Matted Cat Fur: How to Remove and Prevent Mats

Mats are clumps of tangled fur that can form close to the skin. They’re more than a cosmetic problem. Matted cat fur can pull on the skin, cause pain, trap moisture and hide wounds, fleas or skin infections. Here’s what causes mats, how to handle small ones safely and when to get professional help.

What causes matted fur in cats?

• Long or thick coats, like those of Persians, Maine Coons and Ragdolls
• Shedding fur that gets trapped in the coat
• Less grooming, often because of age, arthritis or weight gain
• Dental pain, which can make grooming uncomfortable
• Illness, which can cause cats to stop grooming
• Friction, such as under the legs, behind the ears and under collars
• Moisture or dirt in the coat

A cat that suddenly stops grooming may be in pain or unwell. Our article on what to expect at every stage of your cat’s life covers grooming changes in senior cats.

Where mats usually form

• Behind the ears
• Under the front legs (armpits)
• The belly and groin
• The back end and back of the thighs
• Along the back in older or overweight cats

How to remove small mats safely

For small, loose tangles:

1. Choose a calm time when your cat is relaxed.
2. Hold the fur at the base of the mat, close to the skin, to avoid pulling.
3. Gently tease the mat apart with your fingers.
4. Use a wide-toothed comb to work from the outer edge of the mat inward, a little at a time.
5. Take breaks and reward your cat with treats.
6. Stop if your cat seems painful or stressed.

Don’t use scissors

Never cut mats out with scissors. Mats often sit right against the skin, and cats’ skin is very thin. It’s easy to cut the skin by accident, causing a wound that needs stitches.

When to see a groomer or vet

Get professional help if:

• Mats are large, tight or close to the skin
• There are many mats
• Your cat is in pain or won’t let you handle them
• You see redness, sores, fleas or a bad smell under the mats

A professional groomer or vet can safely shave the mats with clippers. Some cats need a full shave, sometimes called a lion cut. Very stressed or painful cats may need sedation at the vet. Our guide to heartworm, fleas and ticks explains how to check for fleas hiding under fur.

How to prevent mats

• Brush long-haired cats daily and short-haired cats about once a week
• Use the right tools, like a wide-toothed comb and a soft slicker brush
• Check problem areas like armpits and behind the ears
• Keep your cat at a healthy weight so they can groom easily
• Treat dental disease and arthritis, which can stop cats from grooming
• Consider regular trims for long-haired or senior cats

Our article on why your pet’s dental health matters explains how mouth pain can affect grooming.

Frequently asked questions

Do mats hurt cats?

Yes. Mats pull on the skin and can cause pain, bruising and sores.

Can I bathe out mats?

No. Water usually makes mats tighter. Remove mats before bathing.

Grooming questions? Ask a vet

Talk to a licensed vet 24/7, even on holidays, by chat, voice call or video call. Your first month is free with code FREEMONTH, then US $9.99/month, at NYPTeleVet.com. One membership covers up to 6 pets, and you can cancel anytime.

Our vets can’t prescribe medication, but they’ll tell you what’s likely needed and when an in-person visit is the next step.

Sources

• How To Handle Matting in Dogs and Cats, PetMD
• A Haircut Could Save a Life: Preventing Your Pet’s Coat From Matting, ASPCA
• Grooming Your Cat, International Cat Care