My cat has matted fur. How do I get rid of it?

Question

He lives outside, so he has been in fights with toms in the neighborhood. They come up on our porch, and he tries to run them off. Well, he he is going on 10 years, so he rarely "wins" the fight, so he gets scratches and cuts, of course, but I've recently noticed his fur is matting. I've tried to brush them out, but it didn't seem to work. I can't take him to a groomer, and I don't know how else to fix it.

Answer 1

You'll need to remove the mat. Don't just cut it out with scissors like you're cutting paper. You'll need to get the scissors in between the mat and the skin and gently pull the mat outwards in order to cut the hair and not the skin.

No offense, but have you considered bringing the cat inside? It doesn't sound safe if it's getting into fights with other cats. There are many mean people, too, who could hurt him. You want him to be safe!

Answer 2

Ok well i done some searching for u and i hope this helps =] It's essential that you get rid of this problem as soon as possible. Matting can prevent air from getting to your pet's skin, irritating the area and removing moisture from the area. Tightening of the skin can also occur making little Fluffy terribly uncomfortable. Here's a few tips on how to correct the problem yourself: If the mats are small and loose, you may be able to untangle them by using a brush or wide-toothed comb and a spray bottle of water. Also, there are a number of detangling shampoos, sprays, and combs on pet store shelves which may help you avoid the clippers. For larger problems, cutting the mats off becomes necessary. When you first start, try to work out as much of the mat with the above method. You may also be able to use your fingers to untangle some of the mess. Once you begin clipping, be careful not to cut too closely to the skin. Gently cut away the tangled area in small sections until the area is clear. If your cat starts getting annoyed during the process, you may be able to calm it with a treat or stopping to pet him or her for a few minutes. If this doesn't work, stop and try again later in the day or the next day. Time and patience will be necessary if your cat has a large number of mats. If your pet is extremely nervous about the grooming process, it will become necessary to take him or her to a professional groomer. Most large cities have numerous grooming salons and PetSmart offers grooming services in many of its stores. Once you've finally gotten rid of the mats, you can prevent the mats from occurring again by brushing your cat regularly. Long-haired breeds should be brushed everyday but you can get away with skipping a couple of days if your cat has short hair.

Answer 3

if you want to get rid of matter fur you could get the cat shaved like a lion cut of a trim a lion cut is when it has the belly shaved and the top still there and you know what a trim is. Cut them off but brushing him should get rid of them eventulley if u do it everyday and u have to keep brushing it everyday once or twice a day for a few minitues.

Answer 4

you could shave him with electric clipper or cut mats out. A word of caution if cutting, be very very careful becaue skin gets tangled in with the mat. I have seen many owners cut the skin when trying to remove mats while working for a vet.

Answer 5

He'll hate it, but take him to the dog groomer, they usually do cats too, it's not very common cause most cats don't need it, except for the fancy ones. But like Petsmart has one and their really good.

Try keeping him indoors, he'll have a longer lifespan if you do so.

If you can't take him to the groomer, then go to Petsmart and they have a section of animal grooming supplies, and they'll be able to help you choose one.

Answer 6

Never cut matts with scissors out if you're inexperienced. Most people end up cutting into the cat's skin eventually.

Use a clipper, like a beard trimmer, to trim them off. If you can't do it, ask your vet if they'll do it.

Also, if he's fighting, you should have him tested for Feline leukemia and FIV. Ask your vet. And also get him vaccinated if he's not.

Answer 7

Ow!! Never try to take out mats using a brush. Petstores usually have special brushes for that I believe. Possibly there MIGHT be shampoos. I'm not sure. Go to a petstore is my suggestion.

Answer 8

Take an electric razor and carefully shave his matted fur. Then take him to another home...you are obvisiously not doing a good job or take him inside and leave him inside.

Answer 9

Try To Brush Her

Answer 10

Cut the mat off... the hair will grow back