Hi, I have two very long haired cats that I'd appreciate some pointers for. I guess I'm looking for any observations you may have about things that I should look out for or betters ways of doing things for them.

I have had cats all my life practically, but these two are the fluffiest by a very long way. I don't have any health problems with them although Simon is prone to putting on weight, and they're really easy to own, no problems at all.

They are about two years old and I've had them for just over a year. I have no knowledge of their backgrounds before that time. I think they maybe Siberian, judging my their characters more than anything (very dog like) but otherwise I guess they must be Persian. They are house cats but they can go in our garden, which is pretty small, when its cool enough for them (we live in Oman). Feral cats would kill these two or they'd be stolen if we let them out any further than the garden.

They're fed on Royal Canin Indoor 27 but I'll add Royal Canin Hair and Skin when and as. They get brushed daily and I've recently started using a Furminator on them - I'd appreciate feedback on that, what do you think of the Furminator?

So I hope that's enough info, please ask any questions that are relevant and I look forward to your feedback.

Photo of the boys at: Simon and Adrian

they are bloody gorgeous i use a furminator on mine just to help with the amount of shedding they do but mine arnt quite as fluffy as yours. I want to cat nap your boys

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I wouldnt use furminator on longhairs, I'd prob use a small metal comb with medium/fine teeth, followed by a slicker brush. To help remove any loose undercoat at moulting time I'd use the Mikki mat breaker

They are gorgeous by the way

Thank you both - they're like teddy bears, which is very funny when they fight

I use a soft pin slicker as well on them, they don't need a comb as they don't get matts - because I use a slicker I guess! And yes, I have the Mikki mat breaker, but again never need to use it. Can you say why you wouldn't use a furminator? I'm doubting its abilities myself to be honest, but I'm desperate for it to work to get rid of the shedding!

They are gorgeous!!


I use a ferminator on Molly, also a fine toothed comb and a brush! I find that the ferminator does quite a good job, though not sure she really likes it!!


I'm not sure she likes any of the things I use, but being mega fluffy I have to show her who's boss

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I use a furminator on Louie because he has major fluffy pants & is always growing a tat somewhere but I only use it every couple of weeks or so as you can over do it we also have metal toothed combs & brush

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All my children have paws!

'Major fluffy pants' - oh yes! I always have a snigger when they're going down the stairs infront of me.

Ok, so it looks like a few use a Furminator - I'll keep an open mind about it for the time being. I should be saving the fluff that comes off them - I'm sure I'd have enough for a whole new cat by now

I have said it before, but I shall say it again, these two are a couple of the most stunning cats I have ever seen. They look so dignified and outstandingly beautiful in your photograph. Bloody gorgeous indeed.

Other than that I have no special advice. Personally I would not feed them a diet that consisted of mainly dried food but there are lot of other threads on here re: diet from which you can make an informed opinion.

The other bit of advice I always give cat owners is to get them insured but make sure it is lifetime cover. Again, there are some really useful threads with web links on this site to help guide you regarding that.

And welcome to the forum

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Many thanks BSH, unfortunately living in Oman there is no insurance cover for pets. As for the dried food only, I took the advice of my vet and a breeder (in UK), and as the cats are absolutely fine, I'm happy to stick with it, giving wet food occasionally as a treat.

So lovely: they remind me of my own woolly britches, Nunu.
IMO, don't worry too much about the dry food only thing. I have endless problems trying to get my Nunu to eat enough wet food. I am beginning to wonder if the stress is worth it. I think the daily food battle may in the long run be more damaging than the dry food, tbh. I am thinking of giving up, myself.