Matting in Cats | Something to worry about?

Matting in cats. By nature, cats have a beautiful, well-groomed coat. After all, they spend a lot of time grooming themselves. And yet, it can happen that the fur becomes matted. At first, it's usually just small nodes that can gradually grow into whole plates of felt. The skin underneath becomes less ventilated and can get inflamed. Often this only becomes visible after the felt mat has been removed.

There are various causes for matting, from harmless to serious. We show you how you can tell the difference. We also give tips on how you can prevent matting.

Possible causes for matted fur

There are many reasons for matted fur. Whether you need to worry about it depends on the circumstances in which the symptom occurs. 

Some cats are simply prone to tangles due to their coat structure. Long-haired breeds such as Maine Coon, Sacred Burmese and Persians often can't manage grooming on their own, despite an extensive grooming routine.

However, matting can also be an expression of a disease. If your cat always had a beautiful, shiny coat, which is now suddenly matted, then something is wrong. Most of the time, there are also other symptoms that you can detect with thorough observation. 

These problems can lead to matting:

• The cat is overweight 

• The cat becomes stiff with age

• The cat is in pain

• The cat suffers from a parasite infestation

• Sebaceous glands become inflamed at the base of the tail

• There is a mineral or vitamin deficiency

• The cat suffers from renal failure

• The cat has hyperthyroidism

Why does the coat mat in old and obese cats?

It's like us humans: With age, the body changes, the joints can stiffen. Many cats simply become more inflexible over time. Especially the back fur can then become matted, because the cat can no longer reach the area so well when grooming.

The same problem is present if your cat is overweight. A controlled weight loss is the key to a healthy and long life. This is because in addition to coat problems, overweight cats often suffer from other illnesses.

Disease as a potential cause

Unfortunately, there are also serious diseases in which the coat structure changes. In addition to matting, the coat then usually becomes dull and shaggy, where it otherwise always looked beautiful. Common diseases that can lie underneath are renal failure and hyperthyroidism. Usually affected cats then also lose weight and drink more.

A vitamin or mineral deficiency can also lead to coat changes. This often occurs in connection with various intestinal diseases, in which the body can not properly utilize the required nutrients from the food. Some cats then start to eat unusual things. Besides, you can often observe additional symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting.

Also skin diseases can be behind the felt nodes like the so-called stud tail. At the base of the tail there is a painful and itchy skin inflammation. The sebaceous glands located there produce too much oily secretion, it comes to adhesions and incrustations.

Please contact a veterinarian if you notice any of the symptoms described above. Your cat should be examined thoroughly and treated if necessary.

Is the cat in pain with matted fur?

Cats can also develop arthritis or get injured. Therefore, if the grooming movement is painful, your cat will avoid it. Usually the back fur is affected here as well.

You can do a simple test to find out if your cat is in pain while grooming. Crawl along the back towards the base of the tail. If your cat is in pain, she will show you this with a defensive reaction. If so, you should take her to a veterinarian's office.

Is it possible to remove matted fur with home remedies?

Yes it is possible! To remove matted areas from your cat's coat, you only need a few things. You probably have them lying around at home or you can just get them. 

warm, damp washcloth

You can use a cloth to soak the matted area first and remove dirt.

disentangle spray

A slightly oily spray can help soften and smoothen areas that are prone to matting. You can find it at pet supply stores.

coat grooming brush or comb

Very gently try combing out slightly matted areas. In case of doubt, get a helper if your cat is too fidgety. 

To avoid a little drama, it is always advisable to practice brushing your cat's coat from the beginning. Treats and petting are happily accepted as rewards.

seam ripper

If the tangles are too strong or your cat has no patience, it can come to use. You're sure to find one in your sewing box. With the seam ripper you can carefully cut off the matted lumps piece by piece.

rounded scissors

These are the last resort before your cat needs to be clipped. You can use the scissors to cut off larger nodes or felt mats. It should be rounded so you don't accidentally hurt your cat. 

If the problem with the felt nodes cannot be controlled in the long term, sometimes only a clipping of the complete coat can help. A pet groomer or veterinarian can help you with this. Some cats can react so aggressively that the shearing has to be done under anesthesia. This opportunity can then also be used to perform a dental cleaning with tartar removal.

Can I prevent matting?

You can help your cat to prevent becoming matted again. Brush it regularly to remove loose hair. There are a variety of brushes and combs available for this purpose, with the right product for every coat length and coat texture. 

In addition to preventing matting, brushing also prevents hairballs from forming in the gastrointestinal tract. Hairballs can lead to stomach irritation with vomiting or even intestinal obstruction. Take the opportunity to have a thorough look at your cat, so you can detect coat changes, injuries or a parasite infestation early on. Brushing also stimulates blood circulation and loosens dander.

For short-haired cats, grooming is recommended once a week, while long-haired cats should be brushed every day. In spring and autumn, when the coat is shedding, you should perform the coat care especially thoroughly, because more hairs fall out.

A balanced diet is also essential for a healthy and shiny coat. The coat is strengthened and shines more if you add some salmon oil to the food.

What to do? What vets advise for matted fur

If you discover matting in your cat's coat, you should act. Remove the nodules from the coat and investigate the cause. Matted fur can be caused by a number of things, and is usually more than just a cosmetic problem. There are many diseases, which cause that the cat either does not groom itself sufficiently or the coat structure changes.

Pay attention to whether your cat shows other symptoms. Common symptoms that occur at the same time are:

• dull and shaggy coat

• increased drinking and urination

• weight loss

• diarrhea

• vomiting

• skin inflammation with hair loss, crusts and clumping

If you are not sure if and when you should visit a veterinary practice, you can use the confidu diagnosis finder. Answer questions about the symptom and get a diagnosis with an estimate of urgency. It was developed by veterinarians and clearly guides you when and how to help your cat. Because nothing is more annoying than if you stressed your cat with a vet visit for no reason. Or even the opposite, if you wait too long and the animal suffers. 

Conclusion

Veterinarians recommend regular grooming for cats. This way you will detect skin and coat problems early and your cat will learn that handling is not bad and that you can help it much better in case of illness. You will also reduce the amount of hair your cat swallows while grooming. This will prevent vomiting.

Take it seriously if your cat's coat changes. Matted fur can be a sign of disease. Often there is a diminished grooming instinct behind it, caused by pain or an underlying organic disease. Even in old age, reduced grooming in cats is not normal, there is always a reason behind it! If the cause is found, you can help your cat in a targeted way, so that it has a long and happy life.

The confidu magazine is written by our veterinarians according to current scientific standards. The articles do not replace a veterinary diagnosis, but are intended to provide you with initial information on many topics related to your animal. If you have specific questions about your pet, our vets will be happy to advise you via the confidu app.