Mastering the Art of Dematting Your Beloved Feline: 8 Tried and Tested Techniques
For those of us fortunate enough to share our lives with long-haired feline friends, the struggle to keep them mat-free can be all too familiar, even with daily brushing their fur. And once those obstinate mats make an appearance, the task of getting rid of the matted fur becomes a daunting endeavor, fraught with challenges and potential discomfort for both you and your cherished companion. Fear not, for here are eight invaluable tricks to tackle cat matted fur with finesse and grace.
How to remove cat matted fur ?
1. Baby Powder Magic
Embark on your dematting journey armed with a well-kept secret from the world of show dogs – baby powder. This innocuous powder possesses the remarkable ability to loosen those stubborn mats. As an added bonus, your feline companion will emerge from the ordeal with a delightful fragrance.
2. Start at the Base
Commence your dematting mission at the very heart of the mat, utilizing a straight comb. With meticulous care, navigate beneath the mat, ensuring that you grasp the hair close to the skin to prevent any undue discomfort. Gradually draw the comb upward through the mat, gently coaxing it to relinquish its grip.
3. Divide and Conquer
Breaking down the formidable mat into smaller sections can significantly simplify the dematting process. Employ blunt-tipped scissors to slice through the mats, rendering them more amenable to combing. Skillfully insert one side of the blunt-end scissors beneath the mat, then artfully elevate it, fragmenting the mat into manageable portions.
4. Cut the mated fur
In certain cases, the swiftest and most effective course of action is to excise the mat altogether. With utmost precision, sever the mat as close to the skin as possible, ensuring that any sharp instruments employed are directed away from your feline companion. While this method might leave your kitty with a slightly patchy appearance, it is a worthy trade-off to avoid any accidental nips or cuts.
5. Embrace Leave-in Detanglers
Leave-in detanglers are your allies in rendering mats more slippery, thus facilitating their removal. These products work wonders in minimizing resistance during the dematting process.
6. Give the cat a bath
While cats may harbor a distinct aversion to baths, the water can serve as a valuable tool for loosening mats. Be cautious not to rub shampoo into the mats, and avoid any vigorous towel rubbing post-bath, as it may exacerbate the situation.
Instead, gently pat dry your feline companion to prevent any worsening of the mats. For larger mats, consider dividing them prior to the bath.
7. The Power of the Dryer
For the more tolerant felines who do not mind a gentle puff of air, a dryer on the cold or cool setting can prove instrumental in loosening mats. Employing a dryer in tandem with the straight comb may suffice for dematting efforts on thinner-haired cats.
8. The Gentle Art of Picking
A common mistake in the dematting process is the impulse to yank the mat forcefully or provoke your cat into scratching. Instead, exercise patience and delicacy. Slowly and methodically pick at the mat while securing the portion closest to your cat’s skin. This approach minimizes hair loss and discomfort, ensuring a more agreeable experience for your feline companion.
Incorporating these tried-and-true techniques into your dematting routine will not only make the process more manageable but also foster a more harmonious relationship between you and your beloved long-haired kitty. Remember, the key to successful dematting lies in a gentle touch and an abundance of patience.
You might be interested:
How To Get Rid Of Cat Dandruff ?
Miliary Dermatitis in Cats ; Causes and Treatment