Note:This article is certainly "sightcentric," from my point of view as a totally blind person who has carefully and successfully removed matted fur from cats, especially from Kabootle, when he was older.
This article says, not once, but twice "be sure you can see the blade of the scissors." It is just as important, if not more so, to be able to feel where your scissors blade is to cut the clump of fur out, if it comes to using scissors. Certainly this can be done by touch.
The article does not mention at all the way I usually have worked with matted fur which is safer and works, with patience.
I use my fingers to pull (not very hard) part of the outside edge of the clump free of the rest, and do this over and over until the mat is smaller or nonexistent. You do this from the base of the clump, not the top. If you pull from the top you'll still have a clump at the base. Often when using this finger method, a clump of fur will come out with just a little tug after having been worked on with the fingers.
Any cats I've done this for have been very patient, realizing what I am doing. Kabootle and Mikey both came back for more help when they couldn't get the matted fur out by themselves.
I sure am glad I know how to do this matted fur thing without thinking I *have to* see to do it. That is nonsense!
So now you know, too.
Lauren Merryfield,
editor/publisher,
CATLINES
Safe ways to remove mats from your cat!
Link to site:
http://www.petplace.com/Articles/artShow.asp?artID=2727
Safe Ways to Remove Mats from Your Cat
by: PetPlace Veterinarians
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Many small mats can be removed with a thorough brushing.
Removing hair mats is fraught with potential complications. Many mats are firmly attached to the skin, so you must be extremely careful not to cut the skin
as you cut off the mat.
Begin by brushing and combing as much as possible. Many small mats can be removed with a thorough brushing. If mats remain, try to make the mat smaller
by brushing the hair near the mat. Once you are sure that the mat can only be removed by cutting the hair, go for the scissors.
Clippers are safest and best way to remove matted hair. Unfortunately, most people do not own clippers and must make do with scissors. Be very careful.
Begin by isolating the mat.
Comb Method
If possible, take a fine tooth comb and slide it between the mat and the skin. This will help prevent the skin from getting cut. If a fine tooth comb
is not working, any comb will do.
Once the comb is under the mat, cut the hair between the mat and the comb.
Scissor Debulking Method
If you cannot place a comb between the skin and mat, open the scissors and carefully place one blade through the base of the mat.
Cut up and away from the skin. Do not cut in the same direction as the skin.
Cutting the mat upward will divide the mat and allow you to comb the rest away.
Scissor Removal Method
The safest way to trim the mat with scissors is also the slowest and most tedious.
Place one blade of the open scissors through a thin layer of hair near the base of the mat. Make sure you can see the scissor blade.
Slowly cut the hair, making sure there is no skin involved.
Continue to do this until the mat is removed.
Always make sure you can see the scissor blade through the hair.
The best way to avoid cutting your pet’s hair is to groom her frequently and not allow the mats to form.
Removal Cream for Matted Pet Hair
No need to worry, we have the best solution to your matted pet fur. No more cutting or shaving!!
Matted fur happens to most dogs or cats. When you notice matted fur on your dog or cat, it’s very important to remove the matted fur as soon as possible. It can be very ugly, and very uncomfortable for your pet.
There are several factors which can cause matting, but the most common cause is lack of grooming. If your dog has long flowing hair, she may develop matted hair at some point. Some cats and dogs have 2 coats of fur which shed and need to be brushed out.
If you haven’t brushed your cat, dog or horse mane/tail for long periods of time-your pet will suffer the consequences. Pets are dependent on us to groom them regularly; or to take them to a groomer regularly.
Fleas can also cause matting. They can create a tangled mess in your pet’s fur. Please check and treat your pet for fleas regularly.
The Take Down Removal Cream for Matted Pet Hair is specifically designed to remove all pet hair tangles-no matter the severity of your pet’s hair mats.
The most important thing to remember when de-matting your pet is bathing your pet before trying to remove the mats will make the matts worse.
This cream makes removing matts from your cat or dog easy, however it is not a speedy process, so be patient.
Posted by: Matted Cat Fur Tech | September 10, 2008 at 03:31 PM
from my point of view you dont need to worry like Matted says there are many solutions in your problems especially those tips that were given to you was important.
Posted by: cat behavior | November 19, 2009 at 07:27 PM