Easy Ways to Get Rid of Hair Mats on a Cat

A mat is a thick collection of hair that has grown together to form a thick clump in the cat's coat. Mats develop if the cat is not groomed regularly during the warmer shedding months. If your cat is often outdoors, tree sap, dirt and pollen can also become trapped in the thick undercoat and hasten the formation of a mat.

  1. Preparing for Mat Removal

    • Assemble all of your tools for mat removal and place them near your cat. Helpful tools include a container of cornstarch, bandage scissors, a fabric seam ripper and a fine-tooth comb. Wait until your cat is calm and relaxed before attempting to remove mats -- after a large meal or a lively session of interactive play is ideal. Approach the cat in a non-threatening manner and coax him, using a gentle touch and soothing voice, to lay down and relax. Do not chase after your cat, if he flees once you bring out the tools, as this will only frighten him.

    Loosening the Mat

    • A seam ripper serves as a helpful mat removal tool.

      Locate the mat by gently feeling through the fur for its edges. Sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch over the top of the mat and knead it into the bunched fur using your fingers. Cornstarch helps dry up any moisture which may have cemented the mat together and loosens up the intertwined hairs near the bottom of it. Work your fingers down toward the base of the mat and gently push it upward, so that it is easier to work with. Do not pull the mat from the top, as this will irritate the animal's tender underlying skin.

    Separating the Mat

    • Pick apart tough patches of hair using a fabric seam ripper. Instead of picking in the direction of the fur, start from the side of the mat at a perpendicular angle. Brace the base of the mat with your fingers to avoid pulling the mat up from the skin or accidentally poking the cat. If the hair won't loosen with help from the seam ripper, try diving the mat into smaller, more manageable sections using a small pair of bandage scissors. The objective here is to turn the hardened mass into several smaller tufts which can be combed smooth.

    Combing out the Mat

    • Mat removal and grooming can be an opportunity for bonding.

      Once the mat is split into smaller segments, begin combing the hairs loose. A steel fine-tooth comb, such as those used in flea prevention, works well for this part of the process. Hold the roots of the tuft firmly, while combing the hair up and away from the cat's body. Once the top of the tuft is loose, comb from the roots upward to loosen the entire segment of hair. Repeat this process for each segment of hair, until the mat begins to disappear. Once finished, brush the cat's entire coat with a standard grooming comb or brush.

    Preventing Mats Before They Form

    • Groom your cat daily with a fine-tooth comb, as well as a brush. Regular, thorough grooming removes the loose undercoat hairs which can become tangled in the topcoat. If your cat prefers the outdoors, check his coat regularly for twigs, tree sap or other residue which may help form a mat. Never neglect to remove a mat, as they can become hazardous to your animal's health.