Get rid of cat mats

 

Your cat’s fur is made up of two layers: an undercoat and a topcoat. For most cats, the undercoat sheds first, but unlike dogs, does not drop off. Instead, if not brushed away, these dead undercoat hairs will form tangles and mats. This a particular problem for long haired cats. Mats can cause pain and discomfort, and all that trapped fur is a magnet for dirt and infection. Plus, the fastidiously clean cat just can’t be happy with dreadlocks.

Regular brushing—ideally every day but realistically at least once a week, is the best way to keep your cat’s coat in good shape.

Once you notice mats, they can be brushed out. At least the smaller ones. Carefully, using a slicker brush or whatever grooming tool your cat tolerates, start at the top and pick through it, discarding the dead hair. Be forewarned that this can be a very lengthy process over several days, depending on the patience of your animal.

There are specialty matt breakers, some with metal blades that promise not to cut skin. I would recommend trying one of these—you should be able to get one for $10 or less—before taking scissors to your cat.

Another option is to massage the mat out. For this method, start near the base of the matt, near the skin, and rub the matt between your fingers as if you were giving a massage. Discard all dead hair that comes out. Honestly, I haven’t had much luck with this method, but I know people who swear by it.

If you must use scissors, start at the top and CAREFULLY snip down into the matt toward the cat, separating the fur clump into smaller pieces. Do NOT snip all the way down to the skin. Work at brushing out each individual piece until the matt is gone. Again, be prepared for several sessions of this.

Sometimes the only option is to cut the matt off completely. Fur does grow back, and hopefully your cat will not be too embarrassed at having a missing chunk of fur. If the matt is all the way down to the skin, I would ask your groomer or vet about shaving. This gets rid of the matt completely, (so you can start brushing the cat regularly and avoid this situation in the future). However, shaving can be expensive—thirty to forty dollars—and some cats require anesthesia on top of that.

If you own a long-haired cat, PLEASE avoid the whole matting situation and take five minutes each week to take care of her coat. She’ll reward you with soft fur instead of stinky mats.

For more info: tips on de-matting a cat   more tips