Why Is My Cat’s Fur Matted on His Again? 10 Vet-Reviewed Causes

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Our feline mates spend a great quantity of their time grooming themselves, however even with all that work and a spotlight, they sometimes get mats of their fur. That is very true on the subject of the again, as matted fur alongside the backbone is pretty frequent. However why does your cat’s fur get matted on their again?

The fur of a cat’s again can get matted for varied causes, which we’ll have a look at intimately under. We’ll additionally share why matted fur is unhealthy to your cat and what it’s best to do to assist them, so hold studying!

The ten Causes That Your Cat’s Hair is Matted on His Again

1. Problem Grooming the Again

For some felines, the difficulty is that they merely can’t groom their backs very effectively. In any case, the again is a troublesome space for any cat to achieve, and if there isn’t one other cat round to assist them groom that space, they will simply develop mats. Problem grooming the again is a extra vital situation in cats who’re obese, as they might simply have an excessive amount of mass to achieve round to get to that a part of the physique. Matted fur on the again may also be extra prone to happen in felines experiencing ache that stops them from bending their backbone to achieve the again.

When you’ve observed that your cat appears to be fighting reaching their again for grooming, confirm whether or not they’re displaying any indicators of being in ache or in the event that they is perhaps a bit of chunky. Take them to the vet if you happen to consider they’re hurting, and in case your cat is obese, communicate to your vet about tips on how to assist them shed just a few kilos.

2. Age

As cats age, they typically lose some flexibility, making it tougher to achieve their again to groom. So, in case your cat is getting up there in years, there’s a great probability this is the reason the fur alongside their again has gotten matted. Whereas it’s all the time vital to brush your cat (significantly if they’ve longer fur), it’s important to take action when your cat reaches an age the place they will’t groom as a lot of themselves because of being much less versatile.

3. Doesn’t Groom Usually

One more reason the fur alongside the again can get matted is that some cats simply don’t groom themselves as often. Whereas this might be because of your cat being a bit of lazier than different felines on this space, it might additionally stem from some type of oral drawback. Dental illness, stomatitis, oral tumors, or a lower or sore of their mouth might make it in order that they received’t wish to groom themselves. In case your cat has all the time been a bit of lax within the grooming space, it simply means you’ll must brush them extra typically. But when your cat previously loved grooming however doesn’t groom typically now, it might be because of a difficulty with their mouth.

Oral issues apart, a cat that isn’t feeling effectively for any purpose might not groom themselves as a lot. So, in case your kitty is displaying any indicators of sickness, reminiscent of not consuming, a change in conduct or litter field habits, a change in water consumption, or the rest that appears off, see your vet.

4. Friction

Cats are continually rubbing up in opposition to stuff—your legs, furnishings, blankets, cat bushes, and extra. All that rubbing in opposition to issues equals friction, which might make it extra probably for fur to get knotted, tangled, and matted. So, in case your kitty is keen on rubbing their again on issues or enjoys rolling round on carpets, this might be why the fur is matted on their again.

5. Lengthy Hair

Cats with lengthy hair are attractive, however all that hair makes them extra prone to develop mats. Whether or not they simply have an overabundance of fur or a thick undercoat, longhaired feline breeds are extra vulnerable to mats, which might present up on their backs. You probably have a longhaired feline, it’s important that you simply brush them repeatedly to forestall mats from occurring!

6. Shedding

All cats shed. Nevertheless, if a cat’s unfastened hair isn’t repeatedly faraway from the remainder of their haircoat, it may improve the possibilities of matting. Once more, that is very true for longhaired kitties as a result of their prolonged locks are extra apt to tangle.

7. Humidity

Apparently, humidity can even trigger a feline’s hair to mat on the again and in different areas. So, if you happen to dwell in a very humid a part of the nation or your cat is commonly outdoors when humidity hits, this might be inflicting their mats.

8. Overseas Objects

This purpose is likelier for cats who spend time outdoor, however overseas objects can get tousled within the fur and result in matting. This might be something, however the objects most vulnerable to tangling embrace sticky substances, burrs, and twigs. After all, overseas objects can get lodged within the hair of indoor felines, too, but when your pet is working round within the yard, they run an even bigger threat of getting one thing caught of their fur.

9. Pores and skin Situations

Has your cat been coping with pores and skin allergy symptoms, dermatitis, or one other pores and skin situation? If that’s the case, this might be why their fur is matted on their again. Pores and skin situations reminiscent of these may cause irritation and itchiness, which result in extreme licking, scratching, and biting on the affected space. These behaviors may cause fur to turn out to be matted in the event that they go on for too lengthy.

10. Stress

It could appear odd to think about our pets getting pressured, however they do. For cats, stress may be attributable to vital life modifications, reminiscent of a brand new child within the dwelling, shifting, or the loss of life of one other pet. In case your cat is experiencing stress, they might be grooming excessively or under no circumstances. This might result in the fur on their again turning into matted. In case your feline is pressured, they might additionally present indicators like lack of urge for food and frequent hiding. You may attempt to assist your pet with their stress or discuss along with your vet if it looks as if what you’re doing isn’t serving to.

Why Is Matted Fur Dangerous for Cats?

Just a few small mats right here and there might not appear to be an enormous deal, however matted fur is commonly uncomfortable for felines. Plus, if the fur will get extremely matted or massive areas are matted, the mats might trigger ache to your pet. Worse than that, mats in a cat’s fur cease the pores and skin beneath the mats from receiving recent air, so pores and skin can get sizzling, dry, itchy, flaky, and even contaminated. And there’s extra—matted fur is the proper place for parasites like fleas and ticks to cover; your cat may need these on them, and also you’d by no means even know.

Holding your kitty’s fur as mat-free as doable is important to their well being and well-being!

How Can I Assist My Cat With Their Mats?

In case your cat’s fur is matted on the again, you possibly can assist them out a few other ways relying on the dimensions and severity of the mats.

If the mats are small, you need to use a metallic mat comb to attempt to work them out (gently!) Maintain the matted fur near the pores and skin when you comb with brief strokes to lower pulling on the pores and skin. You may additionally wish to strive an oil-based detangler in your pet’s mats.

If mats are massive, the comb most likely received’t work on them. As a substitute, you possibly can strive pulling them aside (once more gently!) along with your fingers. If that doesn’t work, the mats will should be lower out. Until you’re skilled in grooming, you do not need to chop a mat out your self. Feline pores and skin is extremely delicate and might simply be lower or nicked. As a substitute, take your pet to a groomer or your vet to have mats eliminated.

And if you wish to forestall mats in your cat’s again, brush them repeatedly! Not solely will this make kitty really feel higher, but it surely additionally gives the 2 of you a superb alternative to bond.

Conclusion

Cats can develop mats within the fur on their again for a number of causes. This could happen when a cat ages and loses flexibility, has a difficulty with their mouth, isn’t feeling effectively, is pressured, and extra. You may assist forestall mats in your cat’s again by brushing them repeatedly, but when the cat already has mats, you possibly can strive gently detangling them with a comb or your fingers. If this doesn’t work, the mats will should be lower out.

Featured Picture Credit score: Pezibear, Pixabay