A mat is a dense lump of matted and matted hair. Small single tangles can be carefully combed out, but if the situation has gone too far and the wool looks more like felt boots, there is only one way out: shaving with a machine.
Reasons for the formation of mats in cats
The body coat of cats consists of two main types of hair: awn and undercoat. Undercoat– thin, fairly thick, sometimes “downy” hair, main function which protects the skin from adverse conditions external environment. In other words, the undercoat is a kind of “thermal underwear” located “closer to the body.” The awn is thinner, longer and smoother hair, sometimes of a different color from the undercoat. Depending on the breed, the undercoat may be more or less pronounced.
So, in smooth-haired southern and oriental breeds(Abyssinian, Thai, Bengal, etc.) the undercoat is very light and delicate, and therefore these cats do not need constant painstaking combing. And vice versa, long-haired breeds- Siberian, Persian, Sacred Burmese, Himalayan, Neva Masquerade - have a thicker undercoat, and therefore care for their coat should be more serious. The fact is that mats are mainly formed by the undercoat, so such a cat must be combed regularly and thoroughly.
Another factor influencing the formation of tangles, is the constant shedding of domestic cats. We all remember that animals “have to” shed in the spring and fall. This was the case before, before the mass housing of cats. Indeed, when an animal spends a lot of time outside, its body reacts to the changing seasons, and then spring and autumn molting are clearly pronounced. But in apartment conditions, when our pets live at approximately the same air temperature almost all year round, molting has become permanent. Wool that dies but has not completely fallen out can also become tangled.
Cats living with free access to the outdoors are also susceptible to the formation of mats. However, in this case, dirt, dry seeds, inflorescences, leaves, small branches, and so on are added to the list of causes.
A cat's nutrition and health also affect the condition of its coat. Clinically healthy animal receiving good nutrition, always has a healthy shiny coat. Lack of protein or essential fatty acids can lead to dulling, thinning and brittle hair.
What to do if your cat has mats?
If you notice one or more tangles on your pet, prepare a comb, a tangle cutter and a spray to make combing easier. You can buy the spray ready-made, in any variations, including under the name “anti-matt,” or prepare it yourself. To do this, take 1 tablespoon of wool conditioner (meaning the conditioner that is used after shampoo when bathing; of course, you need to use shampoo and conditioner for animals), dilute it in 400-500 ml of warm water, stir well and pour into a container with a spray bottle .
If your pet is afraid of the sound of a spray bottle, you can simply measure out the liquid with a spoon. Moisten the mat with the prepared solution and remember it well with your fingers, this will soften the wool. Try to “pull” the tangle a little to the sides parallel to the skin (perhaps already at this stage it will begin to gradually diverge). Take the mat as close to the skin as possible and, using a comb, carefully begin combing the hair out of the mat from the very edge. The movements of the comb should be very gentle and unhurried so as not to accidentally pull the cat’s skin. If necessary, moisten the mat with a product to make combing easier; this makes the procedure less traumatic. If the tangle is small, you can untangle it completely using this method.
If the tangle is voluminous, dense and cannot be completely untangled with your fingers, use a tangle cutter. Available for sale different types mat cutters, both single (with one blade) and side ones with several blades, similar to a rake. Gently comb through the mat, lightly shaking the mat cutter and holding the hair. When using a single mat cutter, be careful not to hold it directly over your fingers, as moving the tool down through the mat may cause you to accidentally cut yourself. After making a few movements, comb the wool again with a comb - smaller pieces of mat will be much easier to give in.
Ideally, you should finish combing with a very frequent fine comb - a “flea comb”, this is guaranteed to remove the smallest lumps of matted fur. There will almost certainly be noticeably less hair left at the site of the former mat than in other areas, but this will not be as noticeable as if the mat was cut out or shaved.
Please, never cut out tangles with scissors, even if you are sure that you can absolutely see where the tangle is and what distance separates it from the skin! This is extremely dangerous for your pet! A cut with scissors is a very painful nuisance, which, in addition to bleeding and the need to properly and quickly treat the wound, entails shock for the cat and strong negative memories of “hairdressing procedures.”
