Clumping of fur

Question
Dear Jessica,

Our elderly part-Siamese cat has a problem with her fur.  Although we try to brush it, the fur clumps together.  She is an inside cat, so it isn't caused by being dirty.  What could be causing this?  It has started in recent years.  (She is about 20 years old.)

Thank you for any insights.
Sincerely,
Bill Tamerlane

Answer
Hi, Bill.  This is called matting and is most common in long-haired cats.  However, shorthaired cats also get matts, especially if they are obese or don't groom enough.  Matting usually happens in short-haired cats because the fur is dirty and the cat isn't able to clean it.  Even though she stays indoors, a build up of dead fur, skin flakes, dust, and oils from the skin is enough to cause matting.

If your cat is overweight, it may be difficult for her to reach certain areas to clean.  Putting her on a weight-loss diet should help.  At her age, I recommend consulting a vet before changing diet, though.

Also, she may be suffering from arthritis that limits her range of motion or makes is painful for her to get to all parts of her body to groom.  You should also ask a vet about this.  There are pain relievers for cats with arthritis.  There is also a supplement called Cosequin (glucosamine) for cats, which helps prevent arthritis, slow its progression, and even reverse arthritis.  It's available at pet stores and is a safe supplement for all cats.  Even if your cat doesn't have arthritis, it's a good idea to give Cosequin to her daily to prevent it.

One thing I recommend to prevent matts is to brush daily using a steel-toothed comb (available at pet stores).  Some have rotating teeth, and these are the best for removing fur and getting through minor tangles.  

To help get through loose matts, you can gently rub some baby powder (make sure it's talc free) into the matt.  It sort of lubricates the fur and makes it easier to untangle.  Warning - don't get the fur wet!  Once it dries, it will set the matt in even tighter.  So try not to ever bathe her if she has matts.

If the matts are very tight, you won't be able to brush them out.  I suggest cutting them off with scissors, or having a vet or groomer shave them off.  I prefer to have them shaved off, because matts pull on the skin and cause a lot of pain.  They also restrict air flow and can cause hot spots and skin infections underneath them.

If you decide to cut them with scissors,  it's best to cut them in half, and then cut a little each week as the fur continues to grow.  The reason is, cat skin is very fragile and elastic, and you may cut the skin badly without realizing it if you get too close.  I've done it myself, and it's an awful feeling!

Once the coat is matt-free, I suggest to comb your cat's fur through with the steel-toothed comb to remove loose fur.  You can use Johnson's hair detangler for children to help make combing easy.  Then, you can finish with a brush called a slicker brush (also available at pet stores).  This helps distribute natural oils throughout the fur to leave it glossy, stimulates healthy oil production, and also helps remove dander.  Then you can dust her lightly with baby powder to prevent matting.  Apply some baby powder to a towel, and the rub coat down with the towel.  

And finally, to keep the fur clean, I recommend to use a cat bath towelette.  These are available at pet stores.  One brand is Simple Solution.  

I don't recommend full baths (with water and shampoo) because they are very stressful to the cat and dry the skin out.  In general, cats never need baths unless they get into something that dirties their fur.

Best wishes!

Jessica