Matting can affect both longhaired and shorthaired cats and it s important that all cats get frequent grooming from their owners.
How to groom a cat with matted fur.
Longhaired cats develop matted fur more easily than their shorthaired counterparts do.
Dubswede how to remove mats from a longhaired cat 1.
This can lead to dry scaly and sometimes irritated skin.
Really stubborn mats can be broken up with specialized mat rakes or by cutting the mat out with a pair of scissors.
If your cat has sections of matted fur you can probably take care of the problem yourself.
These clumps of fur can be painful for the cat.
Certain breeds of cats persians maine coons and other long haired breeds are more likely to develop mats.
How to safely remove matts and how to prevent future matts from occurring.
Using a wide toothed comb.
Brush your cat s fur frequently.
Regular brushing is recommended for your cat s coat health and most knots and mats can be removed this way.
Dental issues the easiest place to start your investigation into why a senior cat isn t autogrooming as often is their mouth.
When your cat notices this change they start to groom more which could increase the amount of hair they ingest and cause other health problems.
Brush your shorthaired cat one to three times per week.
Dr magnifico a small animal veterinarian explains why cats fur becomes matted.
But sometimes if something becomes stuck in its fur or a cat neglects its grooming mats may form.
Usually grooming keeps the fur clean and prevents fleas from taking hold.
If her fur is bad enough that the mat is just one giant stretch of knotted hair that s a situation that probably calls for a professional as shaving her fur might be necessary.
If you have a longhaired cat brush it at least once and possibly twice per day.
Matted cat fur on the other hand damages tissue by preventing oxygen and moisture from reaching it.
Illnesses such as hypothyroidism hyperthyroidism hypertension and kidney problems can cause dandruff and matted fur and these conditions are common in older kitties.
While a lack of grooming sometimes is just part of old age many times there may be a medical cause for it in your elderly feline.
Take your feline to the vet or groomer if you can t untangle the stubborn mats.