Older Cat Fur Matted

Adding water to your cat s fur can make the mat set even tighter.

Older cat fur matted. They can lead to skin irritation and infection if they re not removed. We have seen people recommend children s detangler spray or talc free powder but use only products that are intended for your animal. Mats can also form on the shoulders and hindquarters from the pressure of lying down. Illnesses such as hypothyroidism hyperthyroidism hypertension and kidney problems can cause dandruff and matted fur and these conditions are common in older kitties.

However there s a reason many older cats have dull starry coats. De matting a cat is typically not a fun experience for the feline or the human. It tends to occur on parts of your cat s body where there is a lot of rubbing or movement like between the legs under the chest under the tail and around the collar. Matted fur can happen to cats with all lengths of hair.

Pay special attention to your cat s bottom as this area can grow messy in older cats. Fur can become matted for a variety of reasons. Pet groomers recommend a detangler or anti static spray but most mats can be removed without these products. The problem tends to be more common in older or overweight cats who either can t groom themselves anymore or who can t reach parts of their body like the back.

Matting occurs more in spring and autumn when cats are molting. Old infirm overweight and long haired cats in particular are more susceptible to tangled fur which can become clumped mats or knotted dreadlocks. What are matted fur clumps the clumps are basically tangled hair. These tangles are not only unsightly they can also cause discomfort facilitate skin disorders or harbor worms mites or other pests.

If left unkempt a poor quality coat mats easily turning tiny tangles into tight knots. Keep in mind that shedding dead hair is normal and it s a process that cannot be avoided. Once you determine and address the cause of cat fur matting in an old cat it such as with joint supplements for osteoarthritis it s important to also address the quality of the cat s coat. Older cats can be belligerent and impatient but feeling unclean will cause distress.

While a lack of grooming sometimes is just part of old age many times there may be a medical cause for it in your elderly feline. Mats in cat fur are not only unsightly but they are also painful to your cat. Take things slowly and don t be surprised if you can t remove all the mats in one sitting. Rub unscented wet wipes on your cat s fur periodically as this will make up for your cat s inability to lick itself clean.