Trust me, I also think that a shave down would be best. Ultimately it is not my cat, it is my neighbors. She is sick, elderly, and might not make it out of the hospital. This cat is her only family and she loves the cat’s long hair.

Out of due diligence to her, I just want to get recommendations for a good groomer to see if it is at all possible to get the mats out and preserve any of the fur length. If the groomer says it’s not possible or will be too painful for the cat, I’ll have her shaved.