Shorthair Fur Is Matted/knotted...?

[Szewan]

hello - my adopted 6-yo shorthair ginger boy Pancake just came home a couple of days ago. I am a new cat owner and did some research beforehand and bought some grooming tools beforehand. I have a Zoomgroom rubber brush, a Safari metal flea comb and a Safari slicker brush, and a Furmigator.

This morning I used my tools on Pancake: he seemed the finest with the rubber brush but it only removed some loose hair...the slicker brush and flea comb removed a lot more but he didn’t allow me to brush too long, and his back was a no-no - one point he swatted at me Ouch! But that’s where most of the knots and matted hair is I think maybe I tucked his skin?

I haven’t used the Furmigator but I am guessing if he can’t stand the slicker brush, he most likely can’t tolerate Furmigator well. Poor boy - he was in foster care for a year before coming to me and the day he came to me the rescue took him to the vet and they already shaved off a matted spot at the back...God knows when was the last time he had a good brushing. If you guys know of any other tools or tricks that would help to remove the matted hair, I’d appreciate your suggestion...I am attaching a pic for reference.

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi! Brushes and combs just hook mats like this and pull them and the underlying skin, and there's no good way to break up those mats - even cornstarch wouldn't work here I don't believe. The mats need to be literally removed, and then you'll be able to brush him.

If it were me based on experience with my boy, I'd try either a pair of clippers and shave those mats out, or carefully using scissors to cut them out (looking at them I don't think those go down to the skin, so scissors could work without putting his skin at risk). The more I look at them, I'd use scissors. Then you can keep up with maintenance a lot more easily

 

[fionasmom]

There are mat breaker combs which you could take a look at. They will break up and remove mats but you do have to use some pressure if the mat is a bad one. Le Salon Essentials Cat Mat Breaker is one.