Lionhead Rabbit matting

Question
I was given a rescue rabbit for my 15th birthday. He is a lionhead rabbit and thus has that gorgeous, long hair...unfortunately, he was not cared for well and has horrible matting. I've been able to cut it down some, but I don't want to cut his skin. I have a comb, but it has not been able to comb the huge mats out. I'm really worried about him. Any advice on how I should get these out?

Answer
Dear Adelyn,

Congratulations on your new pal!  What a lucky bunny.  

This is a tough job, and it's possible that you might eventually have to get him to an *experienced* rabbit vet for a surgical trim.  (Be sure the vet is experienced:  I have heard horror stories about groomers who had never done a rabbit and ended up skinning one alive.  I still have nightmares...)

Try working a bit of commercial baby cornstarch into the mats and gently combing them out with a fine-toothed flea comb.  If that doesn't work, you may have to get him to the vet for proper trimming, and once that's done you can control his fur for the rest of his life.

But don't take any chances if you think these mats are beyond the capability of whatever tools you have.  Better to be safe than sorry.

Hope this helps.