better than the typical lion cut that shaves down to the skin, and I just trim his mane and leave his tail alone. I would love to use a professional groomer, their work looks so much better, but haven't found one with openings in Richmond yet, so I have to make do. Hope you can find one in your area!

 

[Virginie & Chewie (GA)]

PS: if you do find a feline groomer that you like, you could also just take him there every few months for a full grooming instead of a shave (they'll bathe him and brush out as much dead coat as possible, which will keep a long-haired cat mat-free for a few months - length depends on the breed and on whether the cats will agree to be brushed in between appointments). And if he's spicy you can always give gabapentin beforehand

 

[jayla-n-Drevon]

I am a groomer and from what I have read Herman likes things his way
The vet can give a mild tranq. and for cats I groom them when there are no dogs there....I also have the owner stay.
I know many do not want to tranq but it is often safer for all involved. (they have natural things too at all the pet stores)

 

[Amy & Herman]

PS: if you do find a feline groomer that you like, you could also just take him there every few months for a full grooming instead of a shave (they'll bathe him and brush out as much dead coat as possible, which will keep a long-haired cat mat-free for a few months - length depends on the breed and on whether the cats will agree to be brushed in between appointments). And if he's spicy you can always give gabapentin beforehand

He certainly is spicy! Hmmm good suggestions. Thank you!

 

[Amy & Herman]

I am a groomer and from what I have read Herman likes things his way
The vet can give a mild tranq. and for cats I groom them when there are no dogs there....I also have the owner stay.
I know many do not want to tranq but it is often safer for all involved. (they have natural things too at all the pet stores)

Yes he does! Thanks for the input….he definitely could potentially be dangerous. To himself as well. He’s the first cat in all my years that doesn’t love body grooms, frustrating!

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I can't comment on the grooming. I have 2 Norwegian Forest Cats and they are not huge fans of being brushed.

As for the methyl B-12, if Herman is in remission and there are no signs of neuropathy, you should be fine to stop the vitamin. The neuropathy results from the FD and high numbers. On the other hand, it won't hurt him. B-vitamins are water soluble so just keep Herman well hydrated and all should be good if you want to keep him on a maintenance dose.

 

[Amy & Herman]

I can't comment on the grooming. I have 2 Norwegian Forest Cats and they are not huge fans of being brushed.

As for the methyl B-12, if Herman is in remission and there are no signs of neuropathy, you should be fine to stop the vitamin. The neuropathy results from the FD and high numbers. On the other hand, it won't hurt him. B-vitamins are water soluble so just keep Herman well hydrated and all should be good if you want to keep him on a maintenance dose.

Thanks for this! Makes sense. I’ll keep a maintenance dose going.