Expert: Tomay - 5/3/2004

Question
my cat is pretty matted and when i went to check her today she has a big bald spot and it doesnt look right you could see her skin

Answer
Hello,
The condition you describe is very common among matted cats (and dogs sometimes).  The hair matts so badly as to actually pull away and detatch from the skin.  This is VERY uncomfortable for the kitty, as you can imagine.  The best thing (and the ONLY) thing you can do at this stage is to find a groomer who grooms cats and have your cat shaved down.  This will leave a velvety covering about a quarter inch long.  It is much better to have the coat shaved off, as opposed to it pulling out and leaving the bald spots you are seeing. DO NOT attempt to remove the matting with scissors.  This is a vet bill waiting to happen!  I have seen many cats with stitches from owners with scissors.  Cats have very thin skin and an experienced groomer is well worth the cost of the service.
Hope this is helpful.
Tomay