Getting rid of mats from a cat in a veterinary clinic
If your pet has a lot of mats, or you are not confident in your own strength, patience and dexterity in terms of effective combing, contact a specialist. A competent groomer, who has the necessary knowledge and practical skills, will rid your mustachioed-tailed child of tangles in no time. a short time with minimal stress for him. And try to comb your pet regularly as the fur grows in order to reduce the frequency of trips to a haircut to a minimum, because with the beauty and harmonious appearance of the furry well-groomed cat Not even the most creative haircut can compare.
Appointments at the veterinary city clinic "VetState" are conducted by experienced specialists in grooming dogs and cats, which allows our clients to receive qualified care for their pets' hair close to home, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Without holidays or weekends, we are glad to see you from 10.00 to 21.00
When someone adopts a kitten, they expect that the little cat will grow into a large and beautiful 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. Long-haired cats are more likely to develop mats. 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, the coat 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
Tangles spoil appearance 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 she was a 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 mat using any fine-toothed comb.
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.
- Stroke the cat in the place 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 special remedy from tangles (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 with normal daily care they practically do not need hygienic haircuts. If the wool falls off in 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 encouraged 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. The use of the device is safe for animals. 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 a small number of teeth is suitable. 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 the maximum number of 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. Too much frequent use devices may harm the animal'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. For daily hygiene combs fit. 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, a slicker is needed. 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 best a 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 short-haired 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). Do not wash your cat with 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.
Many owners of long-haired cats know what mats are. A mat is a lump of dead hair that gets tangled with living hairs and hangs on the animal, causing it a lot of inconvenience. Most often, mats form in long-haired cats, due to their physiology. However, a tangle can also appear in an ordinary cat if she lived on the street and no one looked after her. Having arrived in a new home, the first thing new owners ask themselves is how to get rid of mats? But before we answer this question, we need to find out where these hairballs come from. And why some cats manage to clean their fur themselves, while others definitely need their owner’s help.
Why do tangles form?
- Long-haired cats definitely need timely care. If you do not monitor the condition of the animal's fur, very soon the pet will become covered with tangles. Most often they appear in places of bends and friction - behind the ears, armpits, on the stomach, in the groin, and in advanced cases - on the sides.
- Sometimes mats can appear due to improper care of the animal. When washing, you need to gently stroke the fur, and not lather or ruffle it. The fact is that such wool is very difficult to comb, so washing should be delicate.
- During periods when the cat sheds its old fur, the animal must be combed daily. If you don't do this, you won't be able to avoid tangles.
- Sometimes hair may fall out excessively due to poor nutrition. Long-haired cats require a balanced diet, with a full range of vitamins and minerals. If your cat eats dry food, do not forget to supplement its diet with special vitamin complexes.
- If mats appear suddenly, despite careful care of the animal, the condition and hair loss may indicate an illness in the cat. At the same time, the coat often becomes greasy and dull.
In addition to the fact that tangles look terribly unaesthetic, they are also dangerous for the animal. Firstly, in the hot season, mats disrupt normal thermoregulation - the cat can simply overheat, and as a result, traces of dermatitis appear on the skin. The second reason why you need to get rid of tangles as soon as possible is that they are a breeding ground for bacteria. Not only microbes and viruses can settle inside these hairballs, but also larger representatives of insects - fleas and ticks. In addition, tangles really bother the cat herself, bringing her a lot of inconvenience. Often, animals try to get rid of hairballs on their own by tearing them out, leaving injuries on the skin.
All this suggests that tangles should not be allowed to appear on the animal’s fur. If this does happen, you need to get rid of this unpleasant problem as soon as possible.
How to get rid of tangles
- First, try combing the animal's fur. This is appropriate if the cat’s fur has small tangles that can simply be combed out. Lay it on its side and stroke it. Begin the procedure carefully, while calming your pet. First comb the sides and back, chest, and front legs. The most difficult areas to comb will be the belly and hind legs.
