Cat Care: How to Get Rid of Matted Fur

One of the worst problems I've encountered as a cat owner has been matted fur. Some cats just don't like to be groomed and, over time, tight knots of fur can erupt. It doesn't happen to every cat. In the twenty-seven years that I've owned these creatures, it's only happened to one of my pets. It's much more likely to occur in long-haired breeds, such as Himalayans and Persians.

It's essential that you get rid of this problem as soon as possible. Matting can prevent air from getting to your pet's skin, irritating the area and removing moisture from the area. Tightening of the skin can also occur making little Fluffy terribly uncomfortable.

Here's a few tips on how to correct the problem yourself:

If the mats are small and loose, you may be able to untangle them by using a brush or wide-toothed comb and a spray bottle of water. Also, there are a number of detangling shampoos, sprays, and combs on pet store shelves which may help you avoid the clippers.

For larger problems, cutting the mats off becomes necessary. When you first start, try to work out as much of the mat with the above method. You may also be able to use your fingers to untangle some of the mess. Once you begin clipping, be careful not to cut too closely to the skin. Gently cut away the tangled area in small sections until the area is clear.

If your cat starts getting annoyed during the process, you may be able to calm it with a treat or stopping to pet him or her for a few minutes. If this doesn't work, stop and try again later in the day or the next day. Time and patience will be necessary if your cat has a large number of mats. If your pet is extremely nervous about the grooming process, it will become necessary to take him or her to a professional groomer. Most large cities have numerous grooming salons and PetSmart offers grooming services in many of its stores.

Once you've finally gotten rid of the mats, you can prevent the mats from occurring again by brushing your cat regularly. Long-haired breeds should be brushed everyday but you can get away with skipping a couple of days if your cat has short hair.