Those of us with long-haired kitties know how hard it can be to keep them mat free, even with daily brushing. And, once they have a mat, getting it out can be difficult and painful – for both of you! Here are some tips for getting those mats out.
#1 -Baby Powder
Baby Powder is one of the “best-kept secrets” of the show dog world. It can really help loosen a mat. And bonus, your kitty will smell nice.
#2 – Start From the Base
Start from the base of the mat using a straight comb. Once you get under the mat, hold the hair at the base of the mat near the skin (so you don’t pull their skin), and then slowly pull the comb up through the mat to loosen it.
#3 – Split the Mats
Splitting the mat can make them easier to comb out. Use blunt-tipped scissors to cut the mats up, making them easier to comb out. Do this by placing one side of the blunt-end scissors through the underside of the mat (if there is room) and then pull up through the mat.
#4 – Cut the Mat
Sometimes, the quickest, easiest way to get rid of a mat is to cut it out. Cut as close to the mat as possible and make sure any sharp objects you’re using are pointed away from your cat. Your kitty may look a little patchy, but you might save yourself a nip or nick by getting a tough mat out this way.
#5 – Leave-in Detangler
Leave-in Detanglers can help make the mats slippery and therefore easier to come out.
#6 – Bath
Okay, so cats hate baths- but the water can help loosen mats. Just be sure you don’t rub the shampoo into the mats and don’t rub them with the towel afterward. Instead, pat dry or you will make the mats worse. If the mats are large, split them before the bath.
#7 – Dryer
If your kitty does not mind a puff of air on them, use a dryer on the cold or cool setting to push the mat loose. Using a dryer and the straight comb might be all you need to get mats out of a thin-haired cat.
#8 – Pick
One of the common mistakes is people tend to just pull on the mat until it comes out, or their cat scratches them. Instead, pick at the mat slowly while holding the part closest to the cat’s skin. This will save more hair and won’t cause your cat as much discomfort.
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