What does matted fur on a cat mean?

Question

I have a domestic shorthair (getting old but not too old) who has stopped washing herself and has really matted hair. She has a big appetite but is really thin. She has a big thirst too. I thought maybe it could be diabetes but why does she have matted fur?

Answer 1

Your cat probably has one of a few problems:
1) hyperthyroidism - a common hormonal problem in cats >8yrs, needs a blood test at a vets to confirm, can be easily treated with tablets or surgery.
2) Diabetes - try collecting a urine sample and take it to a vet, blood tests would also be needed.
Other things like dental problems are a possibility but the above 2 are the most likely...
A matted or dull coat is characteristic of both of the above.

Answer 2

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RE:
What does matted fur on a cat mean?
I have a domestic shorthair (getting old but not too old) who has stopped washing herself and has really matted hair. She has a big appetite but is really thin. She has a big thirst too. I thought maybe it could be diabetes but why does she have matted fur?

Answer 3

My cats have all the symptoms you mention, but in different animals...

I have a diabetic cat, and he cares for himself - he doesn't get the matting you mention. But the thirst concerns me. If your kitty has thirst and is losing weight, then definitely get her blood sugar checked. It is a very quick test.

I have a 16 year old with terrible matting problems. She looks the worst when she is having mouth troubles - she simply doesn't want to use her mouth more than necessary due to the pain. Have your girl checked for impacted teeth and see if she is in need of a cleaning.

For my cats, I found a great comb at Petsmart that works wonders on their mats if you get them before they are too big. It is made by Bamboo, and it had teeth that are fairly close together to get down into the fur. Helps with extreme shedders too - another problem that may be caused by the matting.

Hope this helps!

Answer 4

I don't really know who gave all the previous answers thumbs down, but I think they're all onto something. You definitely need to take your cat to the vet.

Actually, my female is doing the same thing. She's 3 years old...she's eating like crazy, drinks water like there's no tomorrow, but hasn't been putting on weight. Guess where she's going this afternoon? To the vet....because I found a tapeworm segment on her hindquarters yesterday. The spot on your cat that's matted....there could be fungus on the skin underneath.

OR it could be diabetes or a mouth infection.....only one way to know.

Good luck!

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Cats will stop grooming when they are sick. Could be mouth problems or many other things like diabetes. Take your cat to the vet and have it checked out. It is sick!

Answer 7

Thyroid disease is one of the most common health problems we face today. From a practical standpoint, there are many ways to approach this issue. Learn here https://tr.im/HsAb2

Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is a very common problem, and there are many reasons for this, including drinking chlorinated and fluoridated water, and eating brominated flour.

Chlorine, fluoride, and bromine are all in the same family as iodine, and can displace iodine in your thyroid gland.

Secondly, many people simply aren't getting enough iodine in their diet to begin with. The amount you get from iodized salt is just barely enough to prevent you from getting a goiter.

Answer 8

because she can no longer groom herself, like how your hair knots when you dont brush it for a week.

You need to groom her daily now, as she is too old, just make sure you gently cut the mats off first, cos they are extremely uncomfortable for cats, and painful.

Answer 9

A short hair cat I would take to the vet really soon. I think you have a good assessment of what her troubles are. She's not grooming herself because she needs saliva to do it properly and if she's constantly thirsty, then that tells me her salivary glands aren't working.

Answer 10

Cat to the vet time!! Oh no fun but at least you get a pro to answer your question.