- Large tangles that cannot be combed out should be tried to be cut lengthwise. So, by gradually cutting and combing, you can preserve the animal’s healthy fur.
- If the tangles cannot be combed out, they need to be cut off. This can be done with scissors, a wool clipper, or a regular hair clipper for people cutting hair. You need to cut off the fur along with tangles very, very carefully, because the animal’s skin is very thin. You may not even notice how awkwardly you damage it.
- The process of getting rid of tangles is quite long and painstaking. At the same time, the cat will be nervous; it would be better if a second person held it. If the animal is very tired and worried, do not try to completely clean the fur. This may take you several days.
- There is a special device on sale - a welt cutter. It is a kind of comb with blunt ends, between the teeth of which there are blades. This product helps you comb the animal's fur and at the same time cut off all unnecessary things.
- When grooming an animal, try to cut only areas with long hair, without touching the cat's paws and head. It’s okay that after this a sort of “lion” will appear in front of you. Believe me, this makes it much easier for the cat, especially in the summer. The cat will be able to restore its previous fur length in a couple of months.
- However, if the cat is quite aggressive, or you are afraid to do the haircut yourself, you can take the animal to veterinary clinic or a special hairdresser for dogs. There, for a relatively small fee, your pet will be cleaned up.
- Among the care products for long-haired cats there is such a comb - the furminator. It is a device for high-quality combing of the undercoat. Using a furminator you can comb out great amount remove unnecessary hair from the animal and significantly speed up the process of molting. The Furminator is an indispensable item for caring for long-haired animals.
- After the procedure, you can treat the animal's fur with an antistatic spray. This allows the wool to look beautiful and not roll into icicles and tangles. This product significantly affects the appearance of the animal.
- Remember that until you get rid of the tangles, the animal cannot be bathed. After water procedures It will be much more difficult to comb out hairballs.
These simple rules will help you save the animal from suffering and bring the cat into decent appearance. But how to prevent the re-formation of tangles on the wool?
Long-haired cats are demanding special attention- every person should know this even before a kitten appears in his home. It is best to comb the animal every day, but this should not be done less than 2-3 times a week.
The animal should be bathed every couple of weeks. To do this, you need to use special shampoos and conditioners that prevent the coat from sticking and make the coat smooth and shiny. You need to bathe the animal very carefully and carefully, without ruffling the wet fur. You also need to carefully dry your cat after water procedures - without excessive friction. It is better to simply blot the wool with a towel and then dry it with a hairdryer.
Dry shampoo will help get rid of static tension and quickly clean the coat. It is easy to use in field conditions - when the animal temporarily lives outside the home. Simply sprinkle the powder onto your fur and it will absorb oil from the skin. After this, all that remains is to comb the fur thoroughly, and it will look perfect again.
Mats on an animal's fur are a lesson, first of all, for the owner. If some cat breeds are able to groom themselves and lick their fur, then your pet cannot do without your participation. Keep an eye on your pet, because we are truly responsible for those we have tamed...
Video: cutting mats on a cat
All cats are certainly beautiful. These are animals that have many cute representatives of their family. But cats with long hair have a special charm and charm. Fluffy lumps delight and make even the most gloomy person smile. Most often, the needs and characteristics of feline balls differ depending on the breed and length of fur.
Fluffy cats are prone to matting (fur that has become matted and tangled into a ball). At first glance, it is a completely harmless ailment or even a feature, but in reality it can go too far.
In advanced cases with a long-haired cat, only a haircut will help.
The fluffy cat is beautiful in appearance, but this is almost entirely the merit of its owner. She is unable to care for her fur efficiently and completely. In principle, this can be called the answer to the question: where do tangles come from?!
The long-haired beauty needs help; she can’t do it on her own. Mats are a missed moment and lack of attention to an important cat person.
What are mats?
Mats are wool caught on each other
Wool is constantly renewed. The healthy loss of old hairs and the growth of new hairs is a completely natural and correct process. When it occurs in a cat with medium or short hair, she simply licks off all the excess.
