How do I get rid of my cats matted fur?

Question

I have a black, long haired cat. He doesnt like it when i brush him so his fur has been getting all matted. I feel bad because it must be uncomfortable. I tried shaving them but he just wont let me. Anything I should be doing that Im not?

Answer 1

My long haired kitty didn't like to be brushed at first either, but I started a routine with him that he seems to accept. I have a brush with the longer prongs on it and I started by just letting him smell it and do what he wanted. I Left the tag on the back end and let him play too. Then he would start to rub his chin on the prongs and I would brush his head and each side of his neck. After a few times (days) doing that, I would do the head thing and then brush down his back some and then go back to his head. Do it until he walks away. I don't ever expect to do a full body groom each time I brush him, but I do parts here and there, on days when there is a mat or burs I concentrate on those but always intermix head brushings as well. Sometimes he lets me go for a while or I'll follow him for a bit as I brush, sometimes he'll just walk away when he's had enough. If you make it a pleasant experience, your kitty might just start to enjoy it.

If your kitty is really badly matted right now, I would suggest taking him to a groomer to get out yhe really bad stuff, and that undercoat. Then start with the grooming routine. I had a kitty once who needed to be taken to the groomer at least twice a year just to get that undercoat brushed out, it was worth the fee and we were both happier in the long run.

Answer 2

You can usually get a cat used to brushing if you start out slow, with short sessions. For a longer haired cat, I have posted an example of a brush that would work well. The wire part for the tangles, and the brush to get him used to it. They are available about anywhere. For a looser mat, you essentially need to sort of tease it out.

Mats are uncomfortable if close to the skin, and they need to be cut out , but you don't want to risk cutting your cat. There is actually a very good item that is also cheap, and is sharp to quickly cut the mat, but protected so you cannot cut your cat. The point allows you to section the mat to make it easier. I have posted the link, and that item is sometimes given away, or is available at any office supply store.

Sometimes when you remove a nasty mat, they do understand and will cooperate better the next time.

Answer 3

I think you should consider using a professional groomer or even the vet office to clip most of his hair off - especially now since the weather is still warm.

Then you will be starting from "scratch" and can work on your grooming techniques and keep up with his coat growth. Most brushes go over the surface of the coat and don't do a really good job. I use a dog brush that is soft on one side and with metal prongs on the other. Start with using the soft side and I can guarantee your cat will enjoy the stroking of his body with it. Then as the hair gets longer you can start to use the metal side. I also have a comb with swivel teeth and after the brushing I run through the coat with that.

Make this experience a happy and pleasurable one for your cat and you. It's easy to do when you are watching TV in the evening. An hour's worth of news or one show after dinner is enough to go through my three cats and they enjoy it.

Answer 4

With long hair cats, you need to brush almost daily to keep them tangle free but since you haven't and he's matted, you should have a groomer shave him clean. My boys are long hairs and one likes the brushing, one doesn't but they get brushed anyway. It just takes a little longer with the one.

Answer 5

Cats would be even more uncomfortable going to a groomer. I usually just cut them outta my kitty with regular scizzors. He doesn't care if he gets a bad haircut, as long as he's comfortable! Just do it after you've been patting him a while really gently. If the mats are really close to the skin, start cutting of the end first, and gradually getting closer. Just little bits at a time:O)

Answer 6

u have to let him get used to the brush let him smell it before u just start brushing then slowly brush him until he gets used to it if u do it everynight he wont mind it much. but if his fur is already mated u need to shave it because it causes them alot of pain to have there hair pulled all the time. once he has had his hair brushed u will notice he wont be scratching anymore. hoped that helped

Answer 7

Shaving? I'm not even sure what to say about that. That's really terrible. Why would you even try to do that?

If he really doesn't like it, try taking him to a grooming place where they can take care of it. If you want to save money, try to start slow and brush small regions of his fur, then bigger.

If all else fails, rub some catnip on the brush. He'll lick it but at least he won't run away from it.

But for god's sake, don't even think of trying to shave him again, that's just mean.

Answer 8

short hair is good for some people, others, not. it depends just what u look like

Answer 9

I prefer hair that is shoulder length or longer, And since that men who like females are more often then not right, they like long hair because this looks more feminine, as most guys have short hair.

Answer 10

Have you thought about taking him to a groomer? That way you don't personally have to deal with his impatience, scratching, biting, etc.. you get to hand that off to someone else for a minimal fee :)