If you share your home with a Persian or a fluffy long-haired cat, you have probably found a mat: a thick, tight clump of fur, often in an armpit or on the back end, that simply will not brush out. This guide is for cat owners who want to prevent mats, deal with small ones safely and know when a mat, or a messy coat, is a job for the vet.
The short answer: comb a long-haired cat every day, groom a short-haired cat at least once a week, never reach for the scissors, and see your vet if the mats are severe or your cat has suddenly stopped looking after their coat.
Healthy cats are dedicated groomers. The Cornell Feline Health Center notes that cats typically spend between 30 and 50 percent of their day grooming themselves, so a cat who lets their coat go is often telling you something.
Why does my cat’s fur get matted?
VCA Animal Hospitals explains that mats tend to develop in areas with a lot of movement, or in areas a long-haired cat cannot reach when grooming. International Cat Care adds that knots are common in areas of friction. The usual trouble spots are:
- under the armpits and between the hind legs
- the chest and around the collar
- the back end and along the back of the legs
- around the ears
- between the toes and pads
Some cats are more prone to mats than others:
- Long-haired cats. Cats Protection points out that a long coat is often too much for a cat to groom by themselves, and International Cat Care singles out Persians as needing help.
- Overweight cats. According to VCA, obese cats often have difficulty reaching their hind end.
- Cats in pain. VCA notes that cats with arthritis may not groom areas that hurt to reach, and that a cat with a painful mouth condition, such as stomatitis or advanced periodontal disease, may hesitate to groom themselves.
- Older cats. International Cat Care says cats often struggle with their usual grooming routine as they age and become less flexible.
Mats are not only a cosmetic problem. VCA says your cat may be sensitive in matted areas, and some mats can cause skin inflammation or irritation.
Why shouldn’t I cut a mat out with scissors?
It is tempting to snip a mat off, but vets and cat charities agree: don’t. VCA explains that mats adhere very closely to the skin, so it is easy to cut the skin, even if you don’t see it. International Cat Care adds that in matted fur it is extremely difficult to see where your cat’s skin ends and the hair starts, and that the skin under the armpits and between the hind legs is very thin and sensitive. Cats Protection calls cutting mats out with scissors especially dangerous.
For a small, loose tangle in a relaxed cat, International Cat Care suggests teasing it apart gently with your fingers, working slowly from the root towards the end of the hair. VCA says small mats can sometimes be brushed or combed out with a mat breaker or dematting tool. Cats Protection is more cautious and advises not trying to brush mats out yourself at all, because pulling close to the skin can tear it. If a mat is tight against the skin, or your cat objects, leave it.
Two other points worth knowing:
- Don’t bath a matted cat. VCA advises brushing tangles out before bathing, as they can become impossible to remove after a bath.
- Severe mats often need your vet. International Cat Care says that in many cases severe mats will need to be shaved off by your veterinary team. Cats Protection points out that a cat groomer cannot sedate a cat, which is why it recommends a vet, who can do a de-mat clip while your cat is sedated. If a mat has caused any skin irritation, VCA advises taking your cat to the vet.
How often should I brush a long-haired or short-haired cat?
International Cat Care recommends grooming long-haired cats at least daily, but only for as long as your cat is comfortable, and short-haired cats at least once a week. VCA notes that short coats may need less frequent brushing, while long, silky or curly coats need daily brushing, especially around the ears, in the armpits and along the back of the legs.
A few habits make daily grooming easier for both of you:
- Keep it short and pleasant. VCA suggests reinforcing grooming as a fun experience with treats. Some cats come to enjoy it.
- Check the whole cat. International Cat Care suggests using grooming time to check for fleas, ticks, ear mites and any lumps or bumps, and to look for flea dirt as you lift the hair.
- Watch for signs your cat has had enough. International Cat Care lists skin rippling or twitching, a swishing or twitching tail, sharply turning the head towards your hand or the brush, suddenly freezing, ears flicking or rotating backwards, lip licking, and growling or hissing. If you see these, stop and try again later, when your cat is relaxed.
If your cat will not tolerate grooming at home, VCA notes that a professional groomer can help on a regular basis.
What is a sanitary cut, and does my cat need one?
A sanitary cut, sometimes called a hygiene trim, is a short trim of the fur around the bottom and under the tail. International Cat Care says it is important to keep the area under your cat’s tail clean, and that you may need to clean or trim the coat to stop faeces sticking to it.
Long-haired cats are the usual candidates, since VCA lists the back end among the places long coats tend to mat. Older, overweight or arthritic cats may also need help, because they can find it hard to reach this area. If your cat regularly has a dirty back end, mention it to your vet too: a cat who can no longer keep themselves clean may be struggling with weight or joint pain.
When does poor self-grooming mean a vet visit?
Because healthy cats spend so much time grooming, a change is worth taking seriously. International Cat Care says decreased grooming may indicate chronic (long-term) pain from arthritis or dental disease, and lists changes in grooming behaviour among the signs that an older cat should see the vet. Cats Protection says that a cat who starts grooming a lot more or less than usual could have a health issue.
Book a vet appointment if you notice:
- your cat grooming less than usual, or a matted and scruffy coat on a cat who used to be tidy
- new mats over the lower spine and hindquarters of an older cat
- stiffness, reluctance to jump, or difficulty using the litter tray, which International Cat Care lists as possible signs of arthritis
- red, sore or irritated skin under or around a mat
- grooming a lot more than usual, licking one spot, or patches of hair loss, since Cornell notes that cats lick areas that are itchy or painful
- in an older cat, weight loss, loss of appetite or drinking more than usual, which International Cat Care also lists as reasons to see the vet
Grooming is never a substitute for veterinary care. Brushing out a scruffy coat improves how it looks, but it does not treat the pain or illness that may be behind it.
How Mutt Cuts can help
Mutt Cuts Pet Parlour in Wierdapark, Centurion, has groomed dogs and cats of all breeds for more than 20 years. For cats you can book a full groom, a wash, brush and dry, a wash, brush and dry with a sanitary cut, or nail clipping only, and nail clipping is included with a groom at no extra charge. If you are not sure which suits your cat, choose “Not sure, please advise” when you book. Vaccinations must be up to date for every pet. If your cat’s mats are severe, the skin under them looks sore, or your cat has stopped grooming, please see your vet first. You can read more on our cat grooming page, and if getting your cat to us is the hard part, our pet taxi collects and delivers across Centurion and surrounding suburbs.