How to Remove Matted Cat Hair (2024)

When you’re petting your silky cat and come across a clump of stuck-together fur, that’s a mat. Matted cat fur is very common in medium and longer-haired breeds and might not seem like a big deal. In reality, mats can be quite painful and full of nasty stuff that can irritate the skin and it could be a sign of health issues. It’s good to know how to handle a mat in a way that won’t cause undue pain or stress for your cat.

Read through some commonly asked questions and answers on matted cat hair, below.

Why do cats get matted hair? What’s the big deal?

Mats occur in cats with hair long enough to get tangled as they move and shed. Sometimes the knot is just hair. Other times, something dirty or sticky starts the mat, and hair continues to join the party over time. Wet food, debris like mud or small twigs, and even a little poop left behind can start a mat. Over time, the mat gets larger and tighter.

Sometimes if a cat is having a health problem, they may start to develop mats. If they have osteoarthritis pain they may not be comfortable grooming or it may be a skin problem causing their hair to mat. So, if you have noticed a change in your cat’s coat take them to the veterinarian to get checked out.

This can pull on the skin in very painful ways, particularly because mats tend to form in the more sensitive areas like the belly, chest, and butt. If left untreated, mats can prevent your cat from squatting in the litterbox, sitting, stretching, jumping, and other necessary movements.

Thick mats can also block airflow to the skin and limit your cat’s ability to groom that skin. It can become irritated and even infected. This is why mat removal is a priority.

Should you remove mats from your cat’s hair yourself?

If you have a medium or long-haired cat, it’s important to get them comfortable with regular grooming in a slow, positive way. Whether you do some of their grooming at home or take your cat to a professional groomer depends on understanding the grooming process and how your cat responds to you. Regardless, there may be times when your cat has a serious mat, and you can’t get into the groomer or veterinarian right away to remove it. In those situations, if you feel comfortable, you can try and remove the mat yourself. Just remember, this can be scary and painful for your cat if you aren’t prepared and careful. There can be instances where you could accidently cut or hurt your cat when trying to remove these mats, so you should rely on trained professionals when possible.

GroomingDo I Need to Bathe My Cat?

How to Remove Mats From Your Cat’s Hair

Have your tools handy, like:

• Cat treats or other food they enjoy

• Detangling spray for cats (optional)

• Metal mat comb

• Electric clippers

• Someone to help (if available)

You may have seen a special comb called a “dematter.” These are designed for removing mats, but they are very sharp and can cut your cat’s skin and yours, so exercise caution when using them. Only use a dematter if you’re experienced, your cat is very calm during grooming, and you have someone to help you keep your cat still (without using force).

Avoid bathing your cat while they have a mat – that’s likely to make it worse.

Throughout the dematting process, reward your cat often with a treat. Try not to force them into stressful positions or hold them against their will. It may take a few short sessions to deal with the mat – you don’t have to get it all in one shot. It is also a good idea to get your cat used to grooming before you start removing mats.

Steps To Remove a Cat’s Matted Hair

First, try working the mat out with your fingers, but only if your cat is comfortable. This may not be feasible with tight, painful mats that sit close to the skin. Start when your cat is relaxed. Soak the mat with detangling spray, let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes (or as directed by the manufacturer), and very gently try separating the hair apart. Don’t pull hard – it will hurt.

If the mat loosens up enough, you can use the metal comb to continue working it out. Use one hand to hold the base of the hair close to the skin. This will help ensure the comb isn’t pulling too hard, like brushing a knot out of a child’s hair and holding the hair at the scalp. Use short strokes, and don’t force the comb if it’s not moving easily.

If you cannot manipulate the mat with your fingers or the comb, you may have to cut it out. Do not pull the mat up and cut it at the base. The pulling is uncomfortable, and you risk catching the skin with the skin. Using an electric pet clipper is often safer than using scissors. It’s faster and decreases your likelihood of cutting your cat’s skin. Make sure you spend some time getting your cat used to the sound and feel of the clippers before you need to use them for grooming.

Start just before the base of the mat, so the clippers don’t immediately pull and get caught up in the mat. Gently and slowly move the clippers along your cat’s skin in short strokes, lightly lifting the mat as it comes away from the skin.

For bad mats, you may need to clip them down in levels, starting at the top where it’s the least tangled, taking off a section, then moving down to take off the next section, and repeating until you reach the skin or a point where you can switch to the comb. Be careful when clipping the hair, as the mats can be close to the skin and you could cut your cat.

When the mat is free, check the area for any signs of irritation. And pile on the rewards for your calm, patient kitty.

Preventing Mats in Your Cat’s Hair

Prevention is always the best option for keeping mats at bay, and it’s pretty simple.

  • Brush your cat daily. Even if it’s just one area each day, that’s fine. Brushing will limit the formation of mats and help you catch them early, so they’ll be much easier to work through with a brush or comb.

  • Consider a short cut. Having your cat’s hair trimmed shorter means it isn’t long enough to mat, but keep in mind this can impact their ability to keep warm in cooler temperatures.

