Short haired cat with matted fur

[samus]

A friend asked me today why her cat keeps getting mats in his fur. He's short haired, and they seem to occur in the same spot on his back. I asked about the possibility of fleas (no treatment, but hasn't seen any) and told her not grooming could be a sign of something else wrong ("but he's so happy!"). Any ideas? I have a feeling something else is wrong that she's overlooking...

 

[MoochNNoodles]

Is he overweight?  Is the matting in an area he struggles to reach?