Cats are famous for keeping themselves clean and looking neat all the time. In fact, some would say that cats are obsessive groomers. It’s safe to assume that if your cat isn’t sleeping, they’re probably grooming instead. That’s why it’s so concerning for cat parents when their cat’s fur suddenly becomes matted, and the cats don’t seem to care.
If you’re worried about your cat’s suddenly matted fur, we’ll give you seven possible reasons for the issue, tips on how to fix it, and the dangers of matted fur for cats in the list below.
The 7 Possible Reasons Why Your Cat’s Fur Is Suddenly Matted
1. The Season and Environment
The environmental temperatures as well as the humidity may affect cats’ fur. If the amount of dead hair is not removed, it can become matted and once a mat starts to form, more hairs can easily get entangled. This is most likely to happen during peak shedding season in the spring and fall.
2. Kind of Coat
Some cat breeds are more prone to matting than others because their hair is longer or their undercoat is thicker. Breeds prone to matting because of their long, dense undercoat include the following: Himalayans, Persians, Norwegian Forest Cats, Ragdolls, Maine Coons, Siberians, and domestic long hair cats.
3. Age
When a cat is young, spry, and healthy, they can turn its body almost 360 degrees to groom every inch of their body. However, as your cat ages, their mobility will diminish, making it harder for them to care for their coat. This is where you come in by helping to make sure they are clean and brushed regularly.
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Your cat may have a buildup of excess fur, causing it to become matted. This can be caused by not brushing regularly or the cat’s coat not shedding properly.
This is true for cats with long hair. However, short-haired cats can end up with matted coats from the same problem, so they aren’t in the clear. Make sure to brush your cat regularly, whether long or short-haired to prevent matted coats.
5. Health Issues
Lack of grooming is a likely sign of a sick cat. If that is the case, the cat might also present other signs like lethargy or lack of appetite. A cat with reduced mobility due to arthritis cannot reach some of their body parts to groom properly and mats will start to form.
Additionally, a cat in pain might not be able to groom themselves through the discomfort. If you suspect your cat’s fur is matted because of health issues, consult a veterinarian for the best course of action.
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6. Weight
An overweight cat cannot turn or reach certain areas of its body, which means they cannot adequately groom their coat. This is likely to lead to excessive oil build-up and matted fur, at least in certain areas, typically along their back.
7. Excess Body Oils
Your cat may be suffering from hyperthyroid disease or a skin disease called seborrhea, where the skin glands produce abnormal amounts of sebum. This causes skin inflammation with dry and flaky or excessively oily skin. There are several possible causes of this condition and a common one is a diet deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. Parasite infestations and even fungal infections might also be the culprits to this condition.
Dangers Of Matted Hair in Cats
Not only does matted hair make your cat look dirty and messy, but it’s also dangerous to your cat. We’ll list the dangers of matted hair in cats below.
Hinders Thermoregulation
Besides keeping their fur clean, grooming is a method cats use to regulate their body temperature. Since they only sweat from their small paws, they use saliva evaporation to release additional body heat and prevent overheating. Matted fur hinders the efficiency of this thermoregulation mechanism.
Can Cause Pain & Discomfort
Matted hair can cause pain and discomfort when you or your cat try to remove the mats and tangles. You’ll have to pull on the fur, which also damages the cat’s skin, causing them pain.
While the pain will initially be mild, it’ll worsen as the mats expand. This could lead to behavioral changes in your feline pal.
A Breeding Ground for Parasites
Matted fur is also a breeding ground for parasites. You probably know that ticks and fleas can be dangerous to your pets if they are not eliminated.
Preventing Matted Fur in Your Cat
There are a few things you can do to prevent your cat from developing matted fur.
At Home Grooming
One of the best ways to prevent matting is at-home grooming. Brushing your cat regularly is crucial if you want their fur to stay matt-free.
Seek Professional Grooming
Sometimes, at-home grooming isn’t enough to keep your pet’s fur from becoming matted, or you don’t have the time to groom your cat properly. That’s when it’s time to call in the professional groomers.
Make sure to have your cat professionally groomed as needed, depending on the breed. You want to avoid the groomer having to shave your cat’s hair as this is not a recommended procedure for cats and is only used as the very last resource when mats are impossible to remove with combs, deshedders, or scissors.
Diet
Your cat’s diet can have a lot to do with how matted their fur becomes. However, feeding them only high-quality food and adding an omega-3 fatty acid supplement to their diet should help them have healthier and silkier skin and fur.
If the matting still occurs or worsens, it’s best to make an appointment with a vet to determine the cause and best treatment for your cat.
Final Thoughts
This concludes our list of the seven possible reasons your cat’s fur suddenly becomes matted. Remember, prevention is critical for matted hair, but if the problem persists, it’s best to consult a vet for diagnosis and treatment. No one wants their feline pal to look unkempt and dirty, including your cat. That’s why you should do everything you can to help your cat keep its fur shiny, untangled, and looking great at all times.
Featured Image Credit By: Summer 1810, Sutterstock
4 Responses
I found your article very helpful. I will look into getting my cat to a groomer to remove the lumps and matted fur on his back before it gets out of hand. Thank you.
Thanks for your comment Robin, we are delighted to hear that our article was helpful for you and your cat! That is why we love our work at Catster!????
my 9 year old cat is Ferrel and is a inside cat who i have never been able to touch.[ got her
and her sister from a field in Hiltonhead SC after they were caught and spaded She is matted so bad, what causes that and how do i treat her
Hi Gail, thanks for your comment, a matted cat is usually a sign that pain or discomfort prevents them from being able to properly groom themselves. The best you could do is trap her and take her to a veterinarian for examination while they perform the physical the vet can evaluate the coat and make a plan to fix it.