Do All Long Hair Cats Get Matted

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.

Do all long hair cats get matted.

Matting occurs more in spring and autumn when cats are molting. Affected cats are lightly sedated and their hair coats are shaved to remove all affected 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. Imagine keeping all that fur under control.

For the most part cats do a great job on their own since they are excellent self groomers. Matted fur occurs more frequently in long haired cats but this doesn t mean it won t happen to short haired cats. Illnesses such as hypothyroidism hyperthyroidism hypertension and kidney problems can cause dandruff and matted fur and these conditions are common in older kitties. If your cat has sections of matted fur you can probably take care of the problem yourself.

When this happens it s important to remove the matted cat fur before it causes serious health problems. Keep in mind that shedding dead hair is normal and it s a process that cannot be avoided. The best way to trim the cat hair is to use a pair of small scissors. Indoor only and shorthaired cats can also get mats from a buildup of dust and dander.

You need to trim the cat hair because it can cause itchiness to the cat. Use the proper tools when brushing your cat s hair using a rubber brush for short haired cats and a long tooth metal wired brush for cats with longer hair. But every once in a while their hair gets tangled or matted. See our related article for much more about the causes of matted hair in cats.

While a lack of grooming sometimes is just part of old age many times there may be a medical cause for it in your elderly feline. Seriously matted cats require veterinary attention. You need to cut the hair in the direction of the grain. If your cat doesn t like brushing have him get used to it through touching him at first.

Mats are clumps of hair that have become entangled or knotted over time. 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. Remember to groom the undercoat and hard to reach spots as well. Old infirm overweight and long haired cats in particular are more susceptible to tangled fur which can become clumped mats or knotted dreadlocks.