How to Groom a Fluffy Cat With Matted Fur

Cats are masters of self-sufficiency. All they need from you is a clean litter box or just a back yard with sandy soil, fresh water, a plate of canned food, or bowl with dry food. They also need some affection from time to time. They even handle cleaning themselves so that you don't have to. However, sometimes cats, especially older cats or long-haired cats such as Persians or Turkish angoras, need a little help with their grooming. Clumps of fur, called mats, can form and must be dealt with by pet owners. Using the proper cat grooming tools will help you groom a fluffy cat with matted fur.

Things You'll Need

  • Slicker brush
  • Shedding comb
  • Scissors
  • Pet shampoo (optional)
  • Pet conditioner (optional)
  • Nail clippers
  • Cat treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a slicker brush and brush your cat's hair in the direction that it is growing to remove dead hair and silken its coat. Pull gently when you run across any mats of hair. Do not pull hard if the brush is unable to pass through the matted hair.

    • 2

      Use a shedding comb or fine-tooth comb to work through any matted hair clumps. Do not pull so hard to injure your cat.

    • 3

      Hold any matted hair you cannot remove between the teeth of the comb and use scissors to trim right underneath the clump and below the comb. Brush or comb your cat again after removing all clumps.

    • 4

      Give your cat a bath if they are especially dirty and are used to it. Introducing the bathing process to a kitten will make it so that you can give it a bath when it gets dirty and is unable to clean the dirt off itself. Place the cat in the tub or sink and slowly run lukewarm water up to about shoulder depth on the cat -- water should never be sprayed directly on a cat.

    • 5

      Pour a small amount of pet shampoo in your hand and lather the coat everywhere except its face. Use a cup to rinse the cat gently. Use pet conditioner if your cat's fur is especially course or dry. Towel dry the cat immediately.

    • 6

      Place the cat in your lap and give it some attention and a couple of cat treats. Spread your cat's paws by pressing the foot pad between your thumb and finger. Use nail clippers and trim its nail about one-fourth of an inch from the white part of the nail, known as the quick. Use a styptic pencil or powder on a claw if you cut too close. Give your pet cat treats during and after the clipping to put them at ease.