WORD, re "The Furminator." As silly as the name is, that sucker works. I have been doing a weekly session with my border collie, whose clumps of fur around the house were driving me insane, and it's making a big difference.

And I hope your sweet boy is 100% better soon!! I have a boy kitty like that...sensitive, loving little dude (in contrast to my other kitty, a tiny adorable girl who is a complete thug in terms of personality) and it would just rip my heart out to see him hurting.