Do All Long Hair Cats Get Matted

Once you have bathed your cat hair the next step is to trim it.

Do all long hair cats get matted.

Cats have earned a reputation as effective self groomers but that doesn t mean they don t need your help in staying clean and healthy. Matting occurs more in spring and autumn when cats are molting. If this drastic step is necessary be sure to maintain a regular program of brushing and combing when the coat grows back to prevent future problems. Keep in mind that shedding dead hair is normal and it s a process that cannot be avoided.

See our related article for much more about the causes of matted hair in cats. But every once in a while their hair gets tangled or matted. You need to cut the hair in the direction of the grain. When this happens it s important to remove the matted cat fur before it causes serious health problems.

Most mats will come out with brushing but hard mats can require extra work. For the most part cats do a great job on their own since they are excellent self groomers. If your cat doesn t like brushing have him get used to it through touching him at first. While a lack of grooming sometimes is just part of old age many times there may be a medical cause for it in your elderly feline.

Matted fur occurs more frequently in long haired cats but this doesn t mean it won t happen to short haired cats. Use the proper tools when brushing your cat s hair using a rubber brush for short haired cats and a long tooth metal wired brush for cats with longer hair. Affected cats are lightly sedated and their hair coats are shaved to remove all affected mats. Seriously matted cats require veterinary attention.

Remember to groom the undercoat and hard to reach spots as well. Indoor only and shorthaired cats can also get mats from a buildup of dust and dander. Since the hair is now long it will look a bit messy if you don t trim it carefully. Illnesses such as hypothyroidism hyperthyroidism hypertension and kidney problems can cause dandruff and matted fur and these conditions are common in older kitties.

If your cat has sections of matted fur you can probably take care of the problem yourself. Imagine keeping all that fur under control. Mats are clumps of hair that have become entangled or knotted over time. Old infirm overweight and long haired cats in particular are more susceptible to tangled fur which can become clumped mats or knotted dreadlocks.