How To Get Matted Hair Out Of Cats
Seriously matted cats require veterinary attention.
How to get matted hair out of cats. Mats are clumps of hair that have become entangled or knotted over time. If your cat doesn t like brushing have him get used to it through touching him at first. Did you know a single cat has about 130 000 hairs per square inch of their body. 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.
In cats that suffer from dandruff the hair is usually deeply rooted in the follicles and can actually make the cat s fur look even thicker. It is essential that your cat starts out calm such as after a hearty meal and remains so as you remove the knots and tangles. The reason mats develop is that cats naturally shed their dead outer fur to make room for newer hair to grow. 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.
Indoor only and shorthaired cats can also get mats from a buildup of dust and dander. Even if your cat does not seem to have an allergic reaction to the hair sometimes they will get an infection in the area. See our related article for much more about the causes of matted hair in cats. 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.
Take your feline to the vet or groomer if you can t untangle the stubborn mats. The conditioner softens the hair and creates a slippery surface making it easier to untangle. Mats are clumps of hair that form when loose hair gets tangled onto the rest of your cat s fur. Saturate the matted hair with hair conditioner.
Knowing the causes and prevention. For the most part cats do a great job on their own since they are excellent self groomers. Although matted cat fur is commonly found in long hair cat breeds short haired cats can also develop mats in their coats. Affected cats are lightly sedated and their hair coats are shaved to remove all affected mats.
To get rid of matted cat fur soak the area with warm water. Allow the area to dry before taking a bath. Remember to groom the undercoat and hard to reach spots as well. If your cat has sections of matted fur you can probably take care of the problem yourself.
Gently rub the affected area to remove the matted hair. Rub the conditioner into the matted hair with the tips of your fingers. Imagine keeping all that fur under control. In such cases it may be necessary to administer some form of topical shampoo that will get rid of the dandruff problem and prevent further matting.
But every once in a while their hair gets tangled or matted.