When someone adopts a kitten, they expect that the little cat will grow into a big and beautiful one. four-legged friend with silky hair. But in order for an animal to grow and develop properly, it needs to be properly cared for. Sometimes cats and kittens develop mats on their fur. It is impossible to ignore this, and sometimes it is even dangerous.
Reasons for the formation of mats in cats
A mat is a dense lump of matted wool. More likely to develop tangles long-haired cats. Mats are formed from undercoat hairs (thin, short, almost “downy” hairs) that were not removed in time.
Persian cats are prone to matting
Imagine a situation where you got into your hair chewing gum or plasticine. The hair gets tangled, stuck together, and trying to clean out the Velcro is very painful. In cats, such “sticking” can occur due to oil or glue getting into the fur, for example.
In addition, wool can become brittle and brittle due to poor nutrition(for example, lack of vitamins). This is how the split ends of the undercoat become tangled and turn into tangles. And finally, the main reason for the formation of lumps is improper care of the cat's hair. Cats should not be washed with shampoos intended for humans. Sometimes after washing a pet (even with cat shampoo), the owner rushes to dry the cat as quickly as possible. Improper drying of a cat after bathing also leads to matting of lint. The wool can be blotted with a soft towel rather than rubbed.
Why are tangles dangerous?
if you ignore the formation of tangles, this can affect the health of your pet
Mats spoil the appearance of your pet. They make the cat look untidy. Professional breeders can ruin their reputation if a purebred cat looks unkempt. And even if a pet is a simple domestic cat, but with tangles, it will be unpleasant to iron. However, in addition to not being aesthetically pleasing, pets with mats are at risk of diseases:
How to comb a cat's mats
tangles can be dealt with by combing or cutting
People who have little experience caring for furry cats may not pay much attention to the appearance of balls. Some believe that it is enough to simply cut off the tangle that appears. But in fact, a cat's fur can change after a haircut. The coat may change shade and/or texture. Such changes are undesirable for purebred cats. Therefore, if possible, you should try combing them first.
My grandmother's cat (Musya) was very fluffy, although mongrel cat. The cat often walked outside, and because of this, she developed tangles on her neck and stomach. This began to happen especially often after the age of 15. Old Musya was no longer so flexible and could not comb them herself. The cat's hairs were soft and thin, and this made them seem even more fragile. That's why we were afraid to comb it ourselves. In the evening, the grandmother took the cat in her arms and stroked it until it fell asleep. The grandmother sorted out the tangle with her fingers by touch. Sometimes it took several hours, but the cat was not hurt. Only once did Musya have to be cut when she came home covered in burdock thorns.
Classic combing and cutting
You can comb out the tangle using any comb with fine teeth
To comb a tangle with a comb, you need to follow the following sequence:
- Wait until the cat is in a good mood.
- Lay the cat down so that the formed lump is clearly visible.
- Talk to the cat and pet it.
- Place one hand just above the mat (to secure the skin).
- Using short, gentle movements, run the comb through the tangle until it is divided into several parts.
- Comb each part of the tangle in the same way.
- Pet the cat where the lump used to be.
This method is good for removing 1-2 tangles. It is important not to make any sudden movements, because if you pull the skin, it will hurt the animal. Combing should not turn into torture. If there are several tangles, and it is not possible to comb them with a comb, you can cut them off using scissors. In such cases, the mat is cut lengthwise. Try to do this as carefully as possible so as not to injure your pet. The halves of the cut lump can already be disassembled by hand, and the remaining tangled hair can be removed with a comb. In this case, it is possible to preserve the neat appearance of the animal (when cutting off the mat at the root, bald spots remain). In addition, you can purchase a special anti-matt product (sold in pet pharmacies). With the help of such products, tangles are removed even more easily.
sometimes it is advisable to go to a special salon
If there are too many mats (and they big size), the cat needs to be completely trimmed. Usually the “fluffiness” is left on the head, paws and tail (the cat becomes like a lion). If the animal owner has experience in grooming cats, you can carry out this procedure yourself. If you are afraid of harming your pet, you can contact a cat hairdresser (grooming master). In such a salon, they will not only remove tangles, but will also advise how to care for the cat so that matting does not happen again. In very advanced cases (or if the cat does not allow itself to be cut), the procedure can be carried out under general anesthesia
. In any case, the cat will be grateful for getting rid of the unpleasant lumps. I am categorically against haircuts as an option for getting rid of hair. I have 2 Persians, and under normal conditions daily care There is practically no need for hygienic haircuts. If wool falls into certain places
, I try to untangle it, but if this is completely impossible to do, I cut off the tangle itself. A hygienic haircut is recommended only if the animal is very neglected. The honest truth is that the color and structure of the coat may change after a haircut.
