How to Remove Tangles From Long-Haired Cats
While long-haired cats groom themselves, they cannot always remove knots that form in the fur. Knotted fur requires removal because the tangles can harbor dirt and bacteria. The knots can also cause painful sores and irritation to the skin. When you notice knotted fur, remove it immediately. If the cat's fur becomes too tangled, it can become difficult to remove them all. Removing knotted fur regularly helps keep your cat healthy.
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Things You'll Need
- Soft-bristled brush
- Cornstarch
- Spray bottle
- Thin comb
- Scissors
- Cat shampoo
Instructions
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1
Brush the long-haired cat with a soft-bristled brush. Examine the fur for tangles.
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2
Rub cornstarch into the cat tangles with your fingers to loosen the fur.
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3
Pour lukewarm water into a spray bottle. Spray the tangled cat fur. Brush the fur gently to help further loosen the tangles.
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4
Place a thin comb under a tangle where the skin and fur meet. Slice through the tangle away from the skin in an upward motion with sharp scissors, breaking the tangle into smaller sections. Comb through the tangled sections. Repeat with other tangles.
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5
Bathe the cat with pet shampoo and warm water. Brush the cat in the bathtub to help remove any lingering knots in the fur.
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6
Cut the tangled fur completely from the cat as a last resort by repeating Step 4 until all of the tangles are removed. Ensure you can see the scissor blades through the fur as you work to avoid cutting the skin.
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Tips & Warnings
Soothe the cat with treats or catnip if it becomes irritated when you try to remove the knots.
Purchase a mat splitter (a blade with a curved handle that is used to cut through a mats) from your local pet store if your cat regularly has tangled fur.
Take the long-haired cat to a vet or professional groomer to have its fur shaved if it has too many knots to remove by hand.
Do not pull on tangled fur; it can cause more discomfort for the cat.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