The fluffy cat physically cannot cope with this. . The hairs cling to each other and the old grows with the new. This is how lumps are formed, which become larger day by day.
Why are they dangerous?
Jeweled haircut for tangles
A completely expected question will arise: why are tangles dangerous? Essentially, they are not a disease that needs to be diagnosed and the consequences feared.
In fact, failure to care for your animal on time can cause a lot of problems in the future. Stray hair is dangerous due to the following:
- The cat will experience discomfort and feel a foreign object;
- As a result, she will try to gnaw out the tangle, since she will not be able to lick it off;
- Manipulation will lead to skin injury and irritation cannot be avoided;
- Ingrown tangles can also cause pain when trying to remove them;
- And of course, unkempt fur doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing, that’s the least of it. negative consequence from mats.
How to get rid of cat tangles at home
The cat is unlikely to like removing tangles, but he no longer has to choose. First of all, you need to be prepared for the fact that the animal will resist.
Therefore, knowing your pet, you need to choose the most appropriate time, for example, when the cat is sleeping or immediately after waking up.
- The pet needs to be fixed. You may have to ask your household for help.
- Next, you should feel the tangle and evaluate how much it has grown into the skin. If the lump is not very hard and large, you can try to cut it and comb out the wool in fragments.
- There is no point in trying to sort out neglected tangles. It is much easier to cut or shave them with a clipper.
- You need to cut out the tangles in parts. It's better to start with a small piece and move closer to the skin in stages.
This must be done extremely carefully so as not to injure the skin or cause infection.
If you don’t have confidence in your own abilities, then it’s better to go to a veterinary clinic or a cat groomer. They have in their arsenal all necessary tool, and most importantly, experience in coping with this task.
How to cut a cat's hair with a mat cutter
Standard webbing cutter
A tool that will certainly come in handy for owners of fluffy cats.
Externally, the tangle cutter looks like a regular comb. But its teeth are sharp blades.
The brush has from 4 to 10 teeth. The blades can be straight or wave-shaped. Before using the tool, you should try to separate the hair with your hands and free as much healthy hair as possible. Next, the mat is combed out using the blades of a mat cutter. At this point, special care will be required to avoid touching skin covering. Essentially, the device cuts through tangled wool.
When choosing a webbing cutter, you should pay attention to how well it is made. A cheap tool can injure the animal and quickly become unusable.
The tangle cutter is capable of combing out medium-level clumps. Deeply ingrown tangles need to be cut out entirely.
Don't be too scared. New fur will grow in approximately 5 months. The lost piece is a great pity, but in the future the owner will be more attentive.
Preventive actions
Only careful grooming and brushing of your cat will help prevent mats.
Even more fluffy cats may not know what tangles are when properly cared for.
The coat should be brushed at least 2 times a week. At least 10 minutes is enough and the cat will be well-groomed.
Some pets get used to brushes and perceive them as a portion of pleasure.
It is important to purchase a good comb; it should not have very hard teeth, for daily care they are not needed.
In hot weather, you can take your cat to the hairdresser and get beautiful haircuts for its long fur. This is also a way to prevent the formation of tangles. In summer it's hot and cats sweat, so...
Examining a cat for mats
Inspecting the cat and combing out any tangles found
Even with good care, you need to inspect the animal's body as often as possible. A foreign object in the form of adhered dirt will lead to matting over time. The wool gets matted quite quickly, but grows back for a long time after being cut. In place of the removed lump, fur of a different color may form. This is a normal deviation.
Prevention by bathing
Not all cats love to bathe, but they should!
Bathing a cat is also preventive measure. But everyone knows how they treat water, to put it mildly, poorly. Therefore, you can use dry powders and. They are sprayed onto the fur and combed. The products contain components that smooth out hairs and prevent them from getting tangled and tangled.
