Removing matted hair from your cat 1.
Cutting out hair mats cat.
Be as gentle as possible and apply short fast strokes so there s less pulling of the skin.
Most mats will come out with brushing but hard mats can require extra work.
Indoor only and shorthaired cats can also get mats from a buildup of dust and dander.
Never use sharp pointed scissors to cut out a mat your cat s skin is very delicate and you might accidentally cut it if you get too close with the scissors.
Here are a few different tools to try for this job.
There is a significant risk of cutting your cat s skin.
While the most certain way to get rid of a stubborn tangle or mat cutting should usually be your last option.
While cutting your cat s mats give your cat some treats to ease his discomfort and allow him to stay.
Affected cats are lightly sedated and their hair coats are shaved to remove all affected mats.
Nail clippers to avoid cutting the skin with nail scissors but you can still clip their skin.
Seriously matted cats require veterinary attention.
When brushing is not enough sometimes cutting the mats out is the next step but this can be difficult to do without damaging the cat s skin.
Get the pair of scissors and cut the mat away making clean cuts.
Not only does it give your cat a bald spot that may take months to fill in completely you run the risk of injuring your cat.
As a last resort for large and stubborn mats use a set of pet hair clippers to cut under and around the mat while gently pulling it away from your cat s body.
If mat has just started to form the best thing to do is to simply brush it out.
Cats have very delicate skin and with mats forming.
Mats are clumps of hair that have become entangled or knotted over time.
Continue separating the mats and cutting it away from the skin.
Use a metal mat comb for cats to detach the smaller tangles.
Although matted cat fur is commonly found in long hair cat breeds short haired cats can also develop mats in their coats.
Take away any loose hair carefully.
A cat with extensively matted fur should be anesthetized.
Do you best not to pull your cat s hair as you cut as it might make him squirm.
Never try to cut out a mat.
Hold under the mat s surface so that you won t be pulling their skin.
Dense mats of snarled hair that lies close to the skin are difficult to remove from an animal that is not absolutely still.
See our related article for much more about the causes of matted hair in cats.
Cut out mats when all else fails.
You can also gently pick individual mat parts out of your cat s skin.
If this drastic step is necessary be sure to maintain a regular program of brushing and combing when the coat grows back to prevent future problems.
Start by holding the hair below the mat close to the skin and separate the tangled fur into smaller pieces.
The reason mats develop is that cats naturally shed their dead outer fur to make room for newer hair to grow.
