Cat grooming
Cat mats and tangles
Prevention is much easier than removing a tight mat. Small tangles can sometimes be managed gently at home, but close, widespread or painful matting needs a safer professional route.
Handle matting by severity
Prevent small tangles becoming mats
Long, dense and friction-prone areas can tangle quickly. Regular gentle combing helps you find small tangles before they tighten close to the skin.
Work only on small, loose tangles at home
A minor tangle may be eased apart gradually with a suitable comb or dematting tool if your cat remains comfortable. Stop if the coat pulls on the skin or your cat becomes distressed.
Do not cut close mats with scissors
Cat skin can be drawn up into a mat and may be difficult to distinguish from the coat. Cutting a mat with scissors creates a real risk of skin injury.
Large or tight mats need professional help
Widespread, tight or painful matting is safer in the hands of a suitably experienced professional groomer or veterinary team. Veterinary care is particularly important when the skin underneath is irritated, inflamed or painful.
A new matting problem can be useful information
If a cat that previously maintained the coat well begins to mat, consider why self-grooming may have changed. Mobility problems, body condition, oral discomfort, skin disease and other health issues can all affect grooming ability and deserve veterinary discussion when the change is persistent.