Quick answer: To remove a small mat, hold the hair at the base to protect the skin, then gently tease the mat apart from the outside in with a comb or mat splitter, using short sessions. Never cut mats with scissors, because cat skin is thin and easy to cut. Tight or large mats should be clipped by a groomer or veterinarian.
A mat in your cat’s fur can start as a small tangle behind the ears and turn into a tight clump close to the skin within weeks. Mats are more than a cosmetic problem: they pull on the skin with every movement and can hide irritation underneath. The good news is that small mats can often be worked out at home with the right tools and some patience. The important part is knowing when to stop and let a groomer or veterinarian take over. This guide walks through both.
Why cats get matted fur
Mats form when loose undercoat hair is not removed and becomes knotted with the hair around it. The ASPCA notes that cats with medium or long coats need frequent brushing, some of them daily, to prevent matting. Common risk factors include:
- Long or dense coats, such as Persians, Maine Coons and long-haired mixes.
- Reduced self-grooming in senior cats, cats with arthritis and overweight cats that cannot comfortably reach their back and hindquarters.
- Friction areas such as behind the ears, under the legs, the belly and around the collar.
- Seasonal coat changes, when a lot of loose hair needs to come out at once. See do cats shed more in winter? for more.
If your cat used to keep a tidy coat and is suddenly matting along the back or rump, it can be a sign that grooming has become uncomfortable. Our guide to signs of arthritis in cats covers what to look for.
The most important rule: never cut mats with scissors
This is the one point every source agrees on. The ASPCA warns never to try to cut out mats with scissors. VCA Animal Hospitals explains why: mats are often attached closely to the skin, and cat skin is thin, so it is very easy to cut the skin by accident. VCA’s coat care guide adds that mats should be removed only with clippers, never scissors.
Tools for removing mats
| Tool | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wide-toothed metal comb | Finding tangles and finishing | Gentle; use first to locate mats |
| Slicker brush | Loose undercoat and small tangles | Use light pressure on thin skin |
| Mat splitter or dematting tool | Small to medium mats | Recommended by VCA and the ASPCA for mats |
| Electric clippers | Mats tight to the skin | Best left to a groomer or vet if you are inexperienced |
| Scissors | Not for mats | Risk of cutting the skin |
How to remove a small mat at home, step by step
1. Choose a calm moment and a comfortable spot
Groom when your cat is relaxed, such as after a meal or a nap. A soft surface like the Teddy Fleece Cat Pad on your lap or a tabletop can help your cat settle. Keep treats nearby.
2. Check how tight the mat is
Gently feel whether you can slip a comb between the mat and the skin. If the mat is loose and you can see hair at its base, it is a good candidate for home removal. If it is flat against the skin or your cat reacts with pain, skip to the section on professional help.
3. Hold the hair at the base
Pinch the hair between the mat and the skin with your fingers. This takes the tension off the skin so combing does not pull.
4. Work from the outside in
Using the end teeth of a comb or a mat splitter, tease apart the outer edges of the mat a little at a time. VCA recommends brushing or combing small mats out gently and avoiding pulling on the hair. Split large mats into smaller sections and work on each one.
5. Take breaks
Stop before your cat gets upset. Several short sessions over a few days are better than one long struggle, and they keep grooming a positive experience.
6. Comb through to finish
Once the mat is loose, comb through the area with a wide-toothed comb, then reward your cat.
Should you bathe a matted cat?
Not before the mats are out. VCA advises brushing out tangles before bathing, because water can tighten them and make them much harder to remove. Most indoor cats rarely need baths at all.
When to see a groomer or veterinarian
The ASPCA explains that mild mats can be brushed out, but advanced mats usually need clipping, and severe matting may require sedation and a full shave by a professional. Get help if:
- The mat sits tight against the skin or covers a large area.
- Your cat shows pain, growls or tries to bite when you touch the area.
- You see redness, sores, scabs, a bad smell or moisture under the mat. VCA recommends a vet visit if a mat has caused skin irritation.
- Mats are around the rear end, armpits or genitals, where skin is especially delicate.
Veterinarians and experienced groomers can safely clip mats close to the skin and, if needed, sedate an anxious cat so removal is not stressful.
How to prevent mats from coming back
- Brush on a schedule. The ASPCA’s cat grooming tips note that long-haired cats need grooming every few days, and the ASPCA’s matting guidance says some coats need daily brushing.
- Focus on trouble zones: behind the ears, armpits, belly, back legs and under the collar.
- Help seniors and overweight cats reach the spots they cannot. Keeping your cat at a healthy weight helps; see how to help your cat lose weight.
- Brush more during heavy shedding, which also helps cut down on swallowed fur. Our guide on how to prevent hairballs explains the link.
- Keep the skin healthy. Dry winter air and flaky skin can go hand in hand with a dull coat; see cat dandruff in winter.
Cats that sleep curled up in a clean, soft bed rest comfortably between brushing sessions, and a washable bed is easy to keep free of shed hair. Our cozy enclosed cat bed is one option many long-haired cats love in winter.
Regular grooming sessions also give you a chance to spot lumps, fleas or skin changes early.
Make grooming time comfortable
The Teddy Fleece Cat Pad gives your cat a soft, familiar spot to relax on during brushing sessions, and a cozy nap spot afterward.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cut mats out of my cat’s fur with scissors?
No. The ASPCA and VCA both advise against scissors because mats often sit close to thin cat skin, which is easy to cut by accident. Use a comb or mat splitter for small mats and have a professional clip tight ones.
Do mats hurt cats?
Mats pull on the skin as your cat moves and can hide irritation underneath, so they can be uncomfortable. Severe matting should be handled by a groomer or veterinarian.
Can I use conditioner or detangling spray on cat mats?
Some products are made for cats, but always check the label is cat-safe and avoid human products. A comb and patience are usually the safer first step.
How often should I brush a long-haired cat?
The ASPCA recommends grooming long-haired cats every few days, and some coats need daily brushing to prevent mats.
Why is my senior cat suddenly getting mats?
Older cats may groom less because of stiffness, arthritis, dental pain or weight changes. New matting is worth mentioning to your veterinarian.
Keep reading
- How to prevent hairballs in cats
- Cat dandruff in winter
- Senior cat care guide
- Do cats shed more in winter?
Sources
- ASPCA: Preventing Your Pet’s Coat Matting
- ASPCA: Cat Grooming Tips
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Grooming and Coat Care for Your Cat
- VCA Animal Hospitals: How to Groom a Long-Haired Cat
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your cat’s health, contact your veterinarian.
