One of the things humans love about cats is snuggling. There is nothing quite like having your cat trust you enough to sit in your lap and purr the afternoon away. But sometimes, when you are petting your favorite feline, you may come across a batch of matted cat hair.

Matted cat hair is actually pretty common, especially for breeds that have medium or longer fur. You may think it’s no big deal, but clumped, matted fur can cause your cat pain, and it can hold onto some pretty nasty stuff that can irritate their skin. It’s important to learn how to take care of matted fur in a way that won’t hurt or stress out your cat.

What Causes Matted Cat Hair?

Matted fur occurs often in cats with longer hair. This is because it becomes tangled as they move around. Shedding also adds to the problem. Most of the time, the knotted mat is just fur. But sometimes, dirty and sticky stuff starts the mat. Then their hair gathers and is held in place by the sticky goo over time. Something as simple as a little bit of mud, a small twig, or a small bit of leftover poop can start a mat. Over time, it just grows larger and tighter, if it’s not taken care of.

Cats who have certain health issues may start to develop furry mats, too. Arthritis pain may make your kitty too uncomfortable to groom themselves. Sometimes, a skin problem can lead to hair matting. If you notice a sudden change in your cat’s coat, schedule an appointment with their vet and it get it checked out.

Where do mats usually form?

Mats tend to form in the most sensitive areas of your cat’s body like their belly, chest, or under the tail. If matted car hair isn’t taken care of, your cat can have difficulty squatting in their litter box, stretching, jumping, or even sitting properly.

Why is it important to remove mats quickly?

A mat that gets too thick can block air from getting to the skin which means it’s difficult to groom areas of their skin. It can become irritated, and in some cases infected. This is why it’s important to remove the mat as soon as possible.

Removing Matted Cat Hair Yourself

Humans who have cats with long or medium-length hair should groom them regularly. Grooming should be slow, purposeful, and gentle for the cat. Let’s be real, we cats do a pretty good job of grooming ourselves, our tongues are always busy. You may choose to use a special comb to help us keep mats under control. Or you can use Pawer Cat Wipes. They feel soft and gentle on cat’s skin, and they smell lovely and relaxing. (They are infused with catnip, so you won’t get any fuss from your kitty!)

Gentle grooming may be enough to keep matted cat hair at bay, but if it becomes a bigger problem, a professional groomer, or your vet can help. They can use clippers to remove a stubborn, larger mat.

Preventing Matted Cat Hair

The best option is keeping mats to a minimum. Here are a few tips to help you keep mats at bay.

·         Daily Brushing. Brushing your cat daily can help keep mats from forming. You may want to use a brush, if your cat has long hair, or you can use Pawer Cat Wipes for daily grooming. Even if you deal with one area a day, it can be helpful for catching them early.

·         Keeping their Backends Clean. A messy backside can mean sticky, nasty stuff that makes hair stick together, which starts the matting process. Pawer Lab’s hypoallergenic, unscented cat wipes are perfect for keeping your cat’s posterior clean and mat-free.

·         Right Tools. There are different types of brushes and combs that you can use for grooming your cat. Make sure to check with your vet or a groomer about the right way to brush your cat. Tools with metal prongs can hurt your cat, make sure your brush or comb is safe! Or just use Pawer Lab’s cat wipes that are safe and comfortable for use on cats.

About the Author: Fiona

Fiona is the current President and CEO of Pawer Lab. She makes sure everything is running purrfectly and oversees the day-to-day operations. When Fiona is not working, she enjoys chasing lasers, snacking on treats, or taking long naps in the sun.