It might seem difficult to remove matted cat hair. However, with the proper tools and preparation, you should easily be able to do it by yourself at home.
How to remove matted cat hair
The main ways to remove matted cat hair are combing and cutting. The tools you have to use depends on the size of the matted cat hair.
Combing matted cat hair
The best and easiest way to remove matted cat hair is to use a comb or dematting tool. If you comb your cat’s hair every week, it should be able to untangle most matted cat hair before it becomes to severe.
It is important to use a comb with fat/wide teeth. My favorite comb for removing matted cat hair is this Cat dematting tool from Hertzko. This comb easily removes matted and tangle cat hair while not scratching your cat’s skin.
If the comb isn’t working, you can try to remove the matts by hand. Simply just try to pull them apart with your fingers.
Olive oil for cat mats
Olive oil can also be used to help remove cat mats. Try putting a couple drops of olive oil on the matted hair before you try to remove it. This should help loosen it up before you remove it with a comb or with your hands.
Cutting matted cat hair
If the comb/detangler doesn’t work, you should cut off the matted hair. I suggest that you use a specialized cat hair razor. It is important that you avoid cutting your cat’s skin.
Scissors
We really hope that this is not your only option left. But if it is, then please do remember to be extremely careful. There are chances that you might end up hurting your cat really bad. So, if you have a shaky hand, then do get a professional per groomer to do this or someone else who is confident and sure enough.
Firstly, hold up a small bundle of your cat’s fur with a comb. Remember, not tightly and do not be harsh. Then cut the matted fur that is just outside the comb. Cut it at the edge of the comb and not close to the skin.
What are Mats on Cats?
What we call mats are masses of hair or fur, that gets tangled and twisted and just forms big knots all over your cat’s body.
Detangler for cats for matted hair
One of our favorite tools it the detangler for cats for matted hair. You can find it for cheap on Amazon for less than $40.
Does olive oil remove mats from cats?
Yes, olive oil does help detangle and remove mats from cats. All you have to do is apply the oil to the mat and wait a couple minutes. Usually the matt will be loosened, and you can easily remove the rest of it with a comb.
Why is my cat’s hair matted?
Mats are more common in cats who have long hairs. The hairs become entangled over time. Mats are also seen to be formed the most during their “shedding season”. The shedded fur- if not removed, gathers and remains; causing the cat’s to get tangled.
Dust are also another cause of cat mats. Dusts collected for long periods on cats can cause the hair to become heavier and thicker. Thus eventually causing entanglement. Similar to dust, cat dandruff can also collect on their fur and around the house. If your cat has this problem, you should check out my article how to get rid of cat dander in new house.
Moreover, one of the most common reasons behind cats having mats are- not brushing their hair regularly. Think of it like your own hair. What happens when you don’t comb your hair for a long time? Your hair gets all tangled and builds up lots of knots, right? That is exactly what happens to your cat’s fur as well.
There is also a medical condition that encourages cat mats known as hypothyroidism. This is when your cat develops a slow working metabolism and thus, resulting in dry skin and abnormal shedding. Matted fur happens consequentially of having both dry skin and excess shedding.
Matted hair is primarily prevented by your cat’s own grooming routine. Therefore, it is important that you keep an eye on your cat to make sure that your cat grooms itself; i.e, licks itself regularly. Now, if for any reason, your cat does not; than your cat may have matted hair forming gradually.
Cats can stop grooming for a few reasons. It may be emotionally unable to do so. Is your cat depressed enough to stop grooming? Your cat may be suffering from an injury and it is unable to maneuver itself in positions to lick itself.
Where do Cat Mats Form?
Mats can be found almost anywhere on your cat’s coat, but the most usual places are those where your cat has trouble reaching to groom himself or herself. These areas of the body being:
- Back of the ears.
- Near the groin.
- Top of the paws at the back.
- At the end of its butt.
- Under the arms.
- Around the neck.
Side Effects of Mats
This is perhaps very obvious, but your cats will experience extreme pain and irritation. The skin at the bottom of each hair will be pulled out and your cat will feel that, hence feeling pain. Your cat will be feeling pain any time it tries to move, because lots of knots will be pulling at her skin. The severity of the pain depends on the condition of the fur.
Secondly, air and moisture gets trapped in the fur of your cat and that causes skin irritation, inflammation, redness and itchy dry skin.
Also, matted hair can cause your cat to develop hairballs.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
Your cat may get restless and frightened when you are trying to remove the mats, since you have to hold on to her for a quite a while. This can be very risky, especially if you are using razors or scissors.
To reduce the risks, comfort her in your special ways or in ways in which your pet will respond positively. Softly sing to her, keep speaking loving things to her and just try to keep her calm.
Keep her environment as quiet and still as possible. For example, remove toys and other things that excite your cat. If you have other pets, keep them at a different room and make sure they do not enter yours. Make sure loud noises or sudden changes does not occur, or else your cat will jump up alert in excitement, during the removal process.
Begin the process when your pet is in a good mood, or else she will make a run for it when you try to hold her.
If you are combing out your cat’s mats, then steadily and firmly hold the skin and the bottom of the mats and start at the top of the furs. Detangle your way down to the bottom. Do not start at the bottom or your cat’s skin will be pulled at.
If you are going at it with a razor, then make sure the skin is tight and flat. If not, then the razor might tear or cut the skin.
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.
After you have properly rid of all the mats, check your cat’s skin thoroughly for signs of infections, redness or irritation. Get this done by a vet if you are unsure.
Keep up with regular brushing your cat’s fur to prevent future formation of mats.
Make sure your cat regularly grooms itself.
Similar post you would love to read – The 5 Best Cat Grooming Tools : unbiased review
Don’ts
If you are using a comb, do not directly go for the skin. Use a comb and do as instructed above.
Do not use thin-toothed combs- if we are using combs.
Be a GOOD cat owner, if not the best and give your cat the treatment he deserves and have him stay happy, clean and healthy. Good luck!