Tightly matted fur

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Our Maine Coon cat has developed tightly matted fine fur next to his skin. It's very lumpy and unpleasant to touch. Is shaving the only solution to this problem, or (as we would prefer) shall we just leave Mister Purr alone and not worry about it? Thank you so much, Dave.

-- Anonymous, April 13, 2000

Answers

Leaving it alone is probably not an advisable option. I had a Persian-like long-haired cat that developed mats such as you describe. Some of them I had to cut out (not shave). Others I was able to separate a little at a time. If you go to a good pet store with knowledgeable people, they can show you a tool specifically for this -- you use it to sort of pick apart the mats.

Once you get them out, a gentle combing once or twice a week should keep them from reappearing.

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2000


Our older Maine Coon started to have this problem at around 15 years old, unable to groom herself properly. Even though we brushed her regularly. We would pick and brush through the winter, but come warm weather we would have her shaved. She loved it, would perk right up afterwards. Unfortunately, she looked like a Ling Cod for a few weeks, all head, but grew in rather quickly.

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2000

When picking apart the matted fur ,sprinkle with Baking Powder, This acts as a de-tangler,and of course the baking powder does no harm to pusskins

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2000

I have the same problem, I just am intent on keeping her brushed, though the mats seem to form overnite! Anyhow, you must brush or cut them out (believe me you won't notice the hair you cut as missing!) because they HURT the cat, they pull on their sensitive skin, sometimes making them grouchy and untouchable. It also makes it hard for them to run and jump etc. because of the ouchiness! My cousin has hers shaved in a "lion" cut which is adorable, they shave the body leaving the head/neck & legs long, and a pouf-ball at the tip of the tail! The cat loves it and has abundant energy. I will wait on mine because she is only 9 months old and I am enjoying watching her "fill- in". She gets more gorgeous every day! Janet

-- Anonymous, June 30, 2000

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