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Why Does My Cat’s Fur Clump Up? (Can I Avoid This?)

If you have noticed that your cat’s fur is clumped up. You may be wondering why this has happened and what you can do about it (Click here to see my best solution, on Amazon #Ad)…

Why does my cat’s fur clump up?

Your cat’s fur might clump up for several reasons. However, the main ones are from shedding, when the old shredded fur gets knotted up with the new fur, from lying down on their fur, or from areas of the body that encounter a lot of movement, like around their legs. 

Use these to help you remove the clumped-up fur

Description	Image	My Rating
01. Matted cat fur rake (My Best) Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad
02. Cat metal mat comb Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad
03. Temptations Cat Treats Click here for the price on Amazon #Ad

So, now you know. But, is clumped-up fur the same as matted fur? How can you prevent this from happening? And, what can you do to get rid of the clumped-up fur now? Keep reading for these answers, and much more…

What are cat fur clumps?

Cat clumps are more commonly known as matted fur. This is when the cats fur becomes tangled and knotted and unmanageable for the cat. It is a common issue for cats with long hair. But, it can also affect short-haired cats as well.

These clumps need to be addressed as soon as possible or they will get progressively worse. This can either be done by the owner directly or hire a professional to deal with it if they are not confident.

Will a Cat’s matted fur grow out?

Matted fur is unlikely to grow out. Therefore, ignoring it and hoping for the best is not usually a viable option. The best way is to deal with the mats by brushing them out (click here to see my best one) or getting a professional groomer to look into it.

The annoying thing with matted fur is it can affect all cats, regardless of the length of their fur. And, it can sometimes be a big issue for elderly cats that struggle to maintain their grooming due to joint pain, or other health issues.

How can I prevent my cat’s fur from clumping up?

The best way to prevent matted fur in your cat is to brush or comb it out. But, this needs to be regularly rather than just here and there. It needs to be scheduled into your weekly activities to make sure the fur doesn’t keep clumping up.

To get rid of some of the stubborn matted furs you may find a rake is more effective (Click here to see the price, on Amazon #Ad). These rakes sound aggressive but they work into deeply matted fur that some brushes struggle with.

As well as this there are basic things that can be done such as simply putting your fingers through your cat’s fur to find the hidden clumps that could be a big problem shortly.

How do you get rid of clumps of cat fur?

If your cat already has clumps of matted fur already prevention won’t help you that much. So, with that being said here are some steps to help you get rid of them:

01. Get the right tool

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Before you start you need to make sure that you have the right tool for the job. In particular, a strong metal de-matting comb (Click here to see the reviews, on Amazon #Ad). This will help you remove that stubborn mats and clumps.

02. calm your cat down

The worse thing that can happen is a cat that is panicking as you try to comb it. Therefore, you need to make sure that it is calm. Offer it some treats (Click here to see the reviews, on Amazon #Ad) to help it real, if needed.

03. Hold your cat correctly

You need to hold your cat correctly so that it makes it easier to brush it off. You need to hold your cat firmly, but not so harshly that it freaks the cat out, are you with me?

04. Get your technique right

Regarding the technique, you need to hold the cat just underneath the matt and ideally close to the skin. The idea is to stop the hair-pulling your cat as you comb it out. Then use the comb to get rid of the clumped up fur.

05. Check and repeat, if needed.

Once you are done, run your fingers through your cat’s fur and see if you see any other clumps you may have missed. And, if you do repeat this process again.

The idea is to keep it tidy going forward so you will need to routinely check and see how the mats perform.

Can you cut off matted fur from a cat?

As tempting as it may be it is not a good idea to cut the matts out of a cat. This is because you could accidentally catch some of its skin while you cut it away. Also, it will make the fur look uneven and unsightly.

If it’s matted, or clumpy it’s worth spending the time to get it out correctly. This may be a bit of work on your behalf but it will be better for your cat in the long run.

How do you brush a cat that hates it?

To brush a cat that does not like it you need to be patient and let it climatize the brush first. Here are some simple steps:

01. Relax your cat

The first thing you want is a relaxed cat. Do not consider brushing your cat if it has just been growing crazy. Wait until it is naturally calm first. When you have the right time, go for it. You may find that some treats will help with this (Click here to see the reviews, on Amazon #Ad).

02. Climatize your cat with the brush

Getting your cat use to the brush before rushing in with it is very important. Therefore, offer the brush to your cat first. Let it sniff and acclimatize with the brush first to see how they respond.

The idea here is to not let your cat treat it like some toy or playfight with it. You need to make it feel calm with it.

03. Begin brushing

Once your cat has got used to the brush you can move on the brushing. But, do so gently and see how it responds as you do so. Hopefully, it will be a bit calmer by now.

04. Be kind, but firm

While you do this the overall approach is to be kind but be firm so you can get its fur brushed and used to this. It is also important to do this regularly so it gets used to it.

Why is my older cat getting matted fur?

Older cats are known to get matted fur because they are not as agile as they were when they were younger. This can mean that they have joint pain or even arthritis issues. When this happens they may struggle to get to areas of their body, like their back.

These neglected areas then become tangled, matted, and clumped up. So, the chances are, they will need more of your assistance to keep them groomed and matt-free.

Is matted fur painful for cats?

Matted fur can be painful for some cats. This is because the mats can become infected or cause irritation. And, the longer it goes on for the worse it can become for the cat.

This can be even worse for older cats, as discussed earlier. As they struggle to keep themselves groomed and the problem just compounds.

Can olive oil get rid of clumped-up fur?

There have been some reports of olive olive oil getting rid of clumped-up or matted fur. However, it is unlikely to be the most effective and speedy way to do so. There is no real short-cut when it comes to getting rid of these mats.

The only alternative to making it easier for you, if you do not want to do the brushing and de-matting, is to hire a professional groomer. And, yes, this will free up your time but, spoiler alert! it won’t be cheap.