Hi folks
We groom Lily, our silver shaded chinchilla persian every day but have noticed tonight she has a big knot under her armpit. She is quite timid and we tried to remove it with hair clippers and got some of it off but then she started getting fidgety so am in a dilemma as what to do, it must be uncomfy for her. Any tips would be appreciated. ThanksDSC00177.jpg

i use a de-shedding tool that is like a comb but has a razor blade sandwiched between the teeth for the occasions i get long haired cats in. it seems to cause less stress as there is no noise and its just like grooming and there isnt the noise that clippers make

I'd perservere with the clippers, or, if you find ordinary clippers a bit too big to use in that area, you could try these little trimmers - they are great for little knots in difficult to reach areas Wahl Pocket Pro Hair Trimmer Battery Black Rubberised 8066-717: Amazon.co.uk: Health & Beauty

Thanks for replying, think I will get a de-shedding tool and some smaller clippers. She is so soft and fluffy everywhere else but I think the problem is we have to hold her like a baby when brushing her so think thats why were not getting the underarm properly. Cats eh!!

Hi,

I would give her a few drops of bach rescue remedy to start with, give it 20 mins to take effect before attempting the grooming. Do you have a stitch breaker? they sell them in shops that sell sewing machines etc. it is a tiny tool that I find is a complete life saver when it comes to grooming.Much better than anything I have ever bought from a pet shop. While your hubby holds her very carefully break through the knot with the stitch breaker, once you have split the knot you should be able to work it out with your fingers or a wide toothed comb!

Good luck!

Izzie

Thanks for that Izzie. Lily is such a sweetie really but as we got her from rescue I think she is still in survival mode, though we have had her since April. She is quite aloof at times but we love her. We try all things that have been mentioned. Thanks again