Cat Grooming Tips for Matted Hair

Matted hair can be a real pain to deal with. Not just for you, but also for your cat. The tangled fur mass can cause health complications if left untreated. Although all cats with fur can experience fur matting, cats with Persian ancestry or long-haired cats are more susceptible because the length of their fur can easily knot. Learning proper cat grooming techniques can help reduce matted fur and improve the overall health of your cat.

  1. Causes of Matted Fur

    • During warm seasons cats will shed fur more frequently, causing the loose hairs to mix with stable hairs, causing a knot. Other hairs will mix with the knot, beginning the matting process. Moisture also can cause furs to stick together like glue, creating mats.

    The Dangers of Matted Fur

    • Matted fur can capture dirt and bacteria causing a variety of skin infections, attracting insects such as lice, fleas and maggots, which will cause your cat discomfort. Mats can be painful if located in sensitive areas like the genitals. Sometimes the mat can obstruct the rectum area, preventing your cat from urinating and defecating successfully, which could lead to a life-threatening health crisis.

    Preventing Matted Fur

    • The best way to prevent fur matting is to brush your cat. Start with brushing around your cat's face and work your way down to the body and tail. Brush in the direction of your cat's growth pattern. Brushing in the opposite direction may irritate your cat. Daily brushing is the best defense against matting. Bathing your cat a few times a year or when you notice dirt or debris that would be difficult for your cat to clean on his own will also help to prevent fur matting.

    Treating Matted Fur

    • It is best to wait until your cat is in a happy and relaxed mind-state before beginning the mat removal process. Wait until after breakfast or playtime because your cat will have less energy to fight you. Loosen the matted fur by massaging cornstarch into the area with your fingers. Gently pull the matted fur upwards with a comb or your fingers. Try and create a good space between the skin and matted fur. Use the scissors in a side-to-side motion to cut away the matted fur. If the mat is too thick, try using a seam ripper or a toe nail clipper to cut away the fur. Once the mat has been removed, use the comb eliminate excess fur.