My 17 year old Mama Cat is also a black longhair with grey underfur. She won't   let me use the official scratchy fur brush but will tolerate the flea comb, which I use in small swipes. I have to get her brushed or she forms mats. I only use scissors on the mats; those official mat cutters look like torture implements to me. She still gets a mess of hairballs; my futon in a mess. I'm gonna take the rug shampooer to it. Wish me luck.

MA, procrastinating on tractice, as usual.