Matted Fur in Cats

Matted fur can present a problem for a cat. Through normal daily activities, the fur becomes tangled, often mixing with dead hair to create an unsightly mat that can harbor fleas and other parasites. Longer-haired breeds like Persian, Maine Coon, or Norwegian Forest can be especially susceptible to matting. The removal of mats is a necessary part of your pet’s hygiene and comfort, and regular grooming can prevent mats from becoming unmanageable.

Feline Matted Fur Symptoms

Matted fur is visible as patches of tangled, overlapping hair. Common places to find matted hair are behind the ears, between the back legs, and under the collar and front legs. Large, untended mats can cause discomfort as the tangle of hair pulls on the skin, which can become reddened and, over time, even become infected. If your cat is constantly chewing at a clump of fur in a specific spot, it might indicate the presence of a mat.

Feline Matted Fur Treatment

Mats can be groomed out by implementing a brush and a pair of scissors. Gently, break apart the mat with a brush or a mat rake. This may take some time, and patience will be needed. Comb the hair in the direction of growth, not against it, removing all dead hair and debris from around the mat. Next, snip out the mat itself, making sure not to pull on the hair. Continue this process until the mats are eliminated. If grooming has been neglected for some time, it may be necessary to take your cat to a professional groomer. If matting is extreme, it might be necessary to shave off the hair.

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From whiskers to tail, your cat deserves the best in pet medicine and pet supplies. National Pet Pharmacy has quality pet medications like Revolution and Frontline as well as veterinarian diet cat food and cat supplies. Find total health for your cat at National Pet Pharmacy.

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