Mats can sneak up on even the most loving pet parent. A coat can look fluffy on the surface while tight knots form underneath. Here's what causes matting, why it hurts, and how to keep it from coming back.

What causes matted fur in dogs and cats?

Pets naturally shed and grow hair. When that loose hair isn't brushed out, it wraps around the hair still attached to the skin. Over time those tangles tighten into dense mats.

Mats tend to form in predictable places. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that areas with a lot of movement, or areas a long-haired cat can't reach when grooming, may develop mats. In a young long-haired cat, VCA says the hair easily becomes knotted under the legs, around the back end, on the chest and around the collar area.

Common contributors include:

  • Long, curly or thick coats that aren't brushed all the way to the skin
  • Friction from collars, harnesses and sweaters
  • Getting wet and not being fully dried
  • Seasonal shedding, when loose undercoat builds up quickly
  • Older or overweight pets who can't groom certain areas themselves

Why do mats hurt pets?

A mat is more than a cosmetic problem. As it tightens, it pulls on the skin every time your pet moves, lies down or scratches.

ASPCA veterinarian Dr. Julie Horton explains that even very mild hair mats can cause skin irritation and progress to infected lesions. In severe cases, a mat can wrap around a limb tightly enough to cut off blood supply.

Mats also hide other problems. The ASPCA notes that fleas and ticks can live relatively invisibly in a hair mat, and that mats around the hind end can cause feces to build up. For dogs, VCA explains that matted fur keeps air from reaching the skin and holds water after swimming or rain, creating a perfect environment for a hot spot.

If you notice redness, odor, sores or your pet seems sore when touched, talk to your veterinarian.

Why is shaving sometimes the kindest option?

It's natural to want to save the coat. But brushing out heavy matting means pulling on already irritated skin, again and again, for a long time.

At Prideful Grooming, when matting is severe, shaving down is the most humane, pain-free option so a healthy coat can grow back. It removes the painful pulling all at once and lets the skin breathe.

The ASPCA agrees that if a mat can't be easily brushed out, your pet should see a groomer or veterinarian, who can safely clip the mats out and provide instant relief. Please never cut mats out with scissors at home. The ASPCA warns that pets can move unexpectedly, which can cause a severe cut or puncture, and VCA notes that mats sit so close to the skin that it's easy to cut it.

Even for double-coated breeds, where shaving is normally avoided, the AKC makes an exception when tangles and build-up are so thick that the skin can't dry out under the coat.

What should you expect from a matted groom?

If your pet is matted, please call us before booking. Matted grooms can take 3–4 hours and are priced based on the care your pet needs, so a quick conversation helps us plan the right amount of time.

A few things to know:

  • A shaved coat can look like a big change, but it's temporary. The hair grows back, and it's much easier to maintain from a fresh start.
  • Skin under mats may be pink or irritated once it's uncovered. Keep an eye on it and check with your vet if anything looks sore.
  • If irritated skin is a concern, our shampoo options include soothing oatmeal and hypoallergenic aloe formulas, and you're welcome to bring a vet-prescribed shampoo. Products that need 5–10 minutes of contact time add a fee.
  • Some severely matted pets, especially cats, may do better with help from a veterinarian. VCA notes that a vet can sedate a cat for pain-free mat removal if needed.

How can you prevent matting?

Prevention is far more comfortable for your pet than a shave-down. ASPCA veterinarian Dr. Horton notes that pets with medium-to-long hair require frequent brushing, some even once a day.

  • Brush to the skin. Surface brushing can leave knots underneath. Work in small sections.
  • Use the right tools. The AKC says slicker brushes help remove and prevent mats on medium, long, wire and curly coats, and wide-toothed combs can help with tangles. Keep a light touch.
  • Check the hidden spots. Behind the ears, under the collar or harness, the armpits, the back of the legs and around the back end are where tangles often start.
  • Dry thoroughly after baths, swims and rainy walks.
  • Stay on schedule. On average, we recommend grooming dogs every 4–6 weeks and cats every 6–8 weeks, depending on breed, coat, time outdoors and brushing at home.

Worried your furry baby is getting tangled? Call our East Rutherford or Rochelle Park salon before booking, or read our grooming FAQ for more on our matted-pet policy.

Sources

  1. A Haircut Could Save a Life: Preventing Your Pet's Coat from Matting, ASPCA
  2. Hair Comes Trouble: Why Pets Need Regular Grooming, ASPCA
  3. Hot Spots in Dogs, VCA Animal Hospitals
  4. How to Groom a Long-Haired Cat, VCA Animal Hospitals
  5. How Should You Groom a Double-Coated Dog?, American Kennel Club
  6. Dog Brushes: How to Choose the Right Dog Brush for Your Pet, American Kennel Club

This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet has a health concern, talk to your veterinarian.