JuliRien, forum user
http://mauforum.ru/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=60770&start=30&view=print
Video: how Persian cats are cut in salons
Hair cutter for cats Except classical methods removal of tangles, there are also more modern ones. One of the fashionable trends is such an invention as. This is a special device with which you can quickly and painlessly remove a matted lump. The hair cutter is similar to a comb, but instead of teeth (the number of teeth is from 4 to 12) there are thin blades. When choosing a webbing cutter, you can try to save money by choosing a cheaper model. But the chosen model must suit your pet (depending on the length of the fur, choose a mat cutter with long or short blades). In addition, other factors need to be taken into account:
- number of teeth;
- tooth length;
- blade material;
- tool handle.
If your cat is well cared for, the risk of matting will be low. In such cases, a device with no big amount cloves And if the animal is prone to forming lumps, you need to choose a knot cutter with the largest number of teeth. In addition to the frequency of the blades, you need to pay attention to their length. To care for a cat with already large mats, a device with long teeth is suitable. In an attempt to save money, be sure to pay attention to the material of the blades. Coil cutters cannot be sharpened. If the blades become dull, the device will have to be replaced, so it is advisable to choose a device with blades made of high-quality steel. The handle of the device should be ergonomic (comfortable, rubberized). The device packaging must be intact. If it seems to you that the package was opened before you, treat the device with boiling water.
the blades of the vertical webbing cutter are located perpendicular to the handle
For medium-sized cats with large mats, a vertical mat cutter with a small number of blades is suitable. And if the cat is large, then to remove mats you need a device with maximum number blades. The horizontal webbing cutter is convenient for frequent use. Externally, this device looks like a vegetable peeler. The teeth are located parallel to the handle of the device. Round-shaped blades are sharpened so that one side of the blades is sharp and the other is dull. Thanks to this, the knot cutter becomes safe to use. The length of the blades can also vary.
Horizontal webbing cutters have blades with rounded edges
However, vertical and horizontal webbing cutters are not very suitable for processing hard-to-reach areas (ears, paws, etc.). And the animal may not allow a “terrible object”, for example, to the groin. In such cases, a teardrop cutter is needed. This device is smaller than other webbing cutters. This device has a round shape and only one blade. You can easily hide it in the palm of your hand, and at the first opportunity, remove the tangle without your pet noticing.
drop-shaped tangle cutter is convenient for cutting tangles in hard-to-reach places
However, it is not enough to simply choose and buy a webbing cutter. You need to trim matted lumps in such a way as not to harm your cat. Using a tangle cutter is not difficult, but to do this you need to know a few rules:
- Before you start brushing, you need to calm the cat (give a treat, pet it).
- You can ask a family member (whom the cat treats well) to hold the animal during treatment.
- While holding the cat, you need to start combing out the tangles according to the hair growth. It is important not to press the blades on your pet's skin to avoid damaging it.
- To make the procedure easier, you can use a special spray that will soften the hairball and allow you to comb out the mat much faster.
It should be understood that the tangle cutter is intended for removing tangles, but not for daily combing. Using the device too often can damage your pet's fur. Therefore, you need to try to prevent the formation of hairballs.
Prevention of tangle formation
To prevent tangles from appearing, the cat needs to be looked after daily
To avoid the hassle of removing tangles, you can simply prevent their formation. To do this, you need to make it a rule to devote some time every day to caring for your cat. Pets with mustaches need to be combed. If the animal came into the house while still a kitten, then it needs to be taught to use a comb right away. The daily procedure will become a habit, and when the cat grows up, there will be no problems with combing. However, you cannot simply comb a cat with your own (“human”) comb. Each pet should have its own toiletries. For a cat, you need to select a comb depending on the type and length of hair. For young cats and kittens you need to purchase a brush. Artificial bristles (for example, nylon) have an antistatic effect and do not “cut” the hair to the skin.
