Cat Severe Matting

When the cat isn t able to properly clean his fur all this dirt builds up and causes the fur to stick together.

Cat severe matting.

Careful brushing usually takes care of the painful and unhealthy mats although severe matting may call for a groomer. They can lead to skin irritation and infection if they re not removed. De matting a cat is typically not a fun experience for the feline or the human. Severely matted fur in long haired cats long haired cats are at a higher risk of developing extremely matted fur because of their long thin hairs.

Illnesses such as hypothyroidism hyperthyroidism hypertension and kidney problems can cause dandruff and matted fur and these conditions are common in older kitties. Instead pat dry or you will make the mats worse. Mats in cat fur are not only unsightly but they are also painful to your cat. If matting is allowed to become severe it can join together and form a shell over the cat s body that then becomes a welfare issue.

They could be in pain from dental problems or arthritis or they could have nausea. Just be sure you don t rub the shampoo into the mats and don t rub them with the towel afterward. If this doesn t work you ll need to clip off the mats. Skin flakes dead fur dust and skin oils cause matting.

Indoor only and shorthaired cats can also get mats from a buildup of dust and dander. Overweight old or sick cats can have a hard time reaching all areas of their bodies for grooming. If your long haired cat has developed a large mat it may be nearly impossible to work out with your fingers or a detangling brush. Take things slowly and don t be surprised if you can t remove all the mats in one sitting.

When animals don t feel well they stop grooming. Okay so cats hate baths but the water can help loosen mats. Matted fur clumps need to be removed because they re extremely uncomfortable for the cat. If the mats are large split before the bath.

Step 1 show your cat the brush. Matting is uncomfortable for the cat as it tugs and pulls on the skin and also it prevents the cat from licking and conditioning the skin. Severe matting can make your cat extremely uncomfortable and may even damage its skin or joints. Finally be sure to prevent future mats from forming by sharing the burden of grooming with your cat.

To rule out such issues visit the vet with your kitty to check for signs of a medical problem. While your cat would probably like to think of herself as the feline princess whose coat is bold and beautiful mats tend to turn that coat into a dingy mess.