Detangling a cat’s matted fur

Cats self-groom as an instinctual ritual that keeps their fur clean, moisturized, and beautiful. Your cat’s self-grooming is a source of pride, and your cat may not hand over the hairbrush easily. However, if you’ve discovered mats on your cat’s fur, don’t fret. Cat mats happen for a variety of reasons. The important thing is that they’re addressed quickly. Depending on the severity and your cat’s temperament, you may be able to take care of the problem at home with a few tools.

Assess how many areas of matting there are and the severity of each. If you’re wondering how to remove matted cat hair without giving them a haircut or clipping out the tangled chunks, try the tips and supplies below first.

Gather your tools and prepare for a gentle brushing

When detangling matted cat fur, it’s best to work with a relaxed cat. Start by calming your cat, using a soothing voice, gentle petting, and a treat or two.

• Metal comb. For short-haired cats, use a fine-toothed metal comb to detangle their fur. For long-haired cats, use a wide-toothed comb.
• Detangling spray. Lightly mist your feline friend with a soothing detangling spray like this TropiClean tangle remover to condition and make brushing easier.
• Slicker comb. Start with the fine-toothed comb, then move on to the slicker comb when needed. Holding the base of the mat with your fingers, gently brush the matted hair with the slicker comb. These are especially good for short hair.
• De-matting brush. An initial brushing with this popular dematting comb may take care of mild to moderate mats on its own. The comb has two sides, and cat owners should use the lower-density de-matting rake for the initial brush.

Not all cats need a de-matting brush. Avoid using one on low-shed cats, breeds without an undercoat, or cats with sensitive skin.

Now that your cat is brushed out, it’s time to tackle detangling its matted fur. Here’s how to go to battle against the toughest mats:

1. Start with your fingers — Gently run your fingers through your cat’s fur to loosen small mats. If you’re using a detangling spray, go ahead and give Kitty a spritz and follow with a soothing brush down with the dematting comb if you choose.
2. Begin brushing — Hold the base of the mat with one hand and gently pull it upward away from the cat’s skin. Using your other hand, lightly brush through the tangle with a fine-toothed comb, starting at the ends and working your way back.

You can follow up with a soft, slicker comb to release those more stubborn mats.

👉 Never attempt to pull or detangle a tightly twisted mat with your hands. 

Reassure your cat with lots of love and treats, and avoid a prolonged brushing session. Detangling matted fur takes great patience; pet owners can expect to work on it over several days. Aim to detangle one to two areas per sitting, then give Fluffy a break. The goal is to avoid causing your cat a stressful or painful experience.

We know you love your cat’s luxurious coat and prefer to remove matted cat fur without cutting their fur. Never use scissors to remove a mat, as accidents are easy to happen and your cat may get hurt. Sometimes, however, shaving out a stubborn knot may be necessary to relieve pain and prevent infection or bruising. Always be sure to shave your cat in the same direction their fur grows and gently pull their fur away from their skin.

It’s best to leave clipping or shaving your cat’s matted fur to your veterinarian or an experienced professional cat groomer. However, doing it yourself may be the only practical approach for cats prone to matted fur.

Get guided, hands-on experience with a professional groomer or watch experienced professionals before attempting this at home. It can go a long way in preventing painful damage to your cat’s skin and emergency vet visits.

A few things can contribute to a cat’s coat becoming matted. Senior cats, or those with obesity or illness, may not groom as regularly as they should. Some cats aren’t adept groomers and miss a spot. Outdoor cats are more susceptible to matting since dirt and oil contribute to tangles.

Matting can also occur naturally in areas of the body where there is more rubbing or a lot of movement, like between the legs or under the collar or tail. Just like humans with long hair get more tangles, long-haired cats are prone to more matting due to excess fur.

Preventing a cat’s matted fur

You can take preventative measures by brushing your cat daily with a soft bristle brush. The soft bristles soothe your cat and establish grooming sessions Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources as a positive experience.

Most cats are fantastic self-groomers. Tiny barbs on their tongues efficiently clean their fur down to the skin and regulate their body temperature. Their little hairbrush tongues even improve circulation and spread moisturizing body oils around to moisturize.

But even the best groomers sometimes fall down on the job — if you notice knots or mats in your cat’s fur, human intervention is required. Matted fur can pull the skin and be painful for your feline friend, even leading to bruising and infection in some cases. Gently de-matting your cat with a comb or brush can help them look and feel their best again.