I brush my cat with a brush. Although Khosya has already grown up and turned into an adult, capricious cat, she is not going to give up the brush. She rejects other combs. And since Hoshi has short, smooth fur, you don’t need to change the comb. The only thing I don't like about the brush is that small hairs get stuck in the bristles (the depth of the tufts). Sometimes I have to comb Hoshin's brush with a simple plastic comb.
Additionally, you can purchase a rubber (massage) mitten. This little thing will help comb the fur even after bathing (before it dries). But a mitten cannot replace proper combing. Combs are suitable for daily hygiene. The tips of the comb teeth are rounded, which facilitates painless combing. Combs can be of any length and width. This comb will help identify fleas if any appear. If you like both combs and brushes, you can purchase a double-sided comb (brush). For very fluffy cats with long hair you need a slicker. The slicker resembles a brush, but instead of bristles, thin metal teeth (with curved ends) protrude from the rubber pad. Slickers are needed for combing out fluff, but it can only be used to care for cats with healthy, good fur. If your pet already has tangles, the slicker cannot be used.
If possible, you can buy a furminator. This is a special device (comb-trimmer) for combing out the undercoat. Not the most budget option, but using such a trimmer saves time. Furminators are sold for different types cats (kittens, short-haired, long-haired).
Photo gallery: types of combs for grooming cats
brushes are ideal for kittens or shorthair cats 
Instead of a mitten, you can use a special attachment for your hand 
the longer the guard hairs of the animal, the denser the comb teeth should be 
In addition to a double-sided brush, you can also use a double-sided comb. The longer the cat's fur, the longer the teeth of the Furminator slicker should be - this is one of the most expensive "combers", but also one of the most effective
In addition to brushing, you also need to bathe the cat. Of course, you don't need to wash your pet every day (only as needed). Cats with long hair find it difficult to lick their “coat” completely (especially if there is dirt on the fur). You can't wash a cat regular shampoo or soap. There are special shampoos and conditioners for animals. After shampooing, the coat may not dry properly, which is why conditioner is needed. Some pet stores also sell dry shampoos for animals. Owners of long-haired pets need to have one (in case the water is turned off and the cat gets dirty). Dry shampoo will not solve all problems, but dirt will be eliminated, static tension will disappear, and the coat will become more manageable.
Some cat breeders dry their pets with a hairdryer after bathing. This procedure must be carried out extremely carefully (air heating should be minimal). This drying can be done while simultaneously brushing the cat with a massage mitten. In this case, the wool will dry correctly and completely.
And also don’t forget about proper nutrition animal. After all, the formation of tangles can be caused by poor wool quality (for example, dryness, brittleness). This can happen due to a lack of vitamins. Your veterinarian will help you choose the right food supplement.
Another nuisance for representatives of the cat family is tangles. In this article I will describe the reasons why a cat's fur becomes matted and why the fur begins to fall off. I'll tell you which breeds are most susceptible to misfortune. I’ll help you get rid of matted lumps at home. I'll list preventive actions, preventing the appearance.
Before considering the possibilities of eliminating tangles, let’s figure out what constitutes an unpleasant formation. The coat is regularly renewed.
If you do not rid your pet of lost hairs, the latter will become entangled with the growing ones. Lumps form, the density of which increases under the influence of dandruff and secreted sebum.
The developing environment is an ideal place for the accumulation of microbes, insects, fungal diseases, dermatitis and other skin ailments.
When tangles are detected, the owner’s task is to deal with the problem as quickly as possible and remove them.
There are two methods for eliminating hair deposits.
Combing
Effective in the fight against newly formed tangles.
For the convenience of the fluffy, it is necessary to secure it so that it does not run away, break out, or use its teeth and claws. Use your hands to separate the hairs from each other, selecting dead hairs from the mass.
If the initial stage is successful, use a fine-toothed device to carefully comb the tangled area in the direction of fur coat growth (from the tips to the base of the coat).
With absence positive results, it is advisable to use a tangle cutter (a comb with blades, sold in pet stores). The mat is cut lengthwise, after which manipulations similar to those indicated in the two previous paragraphs are carried out.
