Table Of Content
Before you start, you need to understand that de-matting a cat’s fur can be a slow process depending on how many mats and knots you’re removing. This can pull on the skin in very painful ways, particularly because mats tend to form in the more sensitive areas like the belly, chest, and butt. If left untreated, mats can prevent your cat from squatting in the litterbox, sitting, stretching, jumping, and other necessary movements.
Matted cat fur causes
Make it a routine when you pet or groom your cat to frequently check her coat for knots. Problem areas include the crotch and rear, beneath the collar, in the space between the back legs, and behind the ears. Regular electronic razors produce heat and your cat’s skin is too sensitive for that. Test the equipment unto your own skin first to check the temperature and keep doing so between intervals.
Removing Tangles and Mats
If your cat is a bit overweight or has arthritis, both of those conditions could make it hard for your cat to reach all of their bits and pieces. Kathryn is a freelance writer who has been a member of the PetsRadar family since it launched in 2020. Although healthy cats are incredibly independent with their grooming routines, long-haired and fluffy cats do require a little extra help that short-haired breeds don’t need. Typically occurring in long-haired and fluffy cat breeds, matted fur is a result of the hair becoming knotted and entangled.
Tips
Cat With 5 Pounds of Matted Fur Makes Miracle Recovery, Finds Loving Home - Good News Network
Cat With 5 Pounds of Matted Fur Makes Miracle Recovery, Finds Loving Home.
Posted: Thu, 19 Jan 2017 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Fur mats are portions of a cat’s fur that have knotted and tangled to such an extent that the cat can’t detangle it on its own. Mats are small initially, but they get larger if not dealt with. They can get from the size of a fingernail to the size of a thumb in just a few days. As they get bigger, mats also accumulate dust, dander, and dead fur, which gives them a solid consistency.
How to remove matted cat hair
If your cat goes outside, they might get into something sticky, like tree sap stuck in their coat. Always start with the comb first, as this can help tease out the tangles and you can also use your finger and thumb to gently work the mats out. You can then finish with a brush to add a nice glossy shine. With that in mind, here are a few things you can do to help stop your cat’s fur from becoming matted in the first place.
Until you reach the mat, slide the scissors over the skin while holding them perpendicular to it. Before attempting to remove the mat, dust it with some cornstarch or talcum powder. The mat should then be carefully and gently pulled up and away from the skin using your fingers. While doing this operation, talk to your cat in a calm tone and reward good behaviour with treats. If they experience any anxiety throughout the process, stop it and start over. DIY detangler sprays are a great option if the environment is more important to you.
We also recommend purchasing both a rake and a slicker brush, as these have bristles that do a good job with dense and long hair. In younger cats, a reluctance to groom could signal an underlying health condition. This isn’t so problematic if your cat’s skin tends to be on the drier side, as the hair from the undercoat is more likely to fall through without becoming trapped.
However, your cat may not tolerate this much attention, and weekly grooming sessions just focusing on brushing can do a lot to control matting. For more intensive de-matting sessions, every two weeks to once a month should be sufficient if you're keeping up with regular brushing. According to Trupanion veterinarian Dr. Sarah Nold, hair mats in cat fur can occur all over the body or in isolated areas, like the stomach or lower back.
Latest Product Giveaway
Rather than detangling the mat, water can cause the hair to clump up even more. It’s also possible that your cat is not feeling well and doesn’t actually have a serious condition, such as chronic Arthritis or obesity. Similar to how sick humans frequently lose interest in their usual pastimes, your cats may start to lose interest in them. Because of the added stress caused by your cat’s weight, its joints will age more rapidly than they otherwise would.
It’s not worth the risk and can lead to painful wounds and even surgery to repair the skin. Your cat’s diet might also be affecting the condition of its fur. For example, dry food has been linked to matted fur problems, and some owners have reported a positive change in fur health after switching from a dry food diet.
It is just a matter of experimenting with different courses and seeing what works for your kitty. “If the hair mat is large enough or left untreated long enough it can result in a secondary skin infection that will have to be treated,” Nold advises. If you notice that your cat is no longer interested in self-grooming or is not grooming themselves effectively, contact your veterinarian.
Use a cone or e-collar to prevent your cat from licking and further irritating the area. Topical ointments can also soothe a cat’s itchy skin, but be sure to double-check with your vet before applying any products. After you have all your tools in place, choose a time that will work in your favor. The best time to get mats out of your cat’s fur is when they are calm and relaxed.
No comments:
Post a Comment