Why Cats Get Matted Fur and How a Groomer Can Help

At first glance, a tangled patch of hair on your cat may not seem like a big deal, but matting can cause pain, skin irritation, and even infection if left untreated. Whether your cat has a long, luxurious coat or a dense undercoat that tangles easily, matting is something all cat owners should understand. At Jared the Cat Groomer, we specialize in gentle grooming for cats, which includes professional feline dematting services. Let’s break down what matting really is, why it happens, and what to do if your cat has matted fur.

What Is Matting?

A mat is a tight clump of tangled and knotted hair that forms when loose fur becomes trapped instead of being shed or brushed out. Mats can start small but quickly grow as more fur becomes entangled, especially in high-friction areas like behind the ears, under the armpits, along the belly and hind legs, at the base of the tail, and around a collar (if your cat wears one).

Once a mat forms, regular brushing may no longer be enough to remove it, and trying to pull or cut a mat out at home can be painful or dangerous for your cat.

Why Do Cats Get Matted?

While all cats clean themselves to some degree, there are several reasons they might still develop mats.

Long or Thick Coats
Breeds like Persians, Maine Coons, and Ragdolls have fur that tangles more easily, especially if not brushed regularly.

Shedding Season
When cats shed their undercoat, loose fur can get caught in the topcoat and form mats if not removed through brushing.

Obesity or Arthritis
Cats with limited mobility often can’t reach certain areas, leading to matting on the back, sides, or belly.

Senior Age
Most cats spend up to half of the day cleaning themselves. Older cats may clean themselves less frequently due to fatigue, dental pain, or health issues.

Why Feline Mats Are More Serious Than They Look

Ignoring fur matting on your cat can lead to:

• Skin irritation and sores beneath the mat
• Pain and restricted movement from tight knots
• Skin infections due to trapped moisture and bacteria
• Parasites hiding in dense mats
• Tearing or bruising when mats pull on the skin
• Behavioral changes from discomfort or stress

In severe cases, mats can become solid enough to cut off circulation to parts of the skin. If your cat has hair mats, they need dematting as soon as possible.

How Dematting Works (And Why It’s a Job for a Pro)

Many cat groomers will offer dematting as a service. They will start by evaluating your cat’s coat, the severity of the matting, and their temperament to determine the best approach. In certain cases, the groomer may suggest that you bring your cat to a veterinarian for an evaluation prior to the groom or due to the need for sedation in severe cases.

Feline dematting can be stressful for cats, so a cat groomer will use feline-specific handling techniques to keep them as calm as possible during the process. In most cases, mats are too tight or close to the skin to brush out without causing pain. The groomer will carefully clip or shave the mats using cat grooming tools.

Once the mats are removed, the groomer may bathe your cat (if appropriate) and follow up with a light brushing to smooth out what is left of the coat.

Important Note: Attempting to cut mats out at home is risky. It’s very easy to cut the skin beneath a mat, especially since cat skin is thin and fragile.

Dematting Services for Cats in Vancouver, WA

Matting is a comfort, health, and safety issue. If your cat has mats or is prone to them, they need professional care. Jared the Cat Groomer offers cat dematting (pelt removal) and full-service grooming for cats in Vancouver and from surrounding areas like Portland and Camas. Schedule an appointment for a dematting consultation, and we’ll help your cat feel better!