As clumps get larger they put pressure on your cat s skin making it painful to lie down.
How to get rid of matted fur on long haired cats.
Cats have earned a reputation as effective self groomers but that doesn t mean they don t need your help in staying clean and healthy.
Work your way down to the base of the mat as you untangle the top.
But sometimes if something becomes stuck in its fur or a cat neglects its grooming mats may form.
The goal is to unknot tiny portions of the mat at a time.
Matted cat fur on the other hand damages tissue by preventing oxygen and moisture from reaching it.
Why matted cat fur is bad.
Healthy and tangle free cat fur allows for a continuous air flow to your cat s skin.
Cat matted fur can be a real problem for cat owners and it can be difficult to keep mats at bay or get rid of them especially if your cat is particularly sensitive to brushing or clipping.
Dead hair mixes up with the stuck up debris and dirt on its skin thus forming into even larger mats.
When this happens matting and fur entangling worsen.
Indoor only and shorthaired cats can also get mats from a buildup of dust and dander.
Keep in mind that shedding dead hair is normal and it s a process that cannot be avoided.
Matted fur occurs more frequently in long haired cats but this doesn t mean it won t happen to short haired cats.
But there are plenty of solutions for cat mats it s just a matter of experimenting with different courses and seeing what works for your kitty.
Old infirm overweight and long haired cats in particular are more susceptible to tangled fur which can become clumped mats or knotted dreadlocks.
These clumps of fur can be painful for the cat.
Most cats shed their fur during spring and fall.
Mats are clumps of hair that have become entangled or knotted over time.
Certain breeds of cats persians maine coons and other long haired breeds are more likely to develop mats.
Most mats will come out with brushing but hard mats can require extra work.
And if these are left un brushed the amount of matted and entangled hair increases resulting in it becoming even more matted.
See our related article for much more about the causes of matted hair in cats.
Usually grooming keeps the fur clean and prevents fleas from taking hold.