Longhaired cats develop matted fur more easily than their shorthaired counterparts do.
Old cat matted fur.
If this drastic step is necessary be sure to maintain a regular program of brushing and combing when the coat grows back to prevent future problems.
Using a wide toothed comb.
When a cat no longer shows an interest in grooming it s important to look for the underlying causes as an old cat with matted fur may be indicative of an underlying health issue.
Dubswede how to remove mats from a longhaired cat 1.
Why matted cat fur is bad.
This is a condition in which flies are attracted to matted waste on a cat s fur.
Older cats have thinner skin that lacks elasticity.
This is a natural part of the feline aging process.
These flies will lay eggs which hatch into maggots.
Brushing a senior cat s fur.
Regular brushing is recommended for your cat s coat health and most knots and mats can be removed this way.
Affected cats are lightly sedated and their hair coats are shaved to remove all affected mats.
This is just as horrific as it sounds.
Illnesses such as hypothyroidism hyperthyroidism hypertension and kidney problems can cause dandruff and matted fur and these conditions are common in older kitties.
This can lead to dry scaly and sometimes irritated skin.
Matted cat fur on the other hand damages tissue by preventing oxygen and moisture from reaching it.
Healthy and tangle free cat fur allows for a continuous air flow to your cat s skin.
Dental issues the easiest place to start your investigation into why a senior cat isn t autogrooming as often is their mouth.