Mats are clumps of hair that have become entangled or knotted over time.
What causes cats fur to matt.
Most cats shed their fur during spring and fall.
Why matted cat fur is bad.
This can lead to dry scaly and sometimes irritated skin.
Indoor only and shorthaired cats can also get mats from a buildup of dust and dander.
Keep in mind that shedding dead hair is normal and it s a process that cannot be avoided.
Dead hair mixes up with the stuck up debris and dirt on its skin thus forming into even larger mats.
This can lead to lesions or secondary skin infection in severe cases of matting.
The main reason why your cat experiences matted hair is due to lack of grooming if you do not brush your cat s hair properly or leave it as is for an extended period then your feline friend will suffer from the clumps due to shedding and leaving the excess fur on his skin.
See our related article for much more about the causes of matted hair in cats.
Other times it can be from accidents due to playing.
What causes matting in hair anyway.
Matted fur may bring to mind a shabby outdoor cat caught in a rainstorm but even meticulously clean indoor cats can be the victims of mats from time to time.
Certain breeds of cats persians maine coons and other long haired breeds are more likely to develop mats.
But sometimes if something becomes stuck in its fur or a cat neglects its grooming mats may form.
Mats are clumps of hair that form when loose hair gets tangled onto the rest of your cat s fur.
And if these are left un brushed the amount of matted and entangled hair increases resulting in it becoming even more matted.
Matting occurs more in spring and autumn when cats are molting.
As a cat owner one of the most helpful grooming techniques to learn is how to get mats out of cat fur it not only helps keep your cat looking cute but also help protect them from skin irritation coming from fleas and skin parasites.
Since your cat s coat goes everywhere with your cat mats may form simply due to activity such as jumping climbing or squeezing through tight crevices.
These clumps of fur can be painful for the cat.
When this happens matting and fur entangling worsen.
Find mats on your kitty s coat by using a wide tooth comb and use a mat breaker brush to gently cut through them while holding the fur at the roots to prevent discomfort for your little one.
Pruritis itchy inflamed skin when matted fur traps moisture and irritants close to your cat s skin.
Matted fur occurs more frequently in long haired cats but this doesn t mean it won t happen to short haired cats.
Matted cat fur on the other hand damages tissue by preventing oxygen and moisture from reaching it.
What causes matted cat hair.
You can also sprinkle cornstarch throughout the fur to help loosen the tangled fur or use a spritz of leave in conditioner.
To prevent this evaluate your cat s behavior if she s a regular victim of mats.
