Cat mats

palikakitty

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My 20 year old cat has mats on her back. She won't let me brush them out--she bit me. She seems very healthy but I really don't want to take her to the vet. Any ideas?
 

crystal dawn

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My mom's 25 year old cat had the same problem. We had to carefully work them out with our fingers or cut them out being mindful of her skin. We also used a comb while she was sleeping to try and work the mats out starting at the ends and working toward her skin being sure not to pull to hard and trying to keep slack near her skin. Mats are painful for cats so being gentle is important.
 
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mani

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Once they're badly matted it's difficult to brush or comb them out; they need to be trimmed, and if they're really matted they cat be very close to the skin, literally pulling on it, so it really is best if a vet does it. If they're not too bad, can you wrap her in such a way that you can access them but she can't bite you? Perhaps have someone help you?
 

mrsgreenjeens

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I used to take my elderly cat to the groomer when he got matted. My guy actually enjoyed the pampering. I now have a younger cat (12 years old) who is starting to get some mats and he hates the groomer. I have found the only way to get them out is to slide his comb underneath the mat to protect the skin, then cut the mat off right along the comb line, if that makes any sense. And I use manicure scissors to cut with because they have a slight curve upwards so I feel he's more protected in case he squirms. I haven't cut him yet , thank goodness. It's a slow process be cause he doesn't sit still for long, so for large mats it may take me several days to get it all.
 

crystal dawn

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I used to take my elderly cat to the groomer when he got matted. My guy actually enjoyed the pampering. I now have a younger cat (12 years old) who is starting to get some mats and he hates the groomer. I have found the only way to get them out is to slide his comb underneath the mat to protect the skin, then cut the mat off right along the comb line, if that makes any sense. And I use manicure scissors to cut with because they have a slight curve upwards so I feel he's more protected in case he squirms. I haven't cut him yet , thank goodness. It's a slow process be cause he doesn't sit still for long, so for large mats it may take me several days to get it all.
I did something similar with Xena our 25-year-old cat that was matted. She didn't like that to much, I think the comb pulled on some mats that were close to the skin, so I would use my fingers to gently hold the mat and protect her skin as I cut. Using nice sharp scissors made all the difference as dull ones tend to pull more and for an already sore area that's just not a good feeling.
 

LokiWolf

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Best thing to do is take her to a vet or groomer and have em shaved. Or if there is a mobile groomer who could come to the house. It's very easy to cut open a cat. Is she not grooming anymore or can't reach? If so either keep that area short with maintenance or brush it everyday. Bathing might be necessary.
 

Elvisrocks

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My 20 year old cat has mats on her back. She won't let me brush them out--she bit me. She seems very healthy but I really don't want to take her to the vet. Any ideas?
I've heard olive oil works wonders. Google using olive oil on cat mats. If you use a syringe and put it on close to the skin it works!
 

mrsgreenjeens

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I've heard olive oil works wonders. Google using olive oil on cat mats. If you use a syringe and put it on close to the skin it works!
I googled that for the last huge one on my guy. Almost did it, but really didn't want to get olive oil all over the rugs, couch, comforter, etc. That's the only drawback with using it, since it can take a couple days to work. But I've heard it actually works very well. Cannot attest to it personally though.
 
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