Why does cat hair clump up?

Greasy and clumpy fur is caused by the natural oils in a cat's coat. When a cat grooms, it redistributes these oils evenly throughout its fur. This is how cats retain a sleek, elegant appearance. Cats spend up to 50% of a typical day grooming.
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How do I stop my cats hair from clumping?

The best way to prevent mats from forming too frequently is to brush your cat regularly. To avoid pulling the skin, look for knots on your cat's fur and gently detangle it with your fingers, and then with a mat comb for cats. If you use a detangling spray, only purchase a product made for cats.
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Why is my cat's fur getting matted all of a sudden?

So matting of the fur may be your first indicator that your pet is anemic, isn't breathing well, has kidney failure, is diabetic, has heart disease or even cancer. It is your cat's way of showing you he/she isn't feeling well. Stress will also influence grooming habits.
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Why does my cat have clumps of hair on his back?

These are generally called Mats. They are particularly a problem with long haired cats, but short haired cats can get them too. They are more susceptible to them in the spring and fall when they are shedding their seasonal coats.
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Should I cut my cat's matted hair?

Never try to cut out a mat. Cats have very delicate skin and with mats forming close to it, it's easy to miscalculate and cut too deep. Not only will your pet be in pain but they will experience excessive bleeding and a wound that may need stitching.
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Why Do Cats Pull Out Clumps Of Fur?



Can you cut off matted fur?

While some cuts are small enough that they will heal on their own, many wind up needing sutures to have the wound closed properly. Because of this, most mats need to be removed with specialized grooming clippers which let us get up under the mat and right against the skin without cutting into it.
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How do you remove matted cat hair without cutting it?

Sprinkle a little cornstarch or talcum powder in the area of the mat, and gently work it around with your fingers. Gently pull the mat up away from the skin, so you can see where the skin is. If the cat resists, take a break and speak in a soothing voice, petting the cat until it relaxes.
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How do I remove mats from my cat?

The two ways of safely removing mats are either combing them out fully or shaving them out with professional pet clippers. To determine which way will be safer and less stressful on your cat, your groomer will consider the following factors: Size of each mat. Location and size of each matted area.
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Does Olive Oil remove matted cat hair?

Dry Skin & Matted Fur

However, many cat owners absolutely swear by using olive oil topically on cats. Not to combat dry skin, but to remove pesky matted fur! To do this, use a syringe (the non-needle kind) to apply olive oil to the base of the matt as close to the skin as possible, gently rub it in, and then—poof!
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Why is my older cat getting matted fur?

If you have an older cat you may notice that they have started to get matted fur. This is pretty common in older cats. Arthritis often prevents the from being able to reach parts of their body like their back and hips. Older cats also tend to not be as good at bathing themselves overall, which can lead to matted fur.
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Will bathing my cat get rid of mats?

Some mats with regular movement, and others build up over time without grooming. They also cause skin irritation and infection. You might notice an odor coming from your cat and consider bath time, but giving your cat a bath can actually make mats worse.
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Why does my cat lose clumps of fur?

Cat Hair Loss Due to Allergies

Like humans, cats can suffer from both environmental and food-based allergies. Such allergies are a leading cause of feline alopecia and can present in patchy loss of hair and itchy, inflamed skin. Determining the exact source of an allergic reaction can be difficult.
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Do mats hurt cats?

Mats are clumps of hair that have become entangled or knotted over time. The mats can become uncomfortable and even painful for your cat. Some mats with develop with regular movement (at top of left), and others build up over time without grooming. They also cause skin irritation and infection.
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What season do cats shed the most?

While dogs and cats shed year-round, shedding tends to reach a peak in the spring and fall, says PetHelpful. This is especially true for pets who spend a lot of time outdoors. In the fall, pets shed old hair growth to make room for new hair that will help them stay warm in the winter.
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What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats?

The most common sign of hyperthyroidism in cats is weight loss despite an increased appetite. Other common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, drinking and urinating more than normal, and an unkempt hair coat. Because the disease develops gradually, signs are often easy to miss at first.
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How often should I brush my cat?

Brushing Your Cat

One or two brushings per week will help kitty to keep her healthy glow—and you'll find that regular sessions are especially beneficial when your cat ages and is no longer able to groom so meticulously on her own.
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Does coconut oil help matted hair?

Coconut oil does help matted fur. Rubbing coconut oil throughout your cat's fur can act as a natural detangler. This is a great trick to use if your comb is having trouble breaking up mats. Coconut oil is also safe to ingest and leaves your cat smelling good.
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Is coconut oil toxic to cats?

Yes, coconut oil is safe for cats, although it can cause some side effects when used incorrectly. Gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting or diarrhea, can be a problem if giving your cat too much coconut oil. It is essential to start with small amounts of coconut oil for your cat and gradually work your way up.
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Do cats like being kissed?

Do Cats Enjoy Being Kissed? While kissing is a natural way to show affection for humans, cats don't seem to view it any different than other forms of physical affection. Also, some cats simply don't like being that close to their human counterparts.
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Can you Overbrush a cat?

Just don't overdo it. Brushing your cat too much can result in skin irritation or bald patches, though you're more likely to see these symptoms from your cat over-grooming than from brushing.
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Should indoor cats get baths?

The average indoor cat may never need a bath, but if you do decide to take the plunge, we do not recommend bathing your kitty more than a couple of times a year. Only you know your cat's personality and levels of aggression, which can be a key deciding factor when it comes to bathing a cat.
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How do I know if my cat has hypothyroidism?

What are the signs of hypothyroidism in cats? The low levels of thyroid hormones seen in cats with hypothyroidism leads to a slowing of the cat's metabolism which can result in symptoms such as cold intolerance, weight gain, hair loss or matting, lethargy, weakness or low body temperature.
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How Long Can cats live with untreated hyperthyroidism?

What is the prognosis for cats diagnosed with Feline Hyperthyroidism? If effectively managed, cats with hyperthyroidism can live for many years with a very good quality of life. If untreated, this disease will cause uncontrolled weight loss, severe heart disease and eventually death.
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What are the signs of pancreatitis in cats?

What are the clinical signs of pancreatitis and how is it diagnosed? The most common clinical signs include nausea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. If the attack is severe, acute shock or death may occur.
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How do you tell if my cat is stressed?

Signs of stressed cats can include:
  1. becoming more withdrawn or hiding more than usual.
  2. becoming less tolerant of people.
  3. hesitating or becoming reluctant to use the litter tray, go through the cat flap or sit on your lap.
  4. eating or drinking less.
  5. overeating.
  6. scratching the furniture.
  7. excessive meowing.
  8. hissing or growling.
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