Despite all efforts, fur can often become seriously matted. This is just as horrific as it sounds. If your pet is unwell, it may stop grooming, which could increase matting. Therefore, you may find it underneath her tail, under her chest or even around her legs, because these areas create a lot of movement. ADVERTISEMENT. When a cat's fur begins to shed, the loose fur gets tangled up with the guard hair. Yes, the cat may sleep more, but often it’s a basic sign the cat is too sore or uncomfortable to groom or is too stiff too reach the tricky bits. You can also use a damp wash cloth to rub in a massaging pattern over the coat, mimicking the action of the cat’s tongue. Severe matting can make your cat extremely uncomfortable and may even damage its skin or joints. I noticed a couple of weeks ago that [apparently] out of nowhere, the fur all over her body had become very matted. Although matted cat fur is commonly found in long-hair cat breeds, short-haired cats can also develop mats in their coats. Dental Issues The easiest place to start your investigation into why a senior cat isn’t autogrooming as often is their mouth. Be sure to get a firm grip on your cat’s fur closest to its skin at the matted area. Cat matted fur can be a real problem for cat owners and it can be difficult to keep mats at bay or get rid of them, especially if your cat is particularly sensitive to brushing or clipping. The problem tends to be more common in older or overweight cats who either can't groom themselves anymore, or who can't reach parts of their body like the back. The places where matting is most common include the chest, in between the legs, the neck, or anywhere where the cat’s fur most meets friction. Severely Matted Fur in Long-haired Cats. In long-hair cats, if the mats on their hindquarters get too bad, it can make it hard for the cat to use the restroom. There are several reasons this can happen. Give us a call today at 410-355-3131 or 410-793-7670! When a cat no longer shows an interest in grooming, it’s important to look for the underlying causes, as an old cat with matted fur may be indicative of an underlying health issue. Removing matted cat fur with clippers is an option. Bath and sanitary trim: $55. For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Pinterest! Severely Matted Fur in Long-haired Cats. Your primary goal is to make her feel comfortable and think that brushing is just another form of petting. Sometimes cats can even develop open sores if their hair is matted. More serious reasons for matted cat hair are that the cat is overweight or is sick. Grooming Tools for Matted Cat Fur. If your pet is unwell, it may stop grooming, which could increase matting. Located in Pittsburgh, Chris Miksen has been writing instructional articles on a wide range of topics for online publications since 2007. If your long-haired cat has developed a large mat, it may be nearly impossible to work out with your fingers or a detangling brush. However, the cat they named Hendrix was not like other feral cats. If your cat frequently gets matted fur, check out these prevention and de-matting tips! Unless your cat enjoys being brushed, she might snap at you or attempt to gash you with her claws. Unfortunately, they can’t always prevent tough tangles from forming in their coats. One interesting and easy way to remove cat matted fur is with olive oil. Feel around your … Causes of Matted Hair in Cats. The reason mats develop is that cats naturally shed their dead outer fur to make room for newer hair to grow. Once this mat occurs, more fur continues to collect, creating a significant mat. Cat matted fur can be a real problem for cat owners and it can be difficult to keep mats at bay or get rid of them, especially if your cat is particularly sensitive to brushing or clipping. Step two is to help your cat by combing daily with a steel toothed comb. This will help reduce any possible pain to your cat during the brushing process. This is a condition in which flies are attracted to matted waste on a cat’s fur. Bath and nail trim: $45. Matted fur can happen to cats with all lengths of hair. Sprinkle Cornstarch on the Mats. Sectioning it off means less work for you and fewer pitiful meows from your kitty. Brushing your cat one to two times a week will prevent severely matted fur. Long-haired cats are at a higher risk of developing extremely matted fur because of their long, thin hairs. . Pet your cat around the ears and give her a nice scratching under the chin as you continue to brush her hair. If she's going to flip out, she'll probably do so when you turn her over and try to brush out the mats on her underside. Check your cat’s coat regularly. Matted hair is more common in older cats, as an underlying illness can cause lethargy or pain resulting in your cat no longer being interested or able to groom effectively. Take your feline to the vet or groomer if you can't untangle the stubborn mats. If your cat has developed mats in its fur, you’ll need to remove them right away to keep your pet happy and healthy. This condition is extremely irritating and can be extremely painful if the cat scratches itself excessively. Matted fur can be avoided by grooming your cat regularly. Usually the matt will be loosened, and you can easily remove the rest of it with a comb. If their formerly pristine, sleek pelt is now dull and tufty, it’s time to wonder why this might be. In this guide, you’ll find out more on what causes fur clumps on a cat’s back. The best way to prevent mats from forming too frequently is to brush your cat regularly. If your cat has matted fur, check out this helpful information on how to deal with it. Let a professional handle the job. Most long-haired cats have very thick and dense fur and if this isn’t cleaned or brushed often it bonds together creating mats. If our pet kitty is seen to have a rough coat which looks neglected, coarse or even matted, then we don't just worry about cosmetics. Isolate the matted clump of hair from your cat's coat. If you have an older cat, try comparing “then and now” photos. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. If your cat resists and throws a fit when you brush her, stop and try again later. Cat pelt. Matting can also occur in places on the cat’s body that involves a lot Use a commercial hair conditioner made for cats. Now, when the cat keeps missing a few spots, that is whenthe dirt and debris mixes up with the natural sebum in the fur and createsmats. Later in the day, you can brush out the fur without causing any discomfort to your pet. Put on a pair of gloves before you start removing your kitty's mats. If the brush doesn't seem to work, use both of your thumbs and index fingers to pull apart the matted fur. For example, some conditions that can be found in a cat with matted hair include chronic kidney disease , diabetes mellitus , dental disease or arthritis .” When a cat licks its fur, it stimulates these glands. It is very important that you keep your cat clean in this respect. Sadly, in the wild, many long haired cats are unable to keep up with self-grooming and their hair becomes severely matted. See our related article for much more about the causes of matted hair in cats. Place your cat in a well-lit area, and pet her for a few minutes. Sometimes cats can even develop open sores if their hair is matted. Once we know why your cat is getting matted, we can improve his health. It is worth repeating: if you have any doubt about your ability to … Therefore, you may find it underneath her tail, under her chest or even around her legs, because these areas create a lot of movement. It is just natural to missa few spots. Cats are very good at grooming themselves. It can also interfere with your cat’s sleep patterns, especially if there is no relief from scratching. Over time matted cat hair can really become a headache for the owner and painful for your cat. Unless you eliminate the parasites, you feline pal is stuck with a rather messy coat. Keeping an Eye on Your Cat's Coat Practice matted hair prevention from early in your cat's life. Usually the matt will be loosened, and you can easily remove the rest of it with a comb. When a cat sheds, hair can tangle with the intact hairs and form knots. What is matting anyway? Once this mat occurs, more fur continues to collect, creating a significant mat. Keeping the cat’s coat well-brushed keeps its skin healthy and ventilated. Run your fingertips through your pet's coat to look for hair that's clumped together. With two Maryland locations in both Baltimore and Pasadena, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Keep in mind that shedding dead hair is normal, and it's a process that cannot be avoided. Never attempt to cut out the mats with scissors or shave the fur with a razor. The fatter the cat, the more difficult it could be for it to groom every spot. Amongst the dangers are skin irritation, discomfort, and other health issues. Dealing with mats on your Persian cat is part of Persian cat ownership, regardless of how well groomed, your cat is you will still encounter the dreaded matted fur. Careful brushing usually takes care of the painful and unhealthy mats, although severe matting may call for a groomer. 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