Cutting the mat
If there are several felt lumps and a large area is involved, for example, the back, resort to cutting. The downside is the resulting bald spots, which spoils the appearance.
An alternative option is cutting with a clipper for animals or a regular one (for people). A nozzle of at least 3 mm is used, otherwise there is a huge risk of injuring the test subject.
Cat skin is softer than human skin. It is not recommended to pull it during execution to avoid cuts. The fur on the head and paws is not cut. These parts of the body are the most vulnerable.
The process of restoring a fur coat after a haircut takes 4-6 months.
If the growth is uneven, you have to trim it. Interference with natural growth leads to changes in hair color and structure.
As a rule, pets treat home-grown hairdressers with wariness and dissatisfaction. The deprivation of freedom of movement, the buzzing of the machine and touching the body are irritating.
If you are not ready to complete a difficult task, you need to contact a grooming salon. Qualified hairdressers will do your hair quickly and painlessly.
Reasons for appearance
- lack of proper care(the animal cannot cope with removing excess vegetation, and the owner does not provide assistance, especially during the molting period);
- friction when walking(in the neck and abdomen, at the base of the limbs);
- thoroughly lathering and beating the fur during water procedures, which is aggravated by rubbing with a towel when drying;
- diseases that cause fat imbalance;
- poor nutrition(failure to receive the required components in full, consumption of cheap, low-quality food, monotonous food);
- cat's refusal to take care of himself(laziness is inherent in specimens prone to obesity, the elderly and weakened past infections and surgical operations).
Which cats are susceptible to
Long-haired breeds are more susceptible to tangles.
In short-haired individuals, the fur does not fall off.
First of all, handsome men and women. The unpleasant process is associated with the structure of the hair (it has an excessively thick undercoat).
Less often, a felt tragedy befalls the tough Siberian cats and Maine Coons (the fur of representatives of these breeds is distinguished by a long spine, tangles are formed, as a rule, in the areas of the collar and armpits).
Pets are more vulnerable than their street counterparts.
Any action that disrupts the usual way of life causes inconvenience to the cat. The procedure for getting rid of tangles can cause psychological trauma to your pet.
At the same time, following simple rules for keeping a meowing creature will help to avoid fur troubles and preserve the beauty and richness of the fur.
Nowadays you can find a huge variety of cat breeds, many of them have long and thick coats. Such animals rarely cope with hair care on their own.
The most common problem long-haired cats are matted. This is wool matted into hard lumps, which is extremely difficult to bring into good appearance. They appear more often due to the fact that the cat does not have time to remove all the excess hair or simply does not lick itself enough.
The longer the fur is left without additional care owner of the animal, the more it rolls into lumps and becomes dirty. For a cat, tangles not only spoil the appearance, but also lead to various diseases skin.
Factors influencing the formation of tangles
This problem can occur in any breed of cat that has fur. But long-haired pets suffer from it much more often and more severely, since they develop tangles even from simple manipulations and movements.
Cat mats must be removed as quickly as possible after detection. This can be done at home, especially if the problem has not become too serious.
Sometimes regular grooming for a cat is not enough, and problems with the cat’s coat return even with regular brushing of the rest. necessary procedures. In this case, you need to determine the reason for their appearance; this is often due to general condition cat's health
How to get rid of matted fur from a cat
It is necessary to determine how bad the situation with the animal’s fur is. Any manipulation with a cat must be done in pairs. While one person removes hairballs, the other calms the animal and has the ability to immobilize it if necessary.
If the problem is at an early stage, then the tangles can be carefully combed out of the wool. Small lumps are first tried to be untangled with your fingers, and the remains are removed using a pet comb. This must be done carefully, moving from the back and sides to the chest to the front legs and belly of the pet.
When the size of matted fur does not allow you to deal with it with a comb, you should not immediately cut off the entire clumps. First, you should cut them lengthwise with sharp scissors or a knife so as not to damage the skin. Then gradually unravel and comb out. This way you can save most healthy cat coat.
A hair cutter is a special comb for animals, equipped with blades. This device helps to comb the cat and remove all matted clumps. Using such a comb allows you to minimize the loss of your pet’s hair and simplify the task for its owner.
