What does matted fur mean?

Matted fur occurs when the hairs become tangled and clumped together, forming knots that are difficult to separate. It can affect both short and long-haired animals. Matting can range from small, localized areas to involving large portions of the body, and in severe cases, can even impact the skin beneath. Causes of matted fur may include inadequate grooming, neglect, certain health conditions, excessive moisture, parasites, prolonged exposure to the elements, or anatomical changes affecting mobility or comfort.