The key to keeping a long coat in top condition is brushing. Kittens of long-coated breeds should be trained to accept brushing very early on, before the coat reaches its adult length. Then they treat grooming sessions as a normal part of life.

You need to start at one end of your cat, and slowly work your way through the entire coat, gently teasing out the matted hair as you go. It can take hours or even days, depending on how matted your cat is, and how stressed it becomes while you're brushing.

If your cat is severely matted and you're having difficulty brushing it yourself, I'd recommend making an appointment with a professional cat groomer. Most grooming shops are geared for cats as well as dogs, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding somewhere to take it.

Be prepared. Sometimes a coat can be so matted that it simply isn't worth putting Kitty through the trauma of de-matting, and your groomer may recommend shaving the coat instead. If this happens, rest assured that the coat will grow back to it's former length, and in the meantime you can begin training your cat to accept your brushing several times a week.

Kitty should come to appreciate these sessions as a time to be affectionate with you, and you might want to offer a little treat when the brushing is over.

Chalk this all up as a learning experience and give both of you a fresh start

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