If the cat's fur is in poor condition and matted in large clumps, you can only get rid of it by cutting it. Scissors, a special animal clipper or a regular one, which is available, are used. Some recommendations:
- use scissors very carefully - it’s safer if the ends are not too sharp;
- the nozzle for the machine is used at least 2 mm;
- the animal must be held well so as not to damage the thin skin;
- During grooming, the cat's skin is pulled along the body;
- you should not cut the paws, tail and head completely; if there are problems on these parts, it is better to remove them separately;
- it is not necessary to carry out the procedure at once, the cat may experience severe stress;
- Do not bathe the animal until the problem is completely eliminated;
- After grooming, a special antistatic spray is often used, which prevents the appearance of new lumps and makes the cat’s appearance more beautiful.
Not every owner will decide to carry out such manipulations on their own. There is a way out - contact veterinary clinic or a special salon for animals. There, specialists will give your pet a neat haircut and remove everything problem areas wool and give recommendations for care.
It is better to prevent any problem if such an opportunity arises. Mats can cause many problems, especially for long-haired animals, so all measures must be taken in advance.
The following steps will help prevent hairballs from forming in your cat:
- 1. Regular bathing using special coat care products can significantly reduce the risk of matting. You can pick them up at a pet store or on recommendation veterinarian.
- 2. Balanced diet and intake additional complexes vitamins will help preserve healthy looking the fur of a domestic animal.
- 3. Dry shampoo intended for the care of cats makes the coat obedient and soft and avoids the occurrence of static stress.
- 4. Daily combing of wool. You can use a special comb for the undercoat; it removes excess hair more effectively. If the owner does not have so much free time, the manipulation must be carried out at least 3 times a week.
- 5. Using a hairdryer after bathing avoids improper drying and matting of wet hair.
- 6. Regular visits to the veterinarian are always the key to your pet’s health. So more likely detect diseases on initial stage or prevent them from appearing at all.
The owner of the animal can get rid of tangles on his own, especially if there are no other alarming symptoms. But this should be done carefully and with an assistant, there is various ways
removing matted hair, depending on its quantity and size. Healthy and well-groomed coat furry pets – a source of pride for a caring cat owner. Particular attention is paid to appearance
animal owners of long-haired beauties. Breeds such as Siberian, Persian, Maine Coon, Bohemian Rex, Neva Masquerade are the most demanding in terms of coat care. Mats in cats with long hair are the animal's hair matted into dense clumps, worsening aesthetic appearance
and health. Short-haired breeds are less likely to have problems associated with the formation of mats in the coat. Their fur falls off, as a rule, due to the contact of adhesive substances (varnish, paint, resin, glue, etc.) on the animal’s body.
Why do cats get mats? The process of formation of tangles in an animal is associated with natural processes
dying of fur hairs. Such hairs get tangled in healthy fur, intertwine between them, bunch up and fall into dense formations - tangles. Localized in the armpits, on the thighs and abdomen, and on the tail.
Healthy animals with short and medium-length hair themselves cope perfectly with the problem of dead hair. Cats carefully lick their fur, removing dead hair. Long-haired breeds bred by humans are not able to cope with their luxurious coat on their own.
How to remove mats from a cat yourself The procedure for removing matted hair does not require fuss or haste from the owner fluffy pet . Before you comb out your cat's mats, you need to dissolve the dirt that led to the formation of the lump. For this purpose they use special means
for caring for long-haired cat breeds. They allow you to painlessly untangle tangles, make it easier to comb matted fur, and dissolve dirt. Many products have hypoallergenic properties, which is important if you have allergies and hypersensitivity
How to comb a cat's mats painlessly - one of the important issues in pet hair care. Special devices come to the aid of the owner of a long-haired animal - combs with long teeth, tangle cutters. When choosing the first device, you should pay attention to the safety of the teeth to prevent injury to the cat’s delicate skin.
Hair cutters have various modifications, but all of them are easy to use and safe for the animal.
How to remove mats from a cat
It happens that the condition of the coat is in neglected form, in this case, the tangles have to be cut out with sharp scissors (manicure scissors, with sharp curved blades) or shaved using a special animal clipper. This manipulation of the cat should be carried out with an assistant who will ensure the pet's immobility and safety.
