Start by holding the hair below the mat close to the skin and separate the tangled fur.
Should i cut mats out of my cats fur.
How to get mats out of cat fur.
Using sharp blunt nosed scissors carefully slide the scissors along the skin into the mat holding them perpendicular to the skin.
Mats are clumps of hair that form when loose hair gets tangled onto the rest of your cat s fur.
Mats in cat fur are not only unsightly.
If your cat has matted fur check out this helpful information on how to deal with it.
Causes of matted cat hair.
While cutting your cat s mats give your cat some treats to ease his discomfort and allow him to stay.
Use a metal mat comb for cats to detach the smaller tangles.
Repeat this soothing at any point during the procedure if your cat starts getting stressed out.
When a cat sheds hair can tangle with the intact hairs and form knots.
Matting occurs more in spring and autumn when cats are molting.
On the other hand frequent movement can cause the fur to mat as well.
I do use scissors on my cats mats i always make sure i know exactly where their skin is and then i cut through the mat and brush the rest out.
The reason mats develop is that cats naturally shed their dead outer fur to make room for newer hair to grow.
Research and test out different types of tools to see which one you think your cat might go for and would work for you.
Although matted cat fur is commonly found in long hair cat breeds short haired cats can also develop mats in their coats.
If her fur is bad enough that the mat is just one giant stretch of knotted hair that s a situation that probably calls for a professional as shaving her fur might be necessary.
Most mats will come out with brushing but hard mats can require extra work.
But you have to be ridiculously careful.
Do you best not to pull your cat s hair as you cut as it might make him squirm.
If the mat isn t too big or too tight the best way to tackle it is to work it apart with your fingers.
Do this step gently so as not to harm or shock your cat.
Cut the mat.
Keep in mind that shedding dead hair is normal and it s a process that cannot be avoided.
Indoor only and shorthaired cats can also get mats from a buildup of dust and dander.
The bottom blade should slide along the skin.
Get the pair of scissors and cut the mat away making clean cuts.
Take your feline to the vet or groomer if you can t untangle the stubborn mats.
Next apply an oil based detangling spray to loosen the fur.
See our related article for much more about the causes of matted hair in cats.
You don t want to accidentally harm your little guy so letting a professional groomer do it is the best choice for removing extensive matting.
Cat hair can become matted either because of shedding or movement.
If your cat has sections of matted fur you can probably take care of the problem yourself.