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Member
 
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Last Login: 8/6/2008 9:54:10 PM
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I have a similar question...What should you do if your cat gets little balls of matted up hair every once in a while that is so bad you have to cut it off? It seems like it would hurt her if I tried to comb it out (if it's too close to the skin I just comb it) but she doesn't like that much. I brush her pretty often, but it just seems like a little ball of matted up hair every once in a while is unavoidable.
Cyn and Jake
http://www.catchannel.com/blog/viewbio.aspx?apid=92047
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Supreme Being
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Last Login: Today @ 1:43:54 PM
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| If the mats are real close to the skin, I'd have to say visit the groomer. One other thing I forgot earlier - if you're going to the pet store, look for a Zoom Groom. It's made of rubber, shaped like a cat, with short rubber "fingers". You can use that in between combings - lots of cats like it, it's like getting massage. Won't break up mats but it may help your cat get accustomed to being combed.
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Supreme Being
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| Never cut hair mats with a scissors -- too easy to cut the skin. You are just torturing your cat if you try to comb or brush them out. Mats that are close to the skin are uncomfortable for kitty and they love it when you shave them off. I got an electric hair clippers (human hair clippers work too) they are very inexpensive nowadays they don't have to be pet clippers. Like this: 
Don't use any of the attachments (they look like this): 
Plug your clipper in with an extension cord and put it next to the chair you always sit in. When you cat is sitting on your lap relaxing, or sleeping, turn the clipper on and hold the mat clump with one hand and gently shave it off using the clipper using the other hand holding the shaver. You might only be able to take one mat off at a time until kitty gets used to having you do this - but believe me -- they love having these clumps removed and you can safely remove them without cutting kitty's skin! Brushing and combing is painful and takes forever! My cats (especially long-haired Rusty) are now very used to this and comfortable with it. To prevent clumps from forming in the first place brush daily, but somehow mats always seem able to form very quickly! 
SuperCat
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Senior Member
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Last Login: 8/25/2008 6:55:44 PM
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Flea combs are better for shorter hair cats or if your cat has fleas. For a longhair cat you need a little wider comb. The flea comb would not get down to the skin very well on the body where the hair is longer.
It would work if you were used to combing cats, but not for a person who is not experienced. There are combs that are split with wider teeth and narrow teeth on the same comb.
Brushes (unless its a pin brush) only go over the surface of the fur - not down to the skin as it should be.
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Senior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/11/2008 6:45:32 PM
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I used to use brushes on my long haired until my vet recommended using a wide tooth metal comb. Works great as it gets through all the fur and you can pick one up at walmart for under 10$. I have had mine for 2 yrs and works perfect. The best way to deal w/ mats is to prevent them by combing your cat as often as needed. Some need daily some every couple of days or longer depending.
Sully's Mom
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