What Are the Causes of Knots in the Fur of a Short-Haired Cat?

Cats spend a great deal of their waking hours grooming themselves. Sometimes, they do not do so thoroughly and miss a spot. This is most common in long-haired cats but also is seen in short-haired animals. Poor grooming can lead to knots in the fur that can be quite painful, causing irritation and infection if they are not removed.

  1. Shedding Season

    • Cats shed their undercoats twice a year, in the spring and fall. When this happens, the hair being shedded may become tangled in the outer coat and cause a knot to form. Spend extra time grooming your cat during these seasons of the year.

    Fleas

    • Fleas can cause cat fur to mat together and eventually form a knot. To prevent this, use a flea spray and groom your cat often. A comb specially designed to remove fleas can be useful in preventing knots from forming in the fur.

    Dirt

    • Matted fur may be less common in short-haired cats, but it is possible for dirt or other debris to collect in their fur and clump together. If your cat regularly spends time outside, make sure no twigs, mulch or dirt are tangled in the fur. Remove debris before the fur has a chance to become matted or knotted.

    Disease or Obesity

    • Certain diseases can cause cats to become depressed and lethargic to the point where they will stop grooming themselves. If this persists long enough, the fur will become matted and form knots. Obesity also can inhibit grooming, if cats are too large to reach their lower half. If you suspect your cat is ill or overweight, take the animal to the vet for treatment.