2007-03-24 18:34:30 · 17 answers · asked by Smudge's servant 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Be very careful because a cat's skin can be very delicate. You wouldn't want to pull the skin loose or cut it. You can get special combs to get mats out of their fur, but they are expensive. If the cat is REALLY matted it would probably be kinder to take him/her to a vet or groomer. They can mildly sedate the cat and do the grooming, give him a bath and send him home. You could also get the cat shaved in a "lion cut", which is cute.
Routine maintenance on this cat would be daily combing with a steel dog comb. That way it gets through the fur and mats won't build up. Special attention to the area behind the front legs and behind the ears. Give kitty a treat afterward and all will be forgiven.
2007-03-24 18:45:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to break up the matts by splitting them with your fingers first, you need to pull them apart, start by trying to gently split the matt in half, then split the halves again until you can get a comb through it. A little baby powder worked through the knots should help them slip apart. You can also buy sprays which are useful. Many persian breeders use them or you can buy some childrens no more tears hair detangler spray, use sparingly and allow it to dry before combing or breaking it up.
If you are VERY careful, you can cut them out with blunt end scissors, or use a seam ripper to help break them up. The cat's skin is fragile and many people who have tried these methods have ended up with an emergency visit to the vet because they have cut their cat and it's needed stitches. Don't try to cut across because it might look like a clump of hair but if the skin is pulled inside it, it could cut the skin.
The best thing to do would be have a groomer or vet shave kitty and start over, keep up daily brushing and combing to prevent the matts occuring. Your cat might need sedation so it would be better to use a vet in that case.
2007-03-24 18:51:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the matting is not to close to the skin, you can cut them off, but don't wait till they are that bad. Brushing the cat daily will prevent them from happening. I have a long hair rag doll and I cut one off and got a little skin, he gently bit me to tell me it hurt, I was so upset that I had done that. If you can get a small tooth comb if you can get it under the mat use the comb to cut on the side of the comb that is away from skin without hurting the cat. Good luck.
2007-03-24 18:48:29 · answer #3 · answered by DONNA T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't have mats you should be combing your cats hair on a regular basis so it doesn't get that bad. What I have heard will work is using cat shampoo specifically for this, you can get it at a pet store. You can use conditioner that you use to try to work them out and if you can't then I would take your cat to a groomer and have them do it.
2007-03-24 18:45:42 · answer #4 · answered by Serinity4u2find 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a rag doll cat. The mats don't go away unless you cut them out. If the mat is too close to the skin, you'll need to shave your cat. If you are uncomfortable doing it yourself, you can take your cat to the groomers or veterinarian's office. You shouldn't procrastinate because the mats are painful to your cat.
2007-03-24 18:57:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the mats are towards the end of the hair shafts, you can cut them out with scissors. If they are really close to the skin, though, you'll have to shave them off. If you're not comfortable with using scissors/razor on your cat, any vet or groomer can remove them for you.
2007-03-24 18:39:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You probably have to cut them out very carefully. My long haired cat cannot tolerate brushing, it is very hard on him, so I have him shaved regularly at the vet's, where he is first sedated. He has very sensitive skin, and his hair mats really easily, I feel sorry for him. He sure is happy after a hair cut!
2007-03-24 18:39:53 · answer #7 · answered by Nanneke 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Either Cut them out or I just got a brush that has the brush part and if you flip it out there is a mat brush thing. try Target or Super target, thats where i got mine. i they don't have it go to Pet smart or Pe co & Ask a clerk. Good luck!
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2007-03-24 18:41:05 · answer #8 · answered by beachykeen8 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
long hair is nice but requires servicing and u have to grow it out for a long time
2017-02-24 03:06:16 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brush your cat daily to prevent matting. Do it in under three minutes time daily. Do it gently.
2007-03-24 18:40:23 · answer #10 · answered by Dowland 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