Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Most shorthaired cats who groom themselves regularly don't get
mats, but there are exceptions. This most frequently occurs in older
animals who do not groom themselves enough and in obese animals
who cannot reach many areas on their own.These cats need more rou-
tine combing. A persistent owner armed with a flea comb can remove
most of the matting that forms on a shorthaired cat.
The matting that forms on shorthaired cats tends to be located
along the end of the spine and at the base of the tail. The hair may be
greasy, dry and scaly all at the same time. This is because a cat distrib-
utes her natural skin oils along the hairs when she grooms herself, and
she can't reach these areas where mats form. Don't be surprised if your
overweight cat starts biting or licking the air when you start combing
these areas. Combing these areas is like tickling the cat in a spot she
can't reach, and boy, does that feel good!
Regardless of whether your cat has short or long hair, the least
painful and easiest way to remove significant matting is by shaving.
Depending on the location of the matting, the shaving may involve one
area or the entire body. Shaving can cause some discomfort, but not as
much as combing. When cats are severely matted or very intolerant of
grooming, it is best to have the animal sedated so that neither the
groomer nor the cat gets hurt.
A longhaired cat, like this Himalayan, may benefit from a body shave.
