How to Keep Your Cat's Fur Healthy and Mat-Free
A small knot behind a cat's ear does not look like much. Give it a few weeks and it can become a hard clump that pulls every time your cat turns its head. Mats are one of the most common reasons cat owners call Lisa, and almost always, they started small and quietly.
Here is how mats form, where to look for them, and how to keep your cat's coat soft, healthy and comfortable.
Why mats are a real problem
Mats are not only about looks. They can affect your cat's comfort and skin.
- They pull on the skin. Every movement tugs at the mat, which can be painful.
- They trap moisture and debris. Skin underneath can get irritated.
- They hide problems. Sores, parasites or skin issues can go unnoticed under a mat.
- They restrict movement. Large mats in the armpits or belly can make it uncomfortable to walk, stretch or lie down.
- They affect hygiene. Mats near the rear can trap litter and stool.
If you see redness, sores or your cat reacts with pain when a mat is touched, please have your vet take a look.
Why cats mat
Cats groom constantly, so why do they still mat? A few common reasons:
- Long or dense coats. Persians, Himalayans, Maine Coons, Ragdolls and long-haired domestic cats have more hair than a tongue can manage.
- Shedding. Loose undercoat gets caught in the coat instead of falling out, especially during seasonal sheds.
- Age. Senior cats often have stiff joints and cannot twist to reach their back and hind end.
- Weight. Overweight cats often cannot reach their lower back, belly and rear.
- Health changes. Dental pain, arthritis and illness can all cause a cat to groom less. A sudden change in grooming habits is worth mentioning to your vet.
- Friction. Areas that rub, like under the legs, the collar line and the belly, tangle more.
Where mats start
Check these spots first, because they mat long before the rest of the coat:
- Behind the ears.
- Under the chin and around the collar.
- Armpits.
- Belly.
- The "pants" or britches on the back of the hind legs.
- Around the base of the tail and the rear.
- Along the lower back, especially on older or heavier cats.
How to prevent mats at home
Use the right comb
A metal comb with wide teeth on one end and fine teeth on the other is the best tool for most cats. Many soft brushes only smooth the top of the coat and leave tangles underneath.
Comb little and often
- Long-haired cats: daily if possible, or at least every other day. Even one or two minutes helps.
- Short-haired cats: once or twice a week, more during heavy shedding.
Work from the skin out
Part the fur and comb the layer close to the skin, a small section at a time. If the comb glides from skin to tip, that area is clear.
Hold the fur when you hit a tangle
Pinch the hair between the tangle and the skin, then gently work the tangle with the end of the comb. This keeps you from pulling on the skin.
Keep sessions short and sweet
Stop before your cat gets annoyed. Watch for a twitching tail, flattened ears, or skin rippling along the back. Finish with a treat. Short, positive sessions build tolerance over time.
Support the basics
- Talk to your vet about a healthy weight and diet, which affects both coat quality and your cat's ability to groom.
- Keep fresh water available. Our hot, dry Inland Empire summers are hard on skin and coat.
What to do when you find a mat
Small, loose tangles
Work them out gently with your fingers and the wide end of the comb, holding the fur at the base.
Tight mats close to the skin
Leave these for a professional. Please do not use scissors. Cat skin is very thin and stretchy, and it gets pulled up into the mat. It is very easy to cut the skin without seeing it. This is one of the most common at-home grooming injuries for cats.
Lots of mats or a matted pelt
When mats have joined into one solid layer close to the body, the most comfortable option is usually to clip the coat short so it can grow back healthy. This is sometimes called a lion cut or a shave-down. It is a job for a professional with the right clippers and a gentle hand.
How professional grooming helps
For many long-haired cats, a regular professional groom every 6 to 8 weeks, sometimes sooner, keeps mats from ever getting a foothold. A typical cat grooming visit may include:
- A thorough comb-out down to the skin.
- Safe removal of mats with clippers.
- A bath and full dry, when appropriate.
- A sanitary trim to keep the rear clean.
- Nail trims.
Why at-home grooming is easier on cats
Most cats dislike carriers, car rides and the sounds and smells of a busy shop. With mobile grooming, Lisa's trailer parks at your home. There are no other animals inside, no kennels and no barking dogs. Your cat is groomed one-on-one, and is back in the house as soon as the visit is done.
A simple anti-mat routine
- Every day or two: a quick comb of the trouble spots.
- Weekly: a full comb-through from head to tail.
- Every 2 to 4 weeks: nail trim.
- Every 6 to 8 weeks for long-haired cats: a professional groom.
- Anytime: call for help if you find a mat you cannot comb out.
Serving cats across the area
Lisa grooms cats in Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Phillips Ranch, Upland, Claremont, Ontario and Eastvale.
Get ahead of the mats
If your cat already has mats, or you would like help keeping the coat in shape, fill out the quote form. Tell Lisa about your cat's coat and temperament, and she will reach out to schedule a calm visit at your home.
Quick Answers
How do I get mats out of my cat's fur?
Small tangles can be worked out gently with a comb while holding the fur at the base. Tight mats should be removed by a groomer, never with scissors at home.
Why does my older cat suddenly have mats?
Senior cats often cannot reach their back and rear because of stiff joints or weight. A sudden change in grooming can also signal a health issue, so check with your vet.
How often should a long-haired cat be groomed?
Daily combing at home plus a professional groom every 6 to 8 weeks works well for many long-haired cats. Some need visits sooner.
