How To Get Rid Of Matted Fur On Long Haired Cats

Mats are clumps of hair that have become entangled or knotted over time.

How to get rid of matted fur on long haired cats.

If the brush doesn t seem to work use both of your thumbs and index fingers to pull apart the matted fur. Cats have earned a reputation as effective self groomers but that doesn t mean they don t need your help in staying clean and healthy. These clumps of fur can be painful for the cat. When this happens matting and fur entangling worsen.

Healthy and tangle free cat fur allows for a continuous air flow to your cat s skin. Old infirm overweight and long haired cats in particular are more susceptible to tangled fur which can become clumped mats or knotted dreadlocks. Most mats will come out with brushing but hard mats can require extra work. But sometimes if something becomes stuck in its fur or a cat neglects its grooming mats may form.

Certain breeds of cats persians maine coons and other long haired breeds are more likely to develop mats. But there are plenty of solutions for cat mats it s just a matter of experimenting with different courses and seeing what works for your kitty. Work your way down to the base of the mat as you untangle the top. Dead hair mixes up with the stuck up debris and dirt on its skin thus forming into even larger mats.

And if these are left un brushed the amount of matted and entangled hair increases resulting in it becoming even more matted. Most cats shed their fur during spring and fall. The goal is to unknot tiny portions of the mat at a time. As clumps get larger they put pressure on your cat s skin making it painful to lie down.

Usually grooming keeps the fur clean and prevents fleas from taking hold. Matted cat fur on the other hand damages tissue by preventing oxygen and moisture from reaching it. Why matted cat fur is bad. Indoor only and shorthaired cats can also get mats from a buildup of dust and dander.

Keep in mind that shedding dead hair is normal and it s a process that cannot be avoided. See our related article for much more about the causes of matted hair in cats. If the mat is one large clump sometimes pulling it apart allows the brush or comb to better untangle the hair.