Cat hair is one of the most extraordinary things about cats; it's what gives them their color and fluffiness, with hundreds of thousands of hairs per square inch. On the other hand, that lovely coat isn't always so easy to come by. matted cat hair is one of the most prevalent feline issues, and it can lead to an increase in the number of hairballs. If your cat's fur is matted, have a look at this helpful guide on how to remove matted hair from a cat.

Grooming takes up to half of a cat's waking hours, and they frequently adopt yoga-like poses to make sure that every hair is brushed thoroughly, from whiskers to tail. Grooming cats regularly and thoroughly is critical to their general health. Dirt, dead skin cells, and parasites are all removed. It keeps their coats velvety smooth by distributing oils on their skin.

A tiny knot in your cat's hair, on the other hand, can quickly turn into a matted, tangled mess. This can throw off your pet's regular grooming routine and potentially put them in danger. So here's all you need to know on how to deal with matted cat hair so your pet can stay healthy and happy.

What Causes Matted Hair in Cats? 

Delicate strands of cat hair can become twisted and tangled, forming thickly intertwined mats that are difficult to remove. matted cat hair might cause a clump in your pet's coat.

Cats groom themselves by removing dead hair with their tongues, covered in microscopic barbs. Excess dead hair is trapped beneath the topcoat and combines with the oils in the cat's skin to form a hard, scratchy, and unpleasant lump.

Mats appear in locations that are harder for cats to reach, such as the back, and are more common in areas with a lot of friction, such as the armpits. Matted cat hair is not only ugly, but it can also be painful for your cat because the skin is squeezed so tightly. The tangled clumps also limit airflow to the skin, which can cause discomfort and even infection in severe cases. If a cat's anal region's fur becomes matted, it can trap urine and excrement, putting parasites and disease in danger.

Matted hair affects some cats more than others.

Although most cats are adept at preventing mats by self-grooming, many long-haired or older cats require additional assistance from their owners to keep their coats in good condition and mat-free.

What is the explanation for this? According to research, long-haired breeds like Persians have a more challenging time accessing the layers of their fur closest to the skin. This makes their coats un-groomable, and their hair is more prone to matting without some grooming help from their owners.

Specific medical issues can also make it more likely for cats' fur to become matted. Cats with arthritis may have a more challenging time reaching all parts of their bodies to brush themselves. Other ailments that make your cat feel tired or uneasy may also lead them to under-groom. An abrupt change in grooming habits could be a sign that it's time to see your veterinarian.

How to Remove Mats From Cat Hair

                                       iStock.com/anurakpong

When it comes to cleaning matted cat hair, the most important thing to remember is this: Slow down. Attempting to comb off mats too soon may injure your cat, making them hesitant to sit still for future grooming sessions. Expect to spend several grooming sessions eliminating mats from your cat's fur if they have a lot of them.

If the mats are small and loose, start misting the area with a pet detangling spray. Then loosen and remove matted fur with a wide-toothed comb. Hold the hair below the mat, near the skin, in one hand. Move the brush softly through the mat with the other hand, avoiding or minimizing pulling on the hair as much as possible.

Clippers may be needed to shave off larger mats. A veterinarian or skilled cat groomer can often remove them quickly and painlessly without causing undue stress to your cat. Sometimes it may require anesthesia to remove matted hair from the cat, depending on the extent and severity of the matting, as well as the cat's personality.

Regardless of the matting's size,  do not use scissors. You won't always see it, but their thin skin can become so entwined in the mat that you'll likely cut it and injure the cat.

Matted cat hair necessitates the use of grooming tools.

Some tools are better than others when removing matted cat fur. Slicker brushes should be used to remove loose hair, and wide- and fine-toothed combs should be used to loosen and work through mats. If the mats are severe, avoid using scissors and instead use clippers to remove matted hair from the cat.

Clippers with an adjustable blade can assist remove densely matted hair close to the skin. Read the clipper instructions carefully to ensure the best results and avoid harming the skin. Also, to reduce the stress on the cat, use quiet clippers.

How to Keep Your Cat's Hair From Matting

Preventing matted cat fur is significantly easier than removing existing mats. When cats are kittens, begin brushing them regularly to get them acclimated to brushing.

If your cat isn't fond of brushing, start with short grooming sessions of one or two strokes, which you should stop as soon as you observe indications of agitation. After grooming sessions, reward them with their favorite treat or wand toy, so they see it as a pleasurable ritual.

Fish oil supplementation

Supplements may also assist in the prevention of matted fur. Talk to your veterinarian about fish oil supplements and omega-3 fatty acids to improve skin and coat health. Routine veterinarian visits can also aid in detecting skin and coat issues before they become out of hand.

Matted fur can be avoided by feeding your cat good, balanced food that helps them maintain a healthy weight.

It is critical to maintain a healthy weight.

Cats with excessive obesity may find it difficult or impossible to groom themselves adequately. For preventive, regular grooming, vet care, balanced food, and vitamins are essential. However, if your cat's fur becomes matted, responding promptly but gently to remove mats before they become larger helps guarantee that your cat's health is preserved and that they may resume their regular self-grooming routine.

Conclusion

Brush your cat's fur regularly to keep it from matting. This is especially crucial after being bathed, as their fur can quickly become tangled when wet. Brush their hair with a wide-toothed comb and be gentle to prevent stressing your cat. Matted clumps of fur aren't only unsightly. They can cause your cat pain and worry, so it's best to start removing them as soon as you notice them. They will deteriorate the longer you wait.