Matted fur

Question
My long hair rabbit fuzzy lop often get matted.  Can he get a cut like a dog poodle so there won't be so many tangles?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Tom,

American Fuzzy Lop rabbits should have guard hairs.  These guard hairs help their coats from becoming matted.  They usually only need a quick brushing a couple times a week and they wont mat.

Depending on your animals housing you could shave the bunny.  If the bunny lives indoors in a temperature controlled climate, you could have her hair shaved.  If she is outdoors, I do not recommend it.  Rabbits have very fragile skin.  Most groomers wont even consider clipping a rabbit.  If rabbits are not clipped by someone with experience, they will end up with cuts all over their hides.  Even the most experienced rabbit persons have nicked their skin.  

My suggestion to you would be to carefully cut the mats out.  Do not try to cut the mats at the base.  When you do this you pull the skin and it will get cut.  Cut the mat from the top.  Put your hand between the scissors and the rabbits skin.  Once you cut into the mat you should be able to pull it apart using your fingers.  If your rabbit absolutely needs to be sheared then you need professional quality clippers.  Cheap clippers that work on dogs, do not work on rabbits.  We do occasionally have long haired bunnies that come into the shelter.  We use the same surgical clippers that our vet uses.  We also use a 40 or 50 surgical blade.  It is going to make the rabbit completely bald.  If you got your rabbit from a RESPONSIBLE breeder or you know a responsible breeder who raises long haired rabbits, they may be able to help you.  People that raise Angora rabbits are very proficient in grooming long haired rabbits.  If you do not personally know anyone you can go to the American Rabbit Breeders Association web-site (I will put the link below).  Every breed of rabbit is listed there.  If you click on the breed photo it will take you to the national club for that breed.  When you get there you can use the contact us link and try to find someone from your area that can give you advice.

I highly recommend that you contact your vet as well.  A rabbit savvy vet will be able to help you develop the best plan of action for keeping your furry friend mat free.

Good luck

Pam

https://www.arba.net/breeds.htm