How to Brush Matted Cat Fur Without Hurting the Cat

Though cats can be meticulous about grooming, mats require human attention.
i Martin Poole/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Regular brushing is usually enough to keep your feline friend happy and tangle-free. Occasionally, however, you may run into matted fur. Though removing those unsightly and occasionally painful mats is not necessarily anyone's idea of a good time, you can take steps to make the process easier for everyone involved.

Step 1

Choose a time when your cat is in a relaxed state. This may include when your cat is about to fall asleep or when she has been fed recently.

Step 2

Stroke your cat to reassure her and help her to relax further. If possible, hide your grooming tools from view.

Step 3

Identify the mat on your cat's fur and apply a small amount of cornstarch to the hair. Gently work the cornstarch into the fur with your fingers.

Step 4

Use the tips of your fingers to separate the mat into sections, taking care not to tug or pull at your cat's skin.

Step 5

Use a greyhound-style comb, a pick or a comb with long, thin tines to gently pick at any mats that you cannot untangle with your fingers. This may take some time, but eventually the mat will begin to untangle. As with above, make sure that you are not pulling or tugging at your cat's skin.

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