How to Get Rid of Tangles on Long-Haired Cats

Long-haired cats are beautiful, but they require daily grooming.

Petting a cat’s long, silky fur can be relaxing for both owner and pet, until you run your hand across a tangle of matted fur. Long-haired cats need daily grooming to keep their fur and skin in top condition. Without consistent brushing, long-haired cats can develop painful mats in their fur. Gentle grooming can restore your cat’s coat to a healthy softness.

Things You'll Need

• Talcum powder
• Slicker or dematting brush
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Groom your cat when it is calm or sleepy. Some cats rebel against removing their matted fur.

2. Brush around the tangles. Removing any dead hair out of the coat will make the detangling process easier.

3. Sprinkle talcum powder on each knot. Work out the tangle with your fingers, if possible, but do not actually pull out the mat.

4. Brush out the tangles with a slicker or dematting brush. Work it through your cat’s fur very gently. The brush can actually injure your cat’s skin and pulling out the mat can be painful.

5. Cut out the mat with scissors if it is larger than your thumb. Trim tangled hair as close as you can, without cutting the cat's skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Bathe your long-haired cat regularly, with appropriate shampoo. Brush its fur daily to prevent future tangles.

References

• ASPCA: Cat Brushing & Skin Care
• ASPCA: Grooming FAQ
• Cat Health Guide; Comments for Cat Fur Clumps; February 2010
• Doctors Foster & Smith Pet Education: Hair Mats in Dogs & Cats

Resources

• ASPCA: Groom your Cat