Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 6/13/2009

Question
I have a cat that we found as a stray. We brought her home with us and she put on a little weight. We dont over feed her and she runs alot. Its just that she cant reach her back end to clean herself and she wont let me brush her to long without her nipping at me. Is there anything i can do to calm her down long enough to cut out the mats?

Answer
MAtted hair is pulling up on the skin and it is painful. Owners who try and remove matts often cut the skin.  In our practice, we actually anesthetize these cats to get the matts out.  Ask your vet if they offer that service or if they will dispense a tranquilizer called acepromazine.