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 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 very 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 tools 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.

Why Is Matted Fur Harmful?

Matted fur isn’t just an aesthetic issue for your cat—it’s a health concern. When fur tangles and clumps together, it can cause a lot of discomfort. Over time, mats can tighten, pulling on the skin and leading to irritation, bruising, or even skin infections. Worse yet, mats can block airflow to the skin, trapping dirt, bacteria, and moisture underneath, which can result in painful skin conditions or harbor parasites. Think of it as wearing a tight, itchy sweater that you can’t take off—your cat can’t get rid of that discomfort without your help!

Removing mats quickly is key to preventing these more serious problems. Left untreated, severely matted fur can require professional grooming intervention, and in some cases, the fur may need to be shaved off entirely to give the skin a chance to heal.

How Do Mats Form?

Mats form when fur becomes tangled and knotted over time, especially in areas prone to friction, like under the legs, around the collar area, or on the back where your cat may rub against surfaces. Cats with longer fur, like Persians or Maine Coons, are more susceptible because their hair can easily trap dead skin cells, loose hair, and even dirt from around the home.

Cats are naturally great at grooming themselves, but sometimes illness, age, or weight can limit their ability to reach certain areas. Senior cats or those with arthritis, for example, may struggle to groom spots on their back or legs, leading to mat formation. Even active cats can develop mats when they encounter sticky substances like sap or dirt outside.

What Is Dematting a Cat?

Dematting a cat involves removing clumps of tangled or matted fur that have formed on your cat’s coat. This process can be done using specialized tools, like a dematting comb, or with clippers for more severe mats. The goal is to gently separate and remove the mats without causing your cat discomfort. It’s important to go slowly and use the right techniques to avoid pulling on your cat’s skin, which can be sensitive under the mats. Regular dematting helps maintain a healthy coat and prevents skin irritation or infections that can develop under matted fur.

Top 5 Tools You Need to Gather Before Getting Mats out of Cat Fur

1. High Quality Dematting tool

Many people fail completely when they try to remove their cat's mats because they use the wrong brush. They get frustrated, and their cat fears the day they pull out the brush to try to groom them. If you want to de-mat your cat, why not use a brush that is specifically designed to remove mats? 

We love recommending the Freshly Bailey dematting brush because it has proven to be effective at removing mats while creating a positive grooming experience. The brush is terrific at getting into the undercoat and working through the stubborn tangles. This tool has already helped thousands of cat owners, and it just may be what you need but didn't even know it existed. 

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

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

4. Professional Cat Grooming Clippers

When mats get too tough for brushes or combs to handle, the Freshly Bailey Cat Grooming Clippers are the way to go. These clippers are specially designed to remove even the most stubborn tangles without causing your cat discomfort. With a quiet motor to keep your kitty calm and sharp, skin-safe blades that glide through mats effortlessly, these clippers are perfect for sensitive areas or severely matted fur. They’re an ideal choice for cats with long or dense coats that tend to tangle easily.

Bonus: they’re easy to use, cordless, and rechargeable, so you can groom on your own schedule (or your cat's schedule).

5. Slicker Brush 

A slicker brush is a great tool to use to maintain your cat mat-free after you've removed all the mats. You can also use the slicker brush at the end of a de-matting session to slowly and gently brush through any remaining tangles. 

We love the Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush by Freshly Bailey. You just brush, click, and clean the brush. The bristles retract after brushing so they are kept from being damaged or bent. Well kept bristles prevent uncomfortable poking to your fur baby.

How to remove 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. 

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.

6. If you have a severely matted cat, then try the cat grooming clippers to remove the matted areas. When shaving your cat, be sure to stretch the skin enough so you do not nick your cat. Also, guide the clippers in the direction of your cat's fur growth, gently gliding them over the surface. Avoid pressing down, as this can irritate the skin and lead to clipper rash.

Depending on the severity of the mats, it could take several days to tackle them all, and you need your cat's cooperation and patience, so don't push it all at once. After you have removed most or all of the mats, groom daily with a slicker brush or even the same dematting tool (You can use the 17-teeth-side for thinning and deshedding). Always end your grooming session with a treat. 

 

How to Prevent Matted Cat Hair

Prevention is the best way to avoid matted fur altogether. Regular brushing is your best line of defense, especially if your cat has long hair. Using the right tool—like the Freshly Bailey dematting tool or dual comb—can help remove loose hair and prevent tangles before they start. Aim for daily brushing for long-haired breeds and at least once a week for short-haired cats.

In addition to brushing, you can help by running your hands through your cat’s coat regularly to check for early signs of mats. The sooner you catch a tangle, the easier it will be to work it out with a comb.

For extra prevention, ensure your cat stays clean and healthy. Cats with underlying health issues may need more frequent grooming since illness can prevent them from maintaining their coat properly. Keeping your cat’s coat mat-free is about more than looks—it’s an essential part of keeping them happy and healthy.

By understanding how mats form and taking proactive steps to prevent them, you’ll not only make life more comfortable for your cat but also strengthen your bond during those all-important grooming sessions.