Is it possible to get an older cat used to brushing?

Question

Our cat is 10 years old, and we got her when she was about a year old. She has a very thick coat (the vet calls it bunny fur). It's not been a huge problem, but I've noticed in the past few months that she is shedding more than usual. I have not changed her diet, so I can only attribute it to her age.

She grooms herself regularly and does not have a hairball problem. She does not like to be held in front of any other people or our other cat (long story), so I can only pet her when she is in the mood, or if I pick her up and take her to a private room. When I get her alone, she cuddles and purrs like crazy, but her fur comes out in huge quantities, mostly the topcoat, not the undercoat. She is not getting patchy or thin spots but rather is losing it all over and seems to have no lack of replacement fur when it comes off.

I have tried brushing her in the past but she screams and hides. I have taken her into the bathroom where she can't get away and tried brushing her, but it seems to be so stressful for her that I stopped trying.

If I kept it up, would she eventually get used to it? I don't ever expect her to enjoy it, but is it possible for her to get to a point where she will tolerate it?

Answer 1

It could be the brush, so you may want to try others and see if it helps any.  Also, I would give her treats or some wet food (if she likes it) while you try doing it.  Try to associate the brushing with something good.  This is how I got my cats used to getting their nails trimmed.  They use to bite and scratch and have a fit the whole time.  Now, when I pull out the nail cutters, they know they're getting a treat afterwards, so they're much more behaved.

Answer 2

Try a variety of brushes, including human hair brushes.  It may be that the one you have doesn't feel good to her.  

We have the Furminator -- our short hair LUUUUUVs it (and it gets a ton of undercoat from her), but our long hair can barely tolerate it.  He does better with one of my old nylon bristle hairbrushes.

Ask your friends and family to give you any old hair brushes they were planning to throw away, and test drive 'em.