Matting in Cats | Something to worry about?

Matting in cats. Cats naturally have a beautiful and well-groomed coat. After all, they spend a lot of time grooming themselves. Nevertheless, it can happen that the coat becomes matted. In the beginning, there are usually only small nodules, which can grow over time to form entire patches of felt. The skin underneath is less ventilated and can become inflamed. This often only becomes visible when the felt is removed.

There are various causes of matting, from harmless to serious. We'll show you how to tell them apart. We also give you tips on how to remove and 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?

Yes, matted fur can cause pain in cats, as the tangles can pull the skin upwards and exert permanent pressure. This leads to irritation, circulatory problems and sometimes even inflammation. Hard-to-reach or sensitive areas such as the back, flanks or armpits are particularly affected.

If your cat suddenly has matted fur, this may also indicate that it is no longer able to groom itself properly due to arthritis, injuries or other health problems. In older cats in particular, the fur on the back is often affected as they can no longer move as well or are in pain when moving.

Test: Does your cat have pain when grooming?

You can do a simple test:

• Gently stroke or scratch your cat along its back up to the base of its tail.

• Observe her reaction.

• If it shows a defensive reaction, e.g. hisses, turns away, flinches or avoids being touched, it could be in pain.

If your cat shows such reactions, you should take it to a veterinary practice. They can clarify whether health problems such as arthritis or injuries are the cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

How do I get rid of matted fur in cats?

Matted fur in cats needs to be treated carefully to avoid pain and injury. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tackle the problem safely and effectively:

Step 1: Ensure peace and quiet

• Choose a quiet place where your cat feels comfortable.

• Talk to it in a calming way and avoid hectic movements.

Step 2: Get the necessary tools ready

• Flea comb or de-matting comb: For small knots

• Rounded, sharp scissors or seam ripper: For stubborn tangles

• Care spray or conditioner (optional): Makes it easier to untangle the knots

Step 3: Loosen small knots

• Check vulnerable areas such as the belly, hind legs and armpits more frequently.

• Start with small knots and work your way carefully.

• Hold the fur firmly against the skin to prevent pulling.

• Use a flea comb or a de-matting comb to gently loosen the knots.

Step 4: Removing stubborn tangles

• If the tangles cannot be untangled, use rounded, sharp scissors.

• Cut along the side of the knot to minimise the risk of injury.

• Alternatively, a seam ripper can be used to carefully separate the felt.

Step 5: Finish and brushing

• Brush the coat thoroughly to remove loose hair and prevent new tangles from forming.

• A coat conditioning spray can make brushing easier and make the coat smoother.

If the tangles are extensive or very close to the skin, you should seek professional help. Vets or professional groomers can remove the tangles safely and painlessly.

Can you remove matted fur with household remedies?

Yes, you can! You only need a few things to remove matted areas from the coat. You probably have them lying around at home or can get them easily:

• Flannels: Wet a flannel with warm water. You can use this to soak the tangles first and remove the dirt.

• De-matting spray: A slightly oily spray can help to soften and smooth stubborn areas that are prone to matting. It is available from pet shops.

• Fur brush or comb: Try to carefully brush out slightly matted areas. If in doubt, get help if your cat is too restless. To avoid a little drama, it is always advisable to practise brushing with your cat right from the start. Treats and cuddles are readily accepted as a reward.

• Seam ripper: If the tangles are too strong or your cat has no patience, it can be used. You're sure to find one in your sewing box. You can use the seam ripper to carefully cut the matted knots piece by piece.

• Rounded scissors: These are the last resort before your cat has to be clipped. You can use the scissors to cut off larger knots or felt. They should be rounded so that you don't accidentally injure your cat.

If you can't get the problem with the tangles under control in the long term, sometimes only clipping the entire coat will help. A pet groomer or vet can help you with this. In some cases, cats react so severely that clipping has to be carried out under anaesthetic. On this occasion, dental treatment with tartar removal can also be carried out.

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.