Expert: Tomay - 5/3/2005

Question
My 8 yr old long hair cat is losing her winter coat CLUMPS in huge patches creating bald spots.  Her skin is clear and doesnt look irritated or infected.  Why does this happen?

Answer
Hello Jamie,
Your concern is a common one.  As cats get older, some are not as diligent as they used to be with self grooming.  Because cats have fur and not hair, the coat lies very close to the surface of the skin.  As the coat becomes more and more matted, the fur actually detatches from the skin to create the bald spots you are seeing.  Skin trauma can be mild to severe.  Usually when the coat finally begins growing back (IF it grows back properly) it may be a different colour or texture.  This process is not a pleasant experience for the cat.  The only option at this point is to schedule an appointment with a groomer experienced in grooming cats.  The rest of the matted coat will be sheared of as to leave about and eighth of an inch of covering, which will recover relatively quickly, instead of a bald spot.  This will not correct itself, so it is important to schedule an appointment as soon as you can.  Once the coat has been taken down short all over, then you can keep up with it as it grows in.  To do this effectively, you will need a T-rake for undercoat (when it comes in), as this is the ground floor for matting, and a fine/coarse toothed steel comb.  Medium to long haired cats need combing if not on a daily basis, at least every other day.  Short haired cats as well as the others can also benifit greatly by using a 'curry brush' on the coat.  Always go in the direction of the coat, never against.  Most cats are not too fond of the sensation! Even cats that don't like to be brushed, can be successfully groomed with a curry.  The little rubber teeth on it provide  massage action as well as pulling much of the loose fur off.  The beautiful coat doesn't maintain itself, as you know.  Try and make the grooming time at home with her a pleasant experience.  Mabey a favorite treat after a successful grooming.  Periodic trips to the groomer can be helpful as well, for a bath and thorough brush out, and maybe a 'sanitary clip' under the tail and between the back legs.  
Good luck with her and thank you for your intrest in this site.
Tomay