Cat experts-need help removing mats

[Simba's Mom]

One of our cats, Simba, has mats in his fur on his back. However, unlike Tigger, he does NOT like to be brushed/combed-he gets very grumpy! Anyone have any tips on how I can get mats out without much combing? Something that will act like a detangler?

 

[mickey65]

If you can't not brush him, perhaps a professional groomer would be the best way. Bathing will make it worse and trying to cut it out is dangerous too since you run the risk of cutting his skin. Good luck!

 

[Cruisin]

My one cat gets mats too.

I usually have to sneak up on her when she's sleeping and very carefully cut them out with small sharp scissors. Even if you cut just a bit off at a time, you will eventually get to all of it.

I have heard also that you can use one of those sliding letter openers. The ones with the sharp blade imbedded in plastic that you slide into the envelope and along the edge. You slide it under the mat and slowly work it through. This protects the cat's skin.

I know I once took my cat to the vet and they managed to get all the mats out without hardly cutting any hair off. I don't know if they used something as a detangler. Maybe you can call the vet or the pet store and ask them for advice.

I have a lot of tangles to work on myself right now

 

[Stitchfans]

I have 3 cats. The oldest just started getting mats. Never did in the past. If DH or one of my DDs would hold her I'd be able to brush them out, but no one will help. The idea with the letter opener though was clever I will try that.

 

[Tiggeroo]

my maine coon gets them in his, well arm pits I guess you'd call it. We sneak up on him and cut them out a little bit at a time. It's not fun. And he doesn't mind being brushed and gets brushed alot. I think this spot he just gives us a hard time about.

 

[Hopetobee]

my maine coon gets them in his, well arm pits I guess you'd call it. We sneak up on him and cut them out a little bit at a time. It's not fun. And he doesn't mind being brushed and gets brushed alot. I think this spot he just gives us a hard time about.

Arm Pits-----I love it!!

 

[chrissyk]

My old neighbor's Maine Coon used to get matted. She was going to take the cat in to the vet to get the mats out, but it was going to be expensive. We ended up cutting them out on our own. My neighbor held the cat down (in the sink for some reason...this actually worked well), while I cut THROUGH the mats with sharp scissors. I made sure not to cut anywhere near the skin. What was left of the mats was fairly easy to work out by hand after that. If you don't mind your cat having an odd trim job for a while, this method works well.

 

[EthansMom]

I use sharp scissors to carefully cut out the worst of the matted fur. And then brush out the rest.