If a cat has a skin condition that causes excess oil to build up in the skin the excess oil will prevent the natural process of hair shedding.
Cat hair mats causes.
The longer mats are left unattended they can grow tighter and settle closer to the skin.
Mats can also form on the shoulders and hindquarters from the pressure of lying down.
Be alert for other clues they have a health problem such as.
If your pet is unwell it may stop grooming which could increase matting.
What causes matted cat hair.
Shedding is another reason your pet may have matted cat fur.
The combination of dry hair and increased shedding can lead to a matted unkempt looking kitty.
The friction and even the heat of the clippers can damage feline skin.
Irritation or skin infections because of the extra fur weighing him and his skin down pain because of trying to brush the tangles skin inflammation anxiety from the pain and skin inflammation excessive hairballs.
More serious reasons for matted cat hair are that the cat is overweight or is sick.
Reduced appetite weight loss drinking more larger puddles in the litter box tummy upsets altered behavior or mood.
Common disorders that may cause matted hair to occur include skin problems diseases and hormonal imbalances.
This matted and tangled hair aggravates if left unbrushed thus the fur becomes even more matted.
See our related article for much more about the causes of matted hair in cats.
Mats are clumps of hair that have become entangled or knotted over time.
Although some of.
Outdoor cats and long haired cats are more likely to develop mats than short haired indoor felines.
Ridding the cat of the mats.
Through time if it s still left that way dust dirt and other small particles can accumulate in their skin and even cause it to become more matted.
When loose hairs fall it gets caught in your cat s coat leaving behind knots.
Hair clippers can make quick work of mats but make sure not to rub against the cat s skin.
Indoor only and shorthaired cats can also get mats from a buildup of dust and dander.
Cats shed during spring and fall according to changes in the weather.
Most cats shed their fur during spring and fall.
While scissors seem like the obvious choice they are not usually recommended for non professionals.
Hypothyroidism results in a slower metabolism and causes dry skin and fur and excess shedding possibly so severe that it leads to hair loss or alopecia.
If left for long your cat won t only look messy but he ll experience the following.
Consult your veterinarian to determine the root cause of her matted fur.
Mats provide hotbeds for fleas ticks and other skin parasites that can affect your cat.