What you need
Certified feline groomers quoted by PetMD recommend a small toolkit: a metal comb (brands like Resco or Safari), a slicker brush, and a rubber brush. A detangling spray and cat-safe nail clippers round it out. Match the tool to your cat’s coat and tolerance — a comb reaches the undercoat where mats begin, while a slicker smooths the top.
A daily routine that works
PetMD’s guidance for long-haired cats is daily brushing (short-haired cats get weekly). A calm sequence:
- Start at the neck and brush in the direction of hair growth, going slow.
- Watch the sensitive spots — belly, armpits, rear legs, and tail — where cats tense up.
- Work snags out with fingers, not by yanking the brush through them.
- Use treats and praise so the session ends on a good note, not a wrestling match.
- Stop if they resist. Forcing a cat teaches them to dread grooming.
Stopping mats before they start
Mats pull on skin and trap moisture and debris, which can lead to infection — they are painful, not just untidy. PetMD says prevention is daily brushing plus checking high-friction areas (armpits, behind the ears, around the collar) and keeping the coat dry. If your cat stops self-grooming because of arthritis or weight gain, the matting accelerates, so that underlying issue matters too.
When to call a professional
Small, loose tangles can be combed out gently at home with detangler. But PetMD is firm: tight, large, or sensitive-area mats belong to a professional groomer or vet who uses clippers. Never cut a mat with household scissors — skin folds into the mat and a slip can seriously cut your cat. A sudden matting increase in a tidy cat also warrants a vet check for pain or illness.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I brush a long-haired cat?
Daily. PetMD recommends brushing long-haired cats every day and short-haired cats weekly, ramping up during shedding seasons. Daily brushing is the single most effective way to prevent mats, which form fast in a long coat left unattended.
My cat hates being brushed — what do I do?
Go slow and make it positive. PetMD advises short sessions, treats, and respecting sensitive areas, and stopping rather than forcing a resistant cat. Build up gradually; many cats learn to tolerate — even enjoy — grooming once it is paired with rewards instead of restraint.
Can I cut out a mat with scissors?
Don’t. Mats pull the skin up into a tight peak, and household scissors easily slice that hidden skin — a common and nasty injury. Tight or large mats should be clipped by a groomer or vet with proper tools. Small loose tangles can be combed out with detangler at home.
Why is my long-haired cat suddenly getting matted?
A sudden drop in grooming usually means something is wrong. Arthritis, dental pain, weight gain, or illness can stop a cat from reaching its coat, and the mats pile up fast. PetMD notes a previously tidy cat that suddenly mats deserves a vet exam to find the underlying cause.