Elderly Cat Massive Hair Mat

Consider consulting a vet before making any drastic diet changes.

Elderly cat massive hair mat. Matted cat fur on the other hand damages tissue by preventing oxygen and moisture from reaching it. Arthritis can make it painful. Most mats will come out with brushing but hard mats can require extra work. Older cats may not be able to groom themselves because they re suffering from arthritis.

When your cat notices this change they start to groom more which could increase the amount of hair they ingest and cause other health problems. Take your feline to the vet or groomer if you can t untangle the stubborn mats. A weight loss diet may be a good idea if your cat is overweight and suffering from matted hair. Seriously matted cats require veterinary attention.

Mats are clumps of hair that have become entangled or knotted over time. If her fur is bad enough that the mat is just one giant stretch of knotted hair that s a situation that probably calls for a professional as shaving her fur might be necessary. But longer lives bring age related challenges including those related to hygiene and grooming. See our related article for much more about the causes of matted hair in cats.

Affected cats are lightly sedated and their hair coats are shaved to remove all affected mats. Overweight cats simply can t reach certain parts of their bodies. A cat losing hair also called alopecia in cats can be complete or partial and happens in felines for a variety of reasons the most common of which is skin allergies experts say. Recognizing the signs a cat is dying of old age can help you make the best choice for your pet.

Because some senior cats may need more help grooming than younger felines pet parents may notice an increase in matted cat hair on their senior cats and learning exactly how to groom an old cat becomes essential. Indoor only and shorthaired cats can also get mats from a buildup of dust and dander. Cats have earned a reputation as effective self groomers but that doesn t mean they don t need your help in staying clean and healthy. Old infirm overweight and long haired cats in particular are more susceptible to tangled fur which can become clumped mats or knotted dreadlocks.

If this drastic step is necessary be sure to maintain a regular program of brushing and combing when the coat grows back to prevent future problems. This can lead to dry scaly and sometimes irritated skin. Illnesses such as hypothyroidism hyperthyroidism hypertension and kidney problems can cause dandruff and matted fur and these conditions are common in older kitties.