Matting occurs more in spring and autumn when cats are molting.
What is matted hair on cats.
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.
Take your feline to the vet or groomer if you can t untangle the stubborn mats.
For matted hair cornstarch is very beneficial.
If you have an older cat try comparing then and now photos.
Keep in mind that shedding dead hair is normal and it s a process that cannot be avoided.
If her fur is bad enough that the mat is just one giant stretch of knotted hair that s a situation that probably calls for a professional as shaving her fur might be necessary.
The oil absorbing quality of cornstarch makes it a great home remedy for matted hair in pets.
This can lead to dry scaly and sometimes irritated skin.
It is important to deal with the matted fur as soon as you notice them or the dirty tangled fur may even lead to the growth of manges.
If your cat has sections of matted fur you can probably take care of the problem yourself.
The product may help loosen up the hair.
Adding water to the mats can actually make them worse.
See our related article for much more about the causes of matted hair in cats.
Causes of matted hair in cats.
Have your vet examine your kitty for any skin inflammation or irritation after the removal of serious mats.
Buy a detangler spray for your cat s fur.
In cats that suffer from dandruff the hair is usually deeply rooted in the follicles and can actually make the cat s fur look even thicker.
Matted cat fur on the other hand damages tissue by preventing oxygen and moisture from reaching it.
What causes matting in hair anyway.
Indoor only and shorthaired cats can also get mats from a buildup of dust and dander.
Spritz a bit of this onto the mats.
Yes the cat may sleep more but often it s a basic sign the cat is too sore or uncomfortable to groom or is too stiff too reach the tricky bits.
You can buy pet detangler spray at your local pet supply store or online.
In such cases it may be necessary to administer some form of topical shampoo that will get rid of the dandruff problem and prevent further matting.
Other times it can be from accidents due to playing.
A cat covered in mats might even have to be put under anesthesia and shaved to prevent discomfort and pain during the hair removal.
However there s a reason many older cats have dull starry coats.
When your cat notices this change they start to groom more which could increase the amount of hair they ingest and cause other health problems.
Instead get a detangler that s made specifically for cats.
Mats are clumps of hair that have become entangled or knotted over time.
