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Cat Matted Fur, Cause & Prevention
Eliminate these frustrating, tangled messes with ease while keeping your cat calm and comfortable, no scratches, stress, or discomfort involved.
While cats are naturally skilled at grooming themselves, they are still prone to matted fur, especially if they stop grooming due to old age, weight gain, or underlying health issues. When a cat's fur becomes tangled and neglected, it can lead to painful mats that may cause skin irritation or infections if not properly addressed. In this article, we’ll discuss why mats form, how to prevent cat fur from matting, and the safest techniques to remove mats without causing discomfort to your feline friend. Whether you have a long-haired cat, a senior cat, or a haired cat prone to tangles, this guide will help you keep their coat healthy and smooth.
Matted Fur in Cats
Cats spend a lot of time grooming, but it’s not just about cleanliness. Licking their fur helps keep cat skin healthy by stimulating sebaceous glands to produce natural oils. However, mats can still form, especially in long haired cats or senior cats with limited mobility. When cat matted fur develops, it can trap dead hair and dirt, making the coat feel lumpy or tangled. Regular brushing with a slicker brush or cat comb can help prevent mats, but if they become severe, a professional groomer may be needed to remove mats safely.
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What Causes Matted Cat Fur?
Grooming helps keep cat fur clean and prevents fleas, but mats can still form when a cat neglects grooming or something becomes stuck in its coat. Cat matted fur often develops in high-friction areas, like under the legs or along the back.
Cats may stop or reduce grooming due to a health issue, behavioral concerns, or obesity. Overweight cats and senior cats often struggle to reach certain spots, leading to mats that trap dead hair and debris. Mats are especially common along the lower back, where friction is high.
Certain cat breeds have a dense undercoat, making them more prone to matting. Those with thick, luxurious fur include:
- Persians.
- Maine Coons.
- Ragdolls.
- Norwegian Forest Cats.
- Siberian Forest Cats.
- Russian Blue.
- British Shorthairs.
- Scottish Folds.
- Turkish Van.
- Birman.
- Balinese.
- Selkirk Rex.
- LaPerm.
Why Is Matted Cat Fur Bad?
Matted cat fur can be extremely painful, tightening over time and putting pressure on cat skin, leading to bruising and irritation. Mats block airflow, trapping dead hair, dirt, bacteria, and even parasites. This irritation can quickly cause a skin infection, and the skin beneath mats becomes fragile and prone to injury.
If mats appear suddenly, your cat may be unwilling or unable to groom, which could signal a health issue. Senior cats, cats with obesity, or those with medical conditions often struggle with grooming. If your cat has stopped grooming entirely, a vet visit is recommended.
To remove mats, act quickly to prevent pain and discomfort. A slicker brush, cat comb, or detangle spray can help with minor mats if your cat is grooming normally. However, if there are multiple mats or your cat seems distressed, seek help from a professional groomer to safely remove mats without injuring the cat skin.
How to Comb Out Cat Mats
Small, loose mats that aren’t tightly stuck to the cat skin can often be gently worked out using a cat comb or slicker brush. Successfully removing mats from a cat requires a steady hand, plenty of patience, and sometimes an extra pair of hands to help keep the cat calm.
To Start
It’s best to groom a cat when they’re relaxed. Trying to remove mats during playtime can result in some painful scratches from sharp claws.
Gather your supplies: a fine toothed cat comb, a little cornstarch or baby powder, and some cat treats for encouragement.
Lightly sprinkle the cornstarch or powder over the matted cat fur, then gently work it in with your fingers. Carefully lift the mat away from the skin to see its base before using a comb brush.
If your cat resists, pause and offer soothing words and gentle pets until they calm down. Repeat this as needed throughout the process to keep your cat groom session stress free.
Handling the Comb
Starting with a separated section of the mat, use your non-dominant hand to hold the base of the matted cat fur down with your thumb and forefinger to prevent pulling. Carefully begin combing through the mat, starting at the very tip of the hairs. Gradually work your way down, using just the first few pegs of a cat comb for tougher tangles.
For short haired cats, a slicker brush can be helpful for gently working through any remaining knots.
End the session with a cat treat and stop for the day. If the mats form extensively, it may take several sessions to remove mats completely. Since keeping your cat calm is essential, avoid forcing the groom all at once.
How to Get Mats Out of Cat Fur using Clippers
If the mats are too tight to be removed with a cat comb or slicker brush, you may need to shave them out using clippers. For cats, it's best to use small, battery operated clippers that are quiet and designed to minimize stress, making the process more comfortable for your feline friend.
