i have a long hair cat. how do i UN-do the matted clump of hair close to the skin?

You may have to cut them out! Try a groomer!!

Unless you can comb them all out, I'd get her shaved. The hair will grow out quick and you will be able to comb it as it grows in to prevent matting from happening again. You don't wait combing to hurt from the beginning as it will if you comb the mats out, because then she'll be frightened of the comb.

Instead start when the hair is short, and it'll feel good.

wrap the cat where it can't move, but don't strangle it or smother it, and take a pair of sharps scissors, and cut the fur bout an inch from the skin. and lightly brush out to the best of your ability if it doesn't brush out, just let it grow out a little bit and then try again.......... if kitty doesn't like to stay still, or you're having other difficulities, take her to a groomer.

you will have to cut the matted parts out. or you couldd go to the pet store buy a brush and try that but best thing would be to cut them out. the fur will grow back fast and it wont be very noticeable when you do cut them.

in order to not harm your new cat, take her into you vet. they can help with close to the skin mats. also petsmart has grooming for cats at low cost prices. they just ask to see proof of shots and rabies.

you get a brush/comb and slowly untangle it (my cats really like there fur being brushed)

You can shave the fur off.

Bathe her & use people hair conditioner lots of it.