I have a long haired cat that is severly matted, any suggestions?

Answer 1

If the cat is severely matted, you will probably have to just cut the matts off with scissors (be careful not to cut any skin). Don't worry, the hair will grow back and look just as good.

In the future, lots of matting can be avoiding by brushing the cat once or twice a week. This will also get all the loose hair out so you don't have as much cat here left on furniture, carpet, clothes, etc..

Answer 2

You must remove the mats. Clipping is the best method. Do not use scissors on a cat. I'm adding a link below to a location that gives some information on clipping.

If you've never dematted a cat before, I highly suggest you do not try it yourself. If the cat moves and the clippers or scissors slip. you'll end up cutting the cat and ending up with a trip to the vets.

I don't suggest going to a vet for grooming simply because they are not trained to groom animals. They are trained to take care of your pets health. I'd check your local yellow pages for Groomers and contact them. Do ask their experience in grooming cats, training they've had, etc. Yes, there are schools that teach grooming so make sure the person you are going to has the knowledge to do the job correctly.

Another reason not to go to a vets for grooming is sedation. Many, because they haven't the training to groom properly, will sedate the cat. This is stressful for the animal and not needed. A good groomer can remove mats without sedation.

Answer 3

You'll have to take it to a groomer. The groomer MIGHT be able to comb through the mats, but that sometimes requires tranquilization because it really hurts. Your other option is to have the groomer shave the matted fur off. They leave the head, paws, and tail unshaved. It's a lot easier for the cat to clean itself after its been shaved, and it completely removes the mats. The cat might be a bit embarrassed for a few days, though.

While you're at the groomer's you could ask the groomer for tips on caring for your cat's fur. If the cat is old or just hates being groomed you may have to make regular appointments with the groomer..

Answer 4

Take her to a groomer or vet and have her shaved. There is no other option.

DO NOT try to brush them out or cut them with scissors! Cats have very thin, delicate skin that is very easy to cut by accident. There is nothing else you can do but shave her. I've seen a lot of cats get severely injured from people trying. Also, do NOT buy clippers and try it yourself! Even clippers are dangerous if an amateur is using them. I've been grooming for years and I'm still nervous working on cats because it's so difficult, and I don't even know any other groomers who will touch them. PLEASE call a vet or groomer!

PS Vets do not groom cats themselves, but they do have a professional groomer on staff. The advantage of having your pet groomed at a vet is they can treat any injuries that might occur (and as I've said, cats are very difficult to work with and injuries can happen) and they also can give you the option of sedation, which makes the groom much easier for the pet. It is NOT stressful for a pet to be sedated- they get to relax and be totally unaware of the grooming procedure, and when they wake up, they're clean and pretty and ready to go home.

Answer 5

Shave it and let it start again. Nothing annoys a cat more than not being clean and able to groom. I wouldnt advise trying to do it yourself, cats are not likely to sit pretty like dogs whilst you are buzzing a razor over their body. If it is as you say severely matted I would definitely opt for a light sedation for all involved. It will be less traumatic for the cat and then whoever is doing the grooming is less likely to be left with bleeding wounds. It doesn't necessarily need to anesthetized but any sedation should be under veterinary advise.

Answer 6

You can buy tools for de-matting. Be careful not to comb too close to the skin or kitty could get cut. My neighbor took their long haired cat to the vet and had him shaved. He looked like "puss in boots" . his torso and tail were shaved quite short, leaving a puff of fur on the tip of his tail, his head and legs. Personally, I think the cat thought he looked very sexy...he struted like royalty showing off the new image. Made me laugh.

Answer 7

I had a barn cat who chronically got severe matting.
I just checked her every day and used a special cat or kitten matting comb a good friend in my yahoo Pyr group sent me. It's smaller than the one I got for my dog and it worked well.

Eventually she had less matting.

Answer 8

A groomer might be able to cut/clip them out for you, but if the matts are that bad, it's pretty much impossible to get rid of them with the cat concious, it can hurt, and it takes AGES.

Take kitty to the vet. They can sedate him and get the matts out - just be aware that it may be necessary to make him a little, ah, bald. True matts cannot be distangled, they just come out when you comb, they're different from knots. Ask the vet if they're going to clip or comb them out - clipping is neater, but balder. If they're combed out his coat will just have some areas of very sparse fur!

I've dematted lots of cats, and seen lots more dematted. If they're true matts, it has to be done under sedation. After you've got it sorted, long-haired cats need to be groomed daily to prevent them de-matting. If your cat really won't tolerate this he may need regular dematting at the vets - so perservere!

Chalice

Answer 9

Take it to a groomer who will bathe it and comb and brush it with much less stress to the cat than you will cause. It will probably cost around $30 and then you will have to keep it up afterward or continue taking it to a professional groomer.

Answer 10

Trim Trim Trim The safest and easiest thing is to cut the hair. You can take her/him to a groomer or you can simply buy clippers. Go slow and Easy. The hair will grow back fine.