How to Remove Mats From Cat Fur Safely and When to See a Groomer

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

A matted coat is more than a cosmetic problem. Mats pull on the skin with every movement, trap moisture and dirt, and can hide sores or parasites. Dealing with them quickly and safely is part of good cat care.

Why mats form

Mats develop when loose fur and shed hairs tangle with live hair. Areas that rub or get damp are most affected: behind the ears, under the collar, in the armpits, along the belly and around the rear. Common causes include:

• Long or fine coats. See grooming longhaired cats.
• Missed brushing
• Heavy shedding
• Obesity or arthritis, which prevent self-grooming. See how to help an overweight cat lose weight.
• Illness, dental pain or depression that cause a cat to stop grooming
• Greasy or damp fur

If a previously tidy cat starts to mat, see your vet. It can mean the cat is in pain or unwell. See the senior cat care guide.

Check the skin first

Before you start, part the fur and look at the skin. Mats can hide redness, scabs, fleas or wounds. If the skin is red, raw or smells, see a vet. See fleas on cats.

When to do it yourself

You can handle:

• Small mats that are loose and not close to the skin
• Tangles at the ends of the fur
• Light mats, found early

When to see a professional

Get help when:

• The mat is large, tight or close to the skin
• The cat has multiple mats
• The skin underneath is sore or infected
• The cat is nervous, aggressive or in pain
• The mat is around the rear or on the belly
• You cannot see the skin clearly

A groomer or vet can use clippers carefully, sometimes with sedation. Never try to cut a flat, tight mat with scissors, since you can cut the skin, which can be thin and loose. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

Tools

• Wide-toothed comb
• Mat splitter or mat comb, for loose mats
• Cornstarch or a cat-safe detangling spray
• Blunt-tipped scissors
• Treats
• A helper, if needed

Step by step for small mats

1. Calm the cat. Choose a quiet time, and use treats.
2. Sprinkle cornstarch on the mat, or apply a cat-safe detangler. Work it in gently.
3. Hold the fur at its base between your fingers, so you do not tug the skin.
4. Tease the mat apart with your fingers, starting at the outer edge.
5. Use a comb, working from the tip of the hair towards the skin.
6. Split the mat with a mat splitter or by gently cutting into the mat lengthwise, away from the skin, with scissors, so that you can comb out smaller sections. Always slide a comb between the mat and the skin as a barrier.
7. Stop if the cat is stressed. Take a break, and try again later.
8. Reward your cat, and check the area for redness.

Do not bathe first

Water makes mats tighter. Comb out mats before a bath. See how to bathe a cat.

After mat removal

Check the skin for irritation. Brush the area regularly. Consider a shorter trim, called a lion cut, for cats that are hard to keep matt-free, but only by a professional and with a vet's guidance. See how to brush a cat.

Prevention

• Comb regularly, using the right tools.
• Check high-risk areas weekly.
• Keep the cat at a healthy weight.
• Manage health problems, such as arthritis and dental disease. See cat dental disease.
• Keep the coat clean and dry.
• Book regular grooming for long coats.

Mats and hairballs

Swallowed fur can cause hairballs. Regular grooming reduces them. See cat vomiting causes.

Working with a nervous cat

If your cat will not tolerate handling, do not push. Work in very short sessions, with a towel, a helper and treats. Brush other areas first and leave the mat for last. Ask a vet about mild sedation if the mat is large and the cat is distressed. A calm, quick, professional removal is better than a long, frightening struggle.

Keeping the coat mat-free

After removal, set a schedule. Comb mat-prone areas every other day, trim long fur around the rear and consider a shorter overall cut for cats that are very hard to maintain. If a cat that groomed well suddenly mats, take it to the vet to look for pain or illness.

Emergencies

If your cat has a mat so large that it restricts movement, or if the skin underneath is bleeding or infected, see a vet promptly. See the emergency warning signs guide.