Thread: Matted fur

Sidney was a complete non-matter until about a month ago. A tiny mat appeared in his armpit (legpit?) which I got out with the FURMINATOR (sorry, but it does need capitals!). The next day another one had appeared and before I could completely remove it I had to clear up the bloodbath, then Sid escaped. I read on the web that getting mats wet was a BAD idea, but Sidney is very independent and wouldn't listen to me.

So, for three days we battled. I stripped out chunks of mat, he licked them back with a vengeance.

On the fourth day, I looked up cat groomers. £70 for a full de-mat.

On the fifth day, I rang the vet. I signed the paperwork to have the little fur-ball sedated - he was wearing a breastplate of solid mat from chest to groin - and the vet and his nurse got out the clippers. Within 10 minutes the job was done - no sedation, he just let them clip it all off. £27. From the top and side he looks unchanged, but when he rolls on his back he looks like a raw pork sausage! Even better, he has polka-dots where his fur is speckled!

It is starting to mat again around the edges, so rather than have a completely bald cat (which h as not yet been completely ruled out) it's FURMINATOR time again. I hope that if we can get rid of the undercoat and talc him up, then the problem is over.

(We think the trigger was the daily baths he had for a month due to covering himself with ear-mite ear drops - I have not yet found a conditioning shampoo or cats which can do the job.)

Quick question - my own hair is pretty fine and mats easily and I keep on top of it with Moroccan Oil. Anyone know if its safe for cats? I don't lick my own hair, so I'm not sure if it's edible!

I have the FURMINATOR and the FURMINATOR detangling spray. This makes it slightly easier, but not enough of a difference.
Recently me and the OH decided that Nemo needed a fresh start as the matts he came with have been stubborn to budge and after his last bath he decided he wasn't going to let us finish drying his back end and his flanks feel terrible.
So the bright idea to clip him came into mind, now I have a half clipped cat with a very fluffy bottom.
I have booked him in for the groomers.

I know nothing about Moroccan oil. Sorry Weasel