You are here:
- Home
- Animals/Pets
- Cats
- Cats
- Matted fir
Cats/Matted fir
Advertisement
Question
After using a new fir brush on my cat, she has gotten large clumps of matted fir. Can I shave these off or do I need to see the vet? Thank you
Hi Karen. If you have electric clippers, you can shave the matted fur off by yourself, as long as your cat doesn’t object. You should hold the skin taut with your free hand, to avoid pulling. There are also some very delicate areas, such as under the tail, the backs of the hind legs and the flaps under the arms, where the skin is so elastic that it can get caught in the clippers and tear. Try to avoid direct contact of the clippers with the skin in these areas.
However, not all cats will sit still for shaving at home, and trying to cut out mats with scissors can be dangerous. Cats have very elastic skin that becomes very easily hidden within mats, and cutting with scissors very often results in very bad lacerations. I have caused a couple bad wounds myself! If your kitty won’t sit still for a home grooming session, I would advise you to bring her to a vet or groomer to have the mats removed. They will have extra hands to help keep her still, or if absolutely necessary, a mild sedative can be administered with your consent.
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you so much for your help. I will try this myself and if she won't sit still, take her to the vet so I don't hurt her. | ||
Related Articles
- Review - EZ-Groomer - Cat Shedding and Matted Cat Fur Solutions
- De-mat a Cat
- My Cute Tuxie Bear - Reader Stories: Living with a Tuxedo Cat
- 40 yrs not a cat lover - Now 2 Kittens - Reader Stories: How I Became an Accidental Cat Parent
- 2008 Year of the Cat on About.com - Good and Bad Cat News During 2008 Local and Abroad
Answers by Expert:
Jessica
Expertise
The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.
Experience
I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.
Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.