Old Cat Hair Mats

Many of our pampered cat companions are living well into their teens and even 20s now according to a report in the journal of feline medicine and surgery.

Old cat hair mats. Most mats will come out with brushing but hard mats can require extra work. Causes of matted hair in cats. See our related article for much more about the causes of matted hair in cats. But longer lives bring age related challenges.

Recognizing the signs a cat is dying of old age can help you make the best choice for your pet. If your cat has sections of matted fur you can probably take care of the problem yourself. Weight loss an unpleasant odor and other symptoms of aging can indicate your cat may be approaching the end stage of its life but the severity of the symptoms can help you determine how much time is left. Affected cats are lightly sedated and their hair coats are shaved to remove all affected mats.

Indoor only and shorthaired cats can also get mats from a buildup of dust and dander. If your cat has developed mats in its fur you ll need to remove them right away to keep. Unfortunately they can t always prevent tough tangles from forming in their coats. Seriously matted cats require veterinary attention.

Matted fur is usually caused by poor grooming habits. How to shave a matted cat. Illnesses such as hypothyroidism hyperthyroidism hypertension and kidney problems can cause dandruff and matted fur and these conditions are common in older kitties. As it happens there are several reasons a cat might groom less and poor coat condition is a clue they need medical help.

Take your feline to the vet or groomer if you can t untangle the stubborn mats. If her fur is bad enough that the mat is just one giant stretch of knotted hair that s a situation that probably calls for a professional as shaving her fur might be necessary. Poor grooming is a common sign that there is a problem with a cat s health. Cats just love to groom themselves.

In the past several years the life span of domestic cats has steadily increased. It can also be due to changes in routine the addition or loss of an animal or family member or the neighbor s new dog that barks all the time. How to groom an old cat with matted cat hair. If this drastic step is necessary be sure to maintain a regular program of brushing and combing when the coat grows back to prevent future problems.

If you have an older cat try comparing then and now photos.