Matted cat fur on the other hand damages tissue by preventing oxygen and moisture from reaching it.
How to get rid of matted fur on long haired cats.
These clumps of fur can be painful for the cat.
When this happens matting and fur entangling worsen.
Matting occurs more in spring and autumn when cats are molting.
If the mat is one large clump sometimes pulling it apart allows the brush or comb to better untangle the hair.
Cats have earned a reputation as effective self groomers but that doesn t mean they don t need your help in staying clean and healthy.
Keep in mind that shedding dead hair is normal and it s a process that cannot be avoided.
Work your way down to the base of the mat as you untangle the top.
Cat matted fur can be a real problem for cat owners and it can be difficult to keep mats at bay or get rid of them especially if your cat is particularly sensitive to brushing or clipping.
Old infirm overweight and long haired cats in particular are more susceptible to tangled fur which can become clumped mats or knotted dreadlocks.
Indoor only and shorthaired cats can also get mats from a buildup of dust and dander.
Mats are clumps of hair that have become entangled or knotted over time.
Healthy and tangle free cat fur allows for a continuous air flow to your cat s skin.
Usually grooming keeps the fur clean and prevents fleas from taking hold.
If the brush doesn t seem to work use both of your thumbs and index fingers to pull apart the matted fur.
Why matted cat fur is bad.
See our related article for much more about the causes of matted hair in cats.
As clumps get larger they put pressure on your cat s skin making it painful to lie down.
But sometimes if something becomes stuck in its fur or a cat neglects its grooming mats may form.
Dead hair mixes up with the stuck up debris and dirt on its skin thus forming into even larger mats.
But there are plenty of solutions for cat mats it s just a matter of experimenting with different courses and seeing what works for your kitty.
Certain breeds of cats persians maine coons and other long haired breeds are more likely to develop mats.
Matted fur occurs more frequently in long haired cats but this doesn t mean it won t happen to short haired cats.
Most cats shed their fur during spring and fall.