Introduce the Clippers
Start by slowly acclimating your cat to the sound and sensation of the clippers. Begin by turning them on from a distance for a few seconds while offering treats as a positive reinforcement. Gradually bring the clippers closer while continuing to reward your cat. If your cat shows signs of fear, stop and give them time to relax. This process may take a few days, so be patient to ensure a stress-free experience.
Shave Off Mats
Start by using a cat comb or slicker brush to detangle the non-matted fur. When shaving mats, hold the clippers flat against the skin and carefully slide the blade beneath the mat. Use your fingers to gently lift the matted fur away from the cat’s skin as you guide the clippers underneath.
Reward & Treat
Take frequent breaks, especially if your cat becomes restless or uneasy. Reward them with a small treat and soothing praise to keep the experience positive.
How to Prevent Matted Cat Fur
The best way to prevent cat matted fur is by incorporating regular brushing into your cat groom routine. This is especially crucial for long haired cats, as their thick coats are more prone to mat formation. While petting your cat, run your hands over their body to check for tangles, knots, or mats. Addressing small mats early with a slicker brush, cat comb, or detangle spray makes removal easier and prevents them from becoming more severe.
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How to remove matted cat hair without cutting
To remove matted cat hair without cutting, begin by softening the mats with a pet-safe detangling spray or a diluted conditioner, then gently work through the fur with a wide toothed comb starting at the edges. This approach minimizes discomfort and reduces the risk of pulling on the skin, allowing you to gradually ease out tangles. For particularly stubborn mats, it may be best to consult a professional groomer to ensure your cat’s safety and comfort.
Top Tips for Removing Mats from Cats
Ease your cat into grooming by gradually introducing the comb or detangling tool, rewarding them with treats to build positive associations.
Avoid giving your cat a bath until you've eliminated any mats – washing while they're still present can make the tangles even more problematic. For further guidance, check out How to Bathe a Cat | Tips and Tricks for a Clean Cat.
For minor tangles that haven't yet clumped into dense mats, lightly mist the area with a small amount of pet hair conditioner before combing. Be sure to use a pump style spray rather than an aerosol, as the latter may startle your cat.
Having a helper to hold and comfort your cat during this time consuming process can make the task much easier.
Invest in specialized grooming tools, like a slicker brush or knot comb, which are designed to safely and gently work through tangles without causing discomfort.
FAQ
My cat has matted fur should I cut it off or find a way to detangle it?
For cat matted fur that isn't too severe, it's best to detangle it carefully rather than cutting it off. However, if the cat matted fur is causing discomfort or is very tangled, consider seeking professional help.
Are there home remedies for cat matting?
For cat matted fur, cornstarch or baby powder can help loosen the mats, making them easier to comb through. Some pet parents suggest putting a drop or two of olive oil under the mats, this might help the mats loosen over a few days. If you try this, be sure to use just a small amount to avoid your cat ingesting it, as too much can lead to stomach upset. Also, avoid using essential oils or non-food oils on cat matted fur.
How to deal with your longhaired cat's mats?
How can you effectively handle cat matted fur in your longhaired cat? To tackle cat matted fur, gentle grooming techniques and regular care are essential.
Is matted cat fur painful for cats?
Yes, cat matted fur can become tightly bound to the skin, causing significant pain and discomfort. Clumps of fur can irritate the skin and even lead to infections. Additionally, cat matted fur might signal inadequate grooming, which is often an indicator of an underlying illness.
Any tips for removing mats from cats that won't let you remove them?
For cat matted fur on a resistant cat, try softening the mats with a detangling spray or diluted conditioner and use a wide toothed comb in short, calm sessions offering treats and praise to build trust. If your cat remains too stressed, consider seeking professional grooming help.
Are some cat breeds more prone to developing mats in their fur?
Yes, some cat breeds are more prone to developing cat matted fur, especially those with long, dense coats. Breeds like Persians, Maine Coons, are well known for this, while Ragdolls, Siberians, Norwegian Forest Cats, and Turkish Vans are also at higher risk. Regular grooming is essential for these cats to prevent cat matted fur from becoming a persistent issue.
Kelly Rushton
Meet Kelly Rushton, a dedicated cat enthusiast and proud owner of Feline Fancy Ltd. With a heart as big as her household, Kelly is the loving mum to 10 Charming Ragdoll Cats. In her world, felines reign supreme, and she brings professionalism and warmth to everything she does. Through her blog, Kelly shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering insights into cat care, behavior, and the joy of living alongside these majestic creatures.
