Very Matted Cat?

Question

My mothers cat is so matted it is sad cant not afford groome cause of holidays what can I do? feel bad for the cat. Chazzy

Answer 1

1. Try using a detangling conditioner spray. This probably won't help much with a really long-haired cat, like a persian, but you could try.

2. Go to the different groomers with a pic of the cat. Tell them how bad it makes you feel, for both the cat & your mom, and ask if they'll accept a small deposit for now, with the rest to come after the holidays, or ask if you can work for them in exchange for the grooming. You might luck out.

3. Get the cat relaxed & comfy on your lap, and carefully cut out as much matting as the cat will let you. You don't need to cut to skin level, just most of it, less risk you'll nick the poor thing. You might be able to brush out the rest, or the cat may groom it out herself. Be VERY careful not to cut the skin, as the cat will freak & never let you near again.

I'd probably try #2 first, then #3, followed by #1.

You're so kind to want to help. Good luck!

Answer 2

Does the cat have a regular vet? The cat really needs to have the mats removed with clippers. Vet techs do this all the time and I would call a vet and see what the charge would be.

A lot of mats can seriously compromise a cat's health and they are terribly uncomfortable for the cat too.

ABSOLUTELY do not bathe the cat. That just makes the mats worse. Cats have extremely fragile skin and I also do not feel you should attempt to remove the mats yourself with any scissors (even blunt-end scissors such as medical professionals use). You simply cannot get close enough with scissors without risking knicking the skin which could lead to an infection.

Answer 3

bathing the cat will only make the mats tighter. water does that. they have detangling spray that you can use to loosen and pick through the mats. get a demating tool from the pet store, don't just use a comb and scissors. if you must, be very careful cutting with scissors because a matted cat will likely have mats tight on the skin and you can put the poor things skin. I would also seek a vet that may be able to help you out with a billing program or something. I don't recommend "buying some sedatives". if you give a cat sedatives without knowing proper doseage, or even medical history on the pet you can cause serious kidney and liver problems, and of course death.

Answer 4

being short of money, i would carefully cut the mats off, to make the cat more comfortable, you can get the cat groom at a later time for looks

Answer 5

Well, grooming would be best, of course, but if you can't afford that, I would buy some sedatives and do it yourself. Mats can cut off the blood supply to the skin, and do real physical damage to the cat. Try and get it taken care of as soon as possible.