  • Keep the backend clean. A messy posterior means more nasty stuff that can stick in the hair and start the matting process. An unscented, hypoallergenic pet wipe is an easy way to clean the backside. It’s also helpful to give your cat a sanitary cut where the longer hair is shaved around this messy area. You can have your groomer do this for all your cat’s sensitive matting areas (chest, inner thighs, etc.)

  • Use the right tools. Different brushes and combs do different things. Talk with your veterinarian or groomer about the best way to brush your cat at home. If you’re using a tool with metal prongs, make sure they’re not too sharp.

ZPC-02546

How to Remove Matted Cat Hair (3)

Dr. Berst is the Above Brand Medical Lead with Zoetis. In this role she serves as the medical partner for both the veterinary and consumer marketing teams.

Heather has been involved with both the state and national veterinary organizations. She was editor of the quarterly PVMA magazine and was the delegate for Pennsylvania for the AVMA House of Delegates. She was on the Penn Vet Alumni Board and was a board member for the Collaborative Care Coalition.

Heather holds a veterinary degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and in April 2018 she completed a master’s degree in Health Communications from Southern New Hampshire University. Before joining industry, Heather was a veterinarian in small animal private practice, and she continues to do relief work in practice.

She currently resides in Asheville, NC with her husband Rich and rescue Chinese Crested dog, Dottie. She also has a horse she shows in the jumpers, Elroy.

How to Remove Matted Cat Hair (4)

How to Remove Matted Cat Hair (5)

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How to Remove Matted Cat Hair (2024)

FAQs

How to Remove Matted Cat Hair? ›

Steps To Remove a Cat's Matted Hair

Is it OK to cut matted cat fur? ›

Never use scissors to try to cut mats out. For serious cases of matting, you should seek help from a professional groomer or your veterinarian. If the mats are only affecting your cat's fur, a professional groomer can remove them either by combing or by shaving them off with electric clippers.

How do you work out matted fur? ›

Here are some options:
  1. Cut it out. If it's just one or a few mats, you can cut them out. ...
  2. Use leave-in conditioner to brush mats out. If there are several mats, you may need to spray in a leave-in conditioner. ...
  3. Brush out in the tub. ...
  4. Shave him.

How do you groom an old cat with matted fur? ›

If you find mats on your cat's fur DO NOT try to cut, pull, or yank them because you can hurt your kitty. Instead, you can try to gently loosen the mat with your fingers or apply a bit of corn starch to the mat and brush it through.

How do you get rid of matted hair without cutting it? ›

Use a good brush and wide-toothed comb! Brushes designed to tame tangles work especially well. If you have curly hair, be sure to detangle while your hair's wet (not dripping) and use a wide-toothed comb. Always start at the bottom and work your way up to the roots.

What is a welfare consequence of leaving a cat matted? ›

Mats around the hind end can cause an accumulation of feces and in severe cases impede defecation. More severe hair mats can cause strangulating wounds, most often seen on an animal's limb. The mat can grow around the leg in a circumferential fashion causing blood supply to be cut off.

Do cats hate matted fur? ›

The mats can become uncomfortable and even painful for your cat. Some mats with develop with regular movement (at top of left), and others build up over time without grooming. They also cause skin irritation and infection.

Why do indoor cats get matted fur? ›

Skin Conditions: Skin issues like allergies, parasites, infections or overactive oil glands can cause excessive itching. Your cat may lick or scratch more, tangling their fur into mats. Over-grooming: Stress, anxiety or other behavioural triggers can cause cats to over-groom.

Why is my cat matting so bad? ›

So matting of the fur may be your first indicator that your pet is anemic, isn't breathing well, has kidney failure, is diabetic, has heart disease or even cancer. It is your cat's way of showing you he/she isn't feeling well. Stress will also influence grooming habits.

How do groomers get rid of matted fur? ›

Shaving out mats with clippers is the safest way to remove a severe mat. This will leave a bare patch in your dogs fur. If your dog only has one or two small areas where mats are severe, we may be able to shave those areas and keep the length on the remaining part of his body.

How do you get matted pet hair out? ›

Use a Detangling Spray or Conditioner

One product you could use to get rid of matted fur is a detangling spray or dog conditioner. This makes it much easier to get the brush through your dog's coat and will speed up the de-tangling process!

Does olive oil remove mats from cats? ›

My favorite technique for removing furry mats from dogs and cats is to apply olive oil to the base of the mat. Then just sit back and wait for the mat to fall off on its own. If you apply enough oil to the right spot, the mat will just fall off within a few days. No scissors, no shaving, no trips to the vet or groomer.

Why does my cat have clumps of matted fur? ›

So matting of the fur may be your first indicator that your pet is anemic, isn't breathing well, has kidney failure, is diabetic, has heart disease or even cancer. It is your cat's way of showing you he/she isn't feeling well. Stress will also influence grooming habits.

Can cats get sick from matted fur? ›

If you have a pet with long hair, brushing them out can seem like a daunting and time-consuming task. However, don't put it off—good grooming is essential for keeping your furry friend healthy. Hair mats on dogs and cats can cause skin damage and infections or even hide parasites like fleas and ticks.

Should you bath a matted cat? ›

Never bathe a cat with matted fur.

“It only makes the mats tighter and harder to remove.” Remove any mats first before bathing.

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