In some cases (restless animal, neglected condition of the coat), you can contact a grooming salon for qualified help.
Getting rid of cat tangles is much more difficult than preventing them. To do this, you need to regularly comb the animal's fur with a comb with long, non-sharp teeth. To care for shorter hair on the paws and head, a short-toothed comb is suitable.
Beautiful and well-groomed fur of a pet is important not only for exhibitions and aesthetic perception of the beauty of the animal. This is an integral indicator of the cat’s health and well-being. Helping your pet care for its fur, preventing the development of mats and removing the resulting ones is the task of a loving and caring owner of a fluffy cat.
Nelly Akishina
Some people associate pets with small children. After all, pets, like newborn babies, are essentially helpless. Animals cannot get their own food (with rare exceptions), and they do not know how to treat and care for themselves: comb their hair, bathe them, etc. Therefore, purchasing pet, a person must understand all the responsibility that falls on his shoulders.
At first glance, what does a cat need? Food and attention. But in fact, a cat, especially a long-haired breed, needs to be combed, bathed and cared for in every possible way to prevent tangles from forming.
But what if you have already lost your pet and he is covered in matted fur? There is no need to panic, and there is no need to shave the animal’s head either. It’s better to read how to remove mats from a cat yourself.
Causes of matted fur in pets
As mentioned above, mats are a problem for animals with long hair.
It all doesn’t look very nice and neat: the cat’s hair rolls into dense balls. Of course, some owners take such phenomena lightly and are in no hurry to “save” their pet from harm, but in vain. The fact is that under the balls of fur the animal begins to sweat a lot, the skin becomes dry, and the pet is bothered by itching. The cat begins to actively itch, and sharp claws often leave scratches and wounds on the skin, into which pathogenic bacteria can enter.
Bathing and combing will no longer be able to save the situation.
That is why you need to try to avoid the formation of hairballs, as well as getting chewing gum, grass and other debris on the animal’s skin. At proper care you don't have to look for the answer to the question: "What should I do, my love? Persian cat all covered in tangles!”.
Besides improper care, the reasons for the occurrence of mats in a cat can be the following:
- Problems with metabolic processes in the animal's body;
- Overweight;
- Presence of fleas and other pests;
- Hormonal imbalance, etc.
Getting rid of tangles
If a cat has mats, then the first thing to do is try to comb them, or rather, comb them out.
- If the hairballs are fresh, they should be easily disassembled by hand. Simply run your fingers through the matted fur and gently pull apart;
- Next, very slowly, without causing pain to your pet, comb it. To do this, it is recommended to use a wire brush. Make sure that the teeth of the comb do not cling to the animal’s fur, otherwise your pet will be tested. severe pain. Here's how to comb out your cat's mats;
- If the cat is covered in tangles, you can try cutting them off. This should be done slowly. First, cut the tight hairballs with small scissors and then separate them with your fingers. If your pet has old mats, then you will have a difficult time;
- Sprays designed specifically for such needs, as well as special shampoos or oils, can make the job easier. In pet stores you can buy choppers - scissors designed to deal with matted fur.
If you can’t handle it on your own, then you shouldn’t torture yourself or the animal; contact a hairdresser who already has experience in carrying out such work.
Not all owners of long-haired cats know that there is special shampoo, which is designed against the occurrence of tangles. This product includes healing herbs, or rather, infusions of them, glycerin, fatty acid and others healthy ingredients. The choice of these products is now wide, so every owner will be able to buy a suitable composition for their animal.
A few golden rules, following which you will be able to forget about your pet’s matted fur forever:
- Bathe your pet. Unfortunately, many people simply forget that cats need water.
procedures. It is recommended to bathe your pets once every 21 days. Adult, unneutered cats can be washed more often; - Use special tools. There are now a lot of caring cosmetics for cats, so you can always choose something that suits you in price and quality for your pet. An antiseptic spray can be a good purchase. It will make your pet's hair softer and smoother.
Cat mats and dandruff: how to deal with the problem
Often, breeders of long-haired cats are faced not only with the problem of matted fur, but also find dandruff under mats. This situation requires careful study, as it can be caused by a number of reasons.
Of course, the best thing you can do for your pet is to take it for examination: take urine and blood tests. The fact is that problems with fur can be caused by illness.