Cats are known as the best self-groomers, and most cats groom nearly constantly. Fur licking keeps a cat’s skin healthy and stimulates sebaceous glands in their skin to produce oil to lubricate their fur. But sometimes our furry friends need our help with their grooming, especially if you notice they are neglecting a specific area.

Old cats, obese cats, and certain breeds such as Persians, Maine Coons, and other long-haired breeds are more prone to develop tangles and mats. Matted fur does not only look bad, but it is painful for cats. If not removed, it can also cause other health issues including discomfort, skin disorder, flea infestation, mites, worms, and other parasites.

Removing mats from cats is usually not an easy task, but if you have the right brush before you begin, it will definitely make things go much smoother for you and your furry friend. Make sure you take things slowly and always start a dematting session with a calm and relaxed cat.

We have created a list of the best cat brushes for matted fur, and how to effectively use them to groom your cat and keep it mat-free. 

The Best Cat Brushes for Matted Fur Every Cat Owner Needs to Have

1. A High Quality Dematting Tool

First on our list is the Cat Dematting Tool. This tool is a game-changer for any cat owner dealing with matted fur. Designed specifically for removing mats and tangles, it features sharp, yet safe, blades that cut through knots without pulling on your cat’s skin. The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, making it easier to tackle even the toughest mats. But not all dematting tools are created equal. We love recommending the Freshly Bailey Dematting Tool. 

Why Choose the Freshly Bailey Dematting Tool?

• Efficiency: The sharp blades cut through mats quickly, reducing grooming time.
• Safety: Rounded ends prevent any accidental scratching or cutting of your cat’s skin.
• Comfort: An ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip, even during extended grooming sessions.
• Loved by Cat Parents: Thousands of reviews mention how the Freshly Bailey Dematting Tool is the best cat brush for matted fur. 

Using this tool regularly will help prevent mats from forming in the first place. Simply glide the tool through your cat’s fur, focusing on problem areas where mats are most likely to form.

Groomer's Tip: Always use short strokes when dematting your cat. Do not pull through the mat as it can be very painful. 

2. A Dual Length Comb

The Dual Length Comb is another excellent tool for managing your cat’s fur. This comb features both long and short teeth, making it perfect for reaching different layers of your cat’s coat. The long teeth penetrate deep into the fur to remove loose hair and prevent mats from forming, while the short teeth smooth out the top layer, giving your cat’s coat a polished look. It is a perfect comb for cat fur maintenance. 

Why Choose the Freshly Bailey Dual Length Comb?

• Versatility: The dual-length teeth cater to both the undercoat and the topcoat. This is especially helpful if you have a long-haired cat.
• 3-in-1 Comb: This cat comb demats, detangles, and combs. The short and long teeth pretty much cut grooming time in half.
• Safe to Use: Rounded head pins protect your kitty’s sensitive skin while creating a massaging effect that your fur baby will love.
• Daily Use: You can feel safe when using the comb on your cat’s fur everyday. Plus, a daily grooming routine will help you find any tangles before they become problematic and painful mats. 

Other Must-Have Grooming Tools for Matted Cat Fur

In addition to the dematting tool and the dual length comb, we recommend a detangling spray and some blunt-end grooming scissors. These two will make your life easier when grooming a cat with matted fur. 

Detangling Spray 

A detangling spray is a great addition to your cat grooming tools. A good spray is created to penetrate strands to release tangles. A spray is especially helpful when you find those stubborn mats, and your cat doesn't seem to cooperate. You can spray on the area, let it sit for a while, and then brush it out. 

We love this Detangling Spray because of its natural ingredients and its amazing smell! The spray makes brushing much easier, but if your cat is severely matted, the spray may not help at all and cutting the stubborn mats may be the way to go. 

When you finish spraying and combing through the mats, it is recommended to wipe away any detangling spray residue with a damp cloth to prevent your cat from licking and ingesting it. 

Blunt-end Scissors

Grooming scissors are great to have on hand just in case there is a matted area that is too difficult to untangle with the use of your hands, the spray, or the brush. Make sure they are designed with a safety round tip so you can cut through without hurting your cat. 

We like the Freshly Bailey Grooming Scissors because they are sharp, professional grade scissors so you can smoothly cut into any mat. They have the rounded tip so you won't poke your cat's skin, and they come in a set of 2 pairs - one straight and one curved for hard to reach areas. 

To use blunt-end scissors, carefully isolate the mat and cut it away from the skin. Be sure to work slowly and gently to avoid causing any discomfort to your cat.

Tips for Preventing Mats

In addition to using the right tools, there are several steps you can take to prevent mats from forming in the first place:

• Regular Grooming: Brush your cat’s fur regularly to remove loose hair and prevent tangles.
• Diet: Ensure your cat is on a balanced diet, as healthy fur starts from the inside out.
• Check for Mats: Regularly check common problem areas for mats and address them immediately.

Keeping your cat’s fur mat-free is essential for their health and comfort. With the right tools, such as the Dematting Tool, Dual Length Comb, Detangling Spray, and Blunt-End Scissors, you can easily manage your cat’s coat and prevent mats from forming. Regular grooming not only keeps your cat looking their best but also strengthens the bond between you and your feline friend. 

How to Brush Matted Cat Hair

1. Start your dematting session with a calm and relaxed cat. Do not randomly begin brushing in the middle of a play session. Wait for your cat to be calm. 
2. Do not bathe your cat and keep the fur dry. You may want to use a detangling spray for really stubborn mats. (When you finish spraying and combing through the mats, it is recommended to wipe away any detangling spray residue with a damp cloth to prevent your cat from licking and ingesting it.)
3. Grab your dematting tool and begin brushing using the 9-rounded-teeth side (specifically designed for dematting purposes) using short strokes. When you reach a mat, hold the fur closest to the skin with your fingers before brushing or pulling at the mat. This helps control the resistance from your brushing and avoids pulling on the cat’s skin. Start at the end of the mat and work your way up. This helps prevent the pain of the brush getting stuck.
4. Give your cat a treat and praise him for his patience. 
5. When a mat is too knotted, you may use some blunt-end scissors to cut through the mat. Carefully slide the scissors along the skin into the mat, holding them perpendicular to the skin; the bottom blade should slide along the skin. Cut up, into the mat. Make a clean cut and try not to pull the hair while cutting.

How to Comb Your Cat on a Daily Basis

1. Start your grooming session with a calm and relaxed cat. Do not randomly begin brushing in the middle of a play session. Wait for your cat to be calm. 
2. Do not bathe your cat. You want to keep the fur dry. If you are brave enough to bathe your cat, and then she runs away from you before you are able to dry her, you will definitely end up with a matted cat!
3. Grab your dual-length metal comb and begin with your cat’s belly and legs by gently combing the hair. (If your cat hates to be brushed, begin with short, gentle strokes in areas where your cat enjoys being petted, such as the top of the head or along the back. Be patient and gentle as she learns to tolerate, and possibly enjoy, brushing.)
4. Comb the neck hair.
5. Don’t forget about the tail - part it down the middle and gently brush out the fur on either side.
6. Keep combing through until you finish the entire body. If your cat has matted fur, we recommend using the dematting tool. Use the wider side with gentle and short strokes. You may need several grooming sessions to tackle all the mats.
7. Give your cat a yummy treat when you finish every combing session.
8. Make sure you comb your cat on a daily basis. Regular grooming helps with hairballs and prevents painful matting.

We hope this article helps many people out there that have cats with matted fur. Let us know in the comments below if this guide has been helpful. Happy Grooming!