Typically, the earlier you can catch a mat, the easier it will be to detangle. That’s why you should examine your pet’s coat daily, especially if the animal has long hair that’s prone to tangling. If the fur is matted together to the point that it feels hard, trying to detangle it may cause unnecessary pain or stress to the animal, and it could even cause it to become aggressive.
If you have any question about whether it’s safe to cut the mat, take the animal to a vet or a professional groomer.
You should also call a professional groomer if the mat is somewhere very sensitive, like on the abdomen, under the neck, or around the genitals, or if the animal is scared or aggressive. Cats, in particular, can be very skittish when you’re working around their abdomen, even if they’re normally very tame. A scared cat might curl around your hand, kicking with its back feet and gripping you with its front claws as it tries to bite you. A professional will know how to avoid these dangerous situations. [5] X Research source
Serious issues, including irritation and infection, can occur when a mat sits against an animal’s skin for a long period of time.
In addition, the mats might prevent the soapy water from penetrating the fur all the way to the skin, making the bath ineffective. If you’re detangling dog hair, you may want to bathe the dog after you detangle its fur. However, avoid bathing a cat unless its fur is greasy or smelly. They typically groom themselves, and you’ll just stress it out. [8] X Research source If the mat is in a horse’s mane, you can use a special horse shampoo to wash its mane after you finish detangling it.
Detangling mats can be a long process, and it can be stressful on the animal, especially if you’re yanking with a comb the whole time. Using your fingers can help soothe the animal, and will decrease the amount of time you spend pulling on the mat. Try petting the animal as you detangle its fur to help calm it down. For instance, if you’re detangling a mat on a cat’s side, reach up every so often and stroke the cat’s cheeks or chin. That way, it will associate the grooming with positive attention.
Do not yank on the mat, as this is likely to upset the animal. Also, avoid raking the comb directly across the animal’s skin, as this could cause irritation over time. This part of the process takes time and patience. Work in small sections, and if the animal starts getting frustrated, take a break. If it creates a negative association with the grooming process, you’ll have a harder time keeping the mats from coming back. If you’re detangling the fur on a treat-motivated animal like a dog, cat, or horse, offer it treats and plenty of soft, soothing praise if it’s acting calm and relaxed.
Because animals have different skin pHs, you should never use products intended for another animal. For example, you shouldn’t use a conditioner for a horse’s mane on a dog. However, you may find some detanglers that are intended for both cats and dogs. If that’s the case, it should clearly say so on the label. Also, never use human skin or hair care products on an animal. [13] X Research source
If your comb is only one width, use a smaller, fine-tooth metal comb, or go over the area with the animal’s normal brush. For example, you might use a small slicker brush on a long-haired cat or a bristle brush for a dog with a medium coat.
Doing this will remove smaller mats, but it may also help loosen the tension on larger mats, helping the animal be more comfortable as you continue. You can find these tools at most pet supply stores. Choose a size that’s best for your animal. For instance, you would want a smaller razor comb for cats and small dogs, and a larger tool for larger dogs. This tool is very sharp, so always use caution when you’re using it. Also, be sure to always have the sharp ends pointing upward, away from the animal’s skin. Similarly, don’t apply too much pressure on the tool, as it’s easy to accidentally rake the skin and cause injury. Take special care around angled areas like the legs and tail.
Before you try to use clippers, make sure the animal is stable and calm, and have someone else hold it still, if you can. Speak to the animal in a soothing voice to reassure it throughout the process, and stop if it gets agitated. If you’re grooming a cat, it may help to have someone gently hold it by the scruff of its neck. This can actually help calm a cat, since it’s the way mother cats carry kittens when they’re young. [18] X Research source If the animal is so matted that it needs to be completely shaved, take it to a professional groomer. However, if your cat typically experiences a lot of stress during grooming, it may be best to take your cat to the vet, who can sedate your cat during the removal process. Not only will this make your cat more comfortable and stress-free, it will also prevent your cat from becoming more fearful of grooming in the future.
You can also use a cooling spray designed for clippers to help keep the blade from overheating.
A detangling spray may also be useful after you’ve removed the bulk of the mat. Saturate the animal’s fur with the spray and let it sit for about 30 minutes, or the amount of time recommended on the product label. Then, gently comb the animal’s fur to loosen any remaining tangles.