Even if the cat does not like beauty treatments. In this case, compromises with the pet are excluded.
conclusions
It is a mistake to believe that a cat can recognize its own illnesses and cope with them like an intelligent animal. Yes, they are sensitive and wise, but not to such an extent that they provide themselves with comfort in all respects. Apparently, this is why the cat lives with a person and allows him to be her friend and helper. A friend and helper just needs to learn to be sensitive and attentive to his pet.
Cats are graceful, mannered and sophisticated animals. One of the main advantages of the cat family is its beautiful, silky, shiny coat. Cat mats require immediate removal.
How to remove tangles
Cats are graceful and majestic creatures. Every person enjoys petting a beautiful, well-groomed animal. It happens that pets with very thick hair are simply unable to take care of their mane on their own. The fur becomes faded, tangled and turns into a kind of dreadlocks. The owners begin to sound the alarm and find out what to do if unsightly lumps appear on the thick fur.
Mats are when lost fur gets tangled with living hairs, a process that occurs using static electricity. Removing tangles that have already appeared is a troublesome task. The entire chic appearance of the animal can be ruined by these nasty squabbles of tangled fur. It is worth considering that if you get a cat of a long-haired breed, he will need additional care, namely, combing his hair.
Removing matted fur from an animal is not difficult. You can:
- cut carefully with scissors;
- untangle with a special spray for pets and comb out.
Causes of hair matting
There are many reasons why mats formed. The main ones:
- improper nutrition of the animal, vitamin deficiency;
- street lifestyle;
- improper grooming;
- usage detergents, shampoos with hard pH;
- the animal is not able to take care of itself (sick, elderly).
Cats of long-haired breeds are especially susceptible to matting. At home, you need to regularly and thoroughly comb the animal with a comb.
Where do mats appear on a cat?
If the problem is neglected, dandruff also forms, which aggravates the animal’s condition. Dandruff can be all over your pet's body, and mats usually form in certain places, such as:
- withers;
- axillary fossae;
- hind limbs;
- tail;
- back.
Options for getting rid of matted fur
Removing areas with matted fur is quite unpleasant procedure, from which a pet I'm unlikely to be particularly delighted. There are several features and rules for successfully combating tangles. Follow these recommendations, and the fight against tangled lumps will be successful:
- It is advisable to buy sprays to maintain silky fur not in the market, but in pet stores, taking into account the type of hairs and their length. Pick up the right remedy Sales consultants will help you.
- A haircut. The coat should not be cut bald. You cannot groom Turkish Angora, Persian, or exotic cats. At the pet store you can buy a special device - a mat cutter (this is a special comb with toothed blades). Timely care will not only protect your pet from complications, but will also save your nerves. You will also be able to avoid conflict with your pet, since cats are vengeful creatures.
- It is easier to cut mats on cats than to comb them out, but this is not always an appropriate option: an animal cut into tufts will look like a stray ragamuffin. Although this is sometimes the only way out when the tuft of wool is too voluminous. There is no point in combing anymore, because the lost hair is already touching the skin. Attempts to comb out with a comb will be futile and will bring a lot of suffering to your pet.
- If there are multiple or large tangles, you should contact a groomer. Of course, you can trim off snarls of fur at home, as long as you don’t harm your pet’s skin. It is necessary to cut with a clipper with a nozzle of at least 2 mm. You will most likely need a second person to hold the animal. You can trim your pet's back, tail, belly without special problems, but cutting the paws and head causes discomfort for felines. Experienced groomers give your pet an easy sedative. If the cat is too nervous, general anesthesia may be necessary.
- You cannot bathe the animal before the grooming procedure. This can greatly aggravate the situation; the tangles will become tangled and mixed with healthy hair. You may have to cut the lion's mane to zero.
Cats with long hair, both purebred and cute mongrels, require special care for their coat. Four-legged friends They cannot always solve their problems on their own. Frequent brushing, combing out excess hairs, washing your pet with specially selected shampoos and timely haircuts in the summer - all this will help you make your pet look beautiful.
It is smarter and more economical to prevent a problem than to solve a problem that has already happened. If caring for a long-haired cat seems too tedious and expensive to you, perhaps you should not opt for a pet of fluffy breeds.
