If their formerly pristine sleek pelt is now dull and tufty it s time to wonder why this might be.
Cat hair mat.
Take your feline to the vet or groomer if you can t untangle the stubborn mats.
You can buy pet detangler spray at your local pet supply store or online.
The friction and even the heat of the clippers can damage feline skin.
When your cat notices this change they start to groom more which could increase the amount of hair they ingest and cause other health problems.
In such cases it may be necessary to administer some form of topical shampoo that will get rid of the dandruff problem and prevent further matting.
Have your vet examine your kitty for any skin inflammation or irritation after the removal of serious mats.
A cat covered in mats might even have to be put under anesthesia and shaved to prevent discomfort and pain during the hair removal.
If your cat has sections of matted fur you can probably take care of the problem yourself.
Matted cat fur on the other hand damages tissue by preventing oxygen and moisture from reaching it.
The product may help loosen up the hair.
While scissors seem like the obvious choice they are not usually recommended for non professionals.
Adding water to the mats can actually make them worse.
Hold under the mat s surface so that you won t be pulling their skin.
Adding water to your cat s fur can make the mat set even tighter.
Spritz a bit of this onto the mats.
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.
Buy a detangler spray for your cat s fur.
If this drastic step is necessary be sure to maintain a regular program of brushing and combing when the coat grows back to prevent future problems.
You can also gently pick individual mat parts out of your cat s skin.
Causes of matted hair in cats.
This can lead to dry scaly and sometimes irritated skin.
Seriously matted cats require veterinary attention.
As it happens there are several reasons a cat might groom less and poor coat condition is a clue they need medical help.
If mat has just started to form the best thing to do is to simply brush it out.
When it s removed you can then brush it again.
You might notice an odor coming from your cat and consider bath time but giving your cat a bath can actually make mats worse.
In cats that suffer from dandruff the hair is usually deeply rooted in the follicles and can actually make the cat s fur look even thicker.
Pet groomers recommend a detangler or anti static spray but most mats can be removed without these products.
Keep the hair dry.
This refines the.
If you have an older cat try comparing then and now photos.
Hair clippers can make quick work of mats but make sure not to rub against the cat s skin.