by Gayle Rodcay If you’re like many cat owners, grooming is not high on your list of favorite activities you like to do with your cat. Probably your cat feels the same way unless you’ve taken the time to gradually accustom him or her to the attention from a very early age. But you need to be the grownup and insist on running a comb or brush through their fur on a regular schedule to ensure a healthy, vibrant coat and prevent mats from forming. If you’ve neglected your feline friend and the tell-tale lumps behind the ears begin to appear, it’s time to get to work because mats are unsightly, uncomfortable for your cat and can even be a health hazard. How mats form Cats are typically meticulous groomers. They clean their fur regularly, and the rough tongue does its part to separate hairs and reduce tangling. Short-haired cats have few problems with matting. Sometimes tangles and small mats will form behind the ears, the scruff of the neck or under their armpits where there is movement or where your cat’s tongue doesn’t reach. They are usually small and easy to work out with your fingers or brush. Long-haired cats are a different matter (pun intended). Their longer fur is not only more difficult for them to take care of, it takes a substantial time commitment from you as well. Cat hair is so fine, it’s almost impossible to keep from tangling without frequent grooming or combing. Without a little assistance from their pet parent, long-haired cats can develop mats, especially cats who are not feeling well. Older cats and those who are ill are often not able to groom themselves. Cats with dental problems or arthritis may find grooming too painful. Cats who are obese may not be able to reach certain areas or may not be able to groom themselves at all. And cats who spend a lot of time outside are more likely to have matted fur because of debris and dirt that get lodged in their fur and facilitate the formation of mats Removing mats from your cat The first rule for getting rid of mats in your cat’s fur is “Do not cut them out.” The reason behind that missive is that mats form near the skin and that skin is very thin and sensitive. Even when securely held, a cat can struggle, flinch or jump unexpectedly, and your sharp scissors can easily nick or penetrate the skin, possibly resulting in an emergency vet visit. Instead, if the mat is not too large, you may be able to carefully work it out. Grab the hair between the mat and your cat’s skin so you don’t pull on the sensitive skin. Gently pull the mat up and away from the skin. Work the mat between your thumb and forefinger, trying to separate the strands of hair. Sprinkling a little cornstarch or talcum powder on the mat can help with detangling, or you can also use a commercial detangling spray. If that doesn’t get the mat out, you can use a wide-toothed comb. Holding the mat away from the skin to prevent pulling, start gently combing the edge of the mat furthest from the skin using little strokes. Slowly work your way up to the skin. As a last resort for DIY cat de-matting, you CAN use a good pair of blunt scissors. Enlist the help of a partner who can help you hold your kitty. Place the scissors’ lower edge against the skin next to the mat and perpendicular to the skin. Slide the scissors along the skin to the mat and make a short cut into the felt of the mat. Move a half-inch further along the skin and make another cut up into the mat. Keep making cuts until you can use a comb to gently work out or remove the mat. If your cat is heavily matted, you will likely have to resort to a professional groomer or your veterinarian. They have the tools and techniques to remove the mats safely. If necessary, they may have to give your cat the infamous lion cut, (i.e., shaved except for head and tail). Yes, your kitty will be shamed, but he or she will recover. Preventing mats from forming The easiest method for keeping your cat free from mats is to prevent them from forming in the first place. If possible, start when they are young and get them used to being brushed regularly, but older cats can be conditioned to accept daily brushing or combing as well. When approached gently but firmly, your cat may even grow to love it. Ask a professional groomer or even your veterinarian for the best grooming and mat removal tools as well as detangling creams or sprays. Your vet may even prescribe a tranquilizer to help reduce the trauma for your cat – and you! However, you need to do it, just do it. Putting it off will only make the problem worse, and your cat could end up with uncomfortable clumps of felt that limit movement and can cause serious skin infections or worse. 11/24/2020 06:11:03 pm
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