Removing matted fur off of my cats tail?

Question

My cat has matted fur on her tail and lower rear hind quarters. She's had it for a while and it appears to be coming more pronounced. She doesn't like when I try to remove it, I've tried gentle brushing and I've also tried separating the mats. Whenever I try to remove the mats she tries to scratch and bite me, she'll give me about 10 minutes then she's had enough! I have currently been trying to give her baths, but, she hates that even more! Any advice on removing matted fur off a cat?

Chicker · Accepted Answer

I have been a groomer for over 9 years. Brushing a matt is like pulling your arm hair. A matt is so closely stuck to your cats skin, that by brushing it, you are not only pulling the hair, but the skin with it. Don't ever attempt to take scissors to it either. 

My best advice would be to call a vet/groomer, and ask if you can just bring your cat in for a "sanitary" shave. I do this all the time, and usually only charge 10 bucks. 

Hope this helps!

Rowan G · Answer

I think you should take your cat to the vet as this is new, especially if she's a short hair.  Beside hopefully the vet being able to help you with the matts, you can look at the cause.  It could be that she's got too fat to reach her rear (in which case she will need help with washing until you can slim her down.  However do not bathe with matts: it can cause them to tighten).  Sometimes matting can be a symptom of other problems too: eg bad teeth can make their saliva sticky.  

So vet check would be a very good idea...

kirazi · Answer

If you can't get the mats out with a brush you may need to get her shaved (not completely, just the parts that are matted). She may not like it but she will feel much better afterward and it will be much cleaner and easier for her to groom herself.

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Removing matted fur off of my cats tail?

3 Answers