Safely Removing Mats from Your Cat’s Coat: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your cat's fur gets too tangled and matted to comb out, you can shave the fur with clippers to remove the mats. Never use scissors to cut mats, as the risk of cutting your cat's skin is too great. Matting can be very uncomfortable and may even lead to health conditions if the mats are not removed. Keep a close eye on your cat's coat, especially if you have a long-haired cat, and comb out mats before they become problematic.

After removing the mats, you will have a clear view of the skin underneath. While some redness, bruising, and irritation are normal from the matted fur, make sure you get treatment if you see wounds or pests, such as fleas.

Prevent future mats

Matting is most common in long-haired cats and usually occurs when the dead hair in the undercoat gets trapped and tangles in the topcoat. Matting is also an issue if your cat's hair is especially dirty and is more common in areas that are more difficult for your cat to reach, such as under her chest or collar. While many cats groom themselves sufficiently to prevent issues, some cats may have problems if they are overweight or have an injury or arthritis that limits movement.

Brush your cat regularly to remove tangles before they have a chance to turn into mats. If your cat doesn't allow you to brush her, consider regular trips to the groomer to prevent more serious matting down the road.