Advice needed please.

My cat who is part Chincilla has started to develop clumps of fur which are quite matted and close to her skin under her belly and down her sides.

I try to brush her regularly (she doen't really like this) and at times have tried to cut out the clumps with sharp scissors. I don't really want to continue cutting as the clumps are quite close to the skin and the risk of cutting her is too much.

Will these clumps be uncomfortable for her ?

Getting these clumps in the first place, is it a case of bad grooming ? Or could she be anxious or unwell ?

Is there any thing safe I could use on the clumps to loosen them ? ie: mild soapy water ?

Or should I just leave them and they'll grow out ?

Appreciate any advice thanks

if it's quite bad, you might have to take her to the vets to be clipped under anaesthetic

basically, you need to get them out of there and brush brush brush daily to prevent it happening again
she might not like it but it's for her own good

you're going to either have to brush, or cut the current mats out as they'll get tighter and tighter and become uncomfortable. they won't simply grow out

It is easier to get an electric shaver and shave the worst bits off. Cats if they go outside often get seeds and burrs in their fur and i was always teasing them out.

Depending on the fur type,you need to brush your cat daily.

I agree about the brushing.

I use a good metal brush and my cat is a short hair moggy. She loves it. Dribbles everywhere and goes into a trance.

As xdow says the clumps will get worse and will eventually prevent him moving comfortably so they have to be removed. The only way I have found of doing it is literally cutting them out (very carefully) with scissors and then teasing apart the remnants with fingers and comb. I use a metal comb and a Furminator rather than a brush.

My mum has a longhaired cat which will absolutely not tolerate any sort of brushing (she got him when he was several years old and he was already set in his ways). He has to go to the vet at least once a year for clipping as his fur gets so matted. The vet nurse tried to do it when he was awake but he goes mental so has to be anaesthetised. Not a great situation so definitely keep up with grooming as often as possible - but to get rid of the current mats you may have to take him for clipping at the vet.

We took in a long haired stray a couple of years ago who had really badly matted fur.He absolutely hates being groomed and eventually I had to admit defeat and took him to the vet (with shredded arms!) to be shaved under sedation. It has been easier to keep him coat maintained since then, I just give him a good brush while hes distracted with his dinner every day. I do still occasionally have to cut the odd clump round his ears though.

The matts will be painful because they pull on the skin underneath.

Thanks for all comments and advice.

I think investment in a good brush, persevere with the brushing. Cutting out the clumps I can manage myself and possibly a trip to the vets may be in order.

You might want to look at a Furminator "de-shedding tool". I first saw it recommended on this forum and got one - I think they are amazing, and my cat loves it. The reviews on amazon say it all.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Furminator-1.../dp/B000PU31MY

Looks very impressive, just seen demonstrations on youtube.

I shall make a purchase. Even if the product name appears to have come from the mind of a dodgy "Apprentice" candidate

Thanks for the help

If the fur is very badly matted, it might be worth taking the cat to vet first to get the fur matts removed professionally and then thereafter use something like a Mikki Matt Breaker http://www.google.co.uk/#q=mikki+mat...c051c0f53e1a96 to keep the cat's fur matt free.

I've got 3 semi-long haired cats, the 2 kitties love being groomed but my 5 year old hates it.

I've got a furminator too, and Pets at home sell small scissors with a rounded tip that are really good for cutting out cots. Mani will tolerate brushing when she's sleepy or asleep but she gets all sorts of seeds stuck to her tummy and she won't let me anywhere near those.

She has been dematted at the vets twice now, I feel just awful for having to take her 'cos I feel like I failed her but she attacks me when I go near her tummy and it stresses both her and me out. The vets do a great job and she comes home with a silky smooth coat and I'm sure she feels happier for it

My cat was shaved last week. He is bald all the way down both sides now bless him. But he's a lot happier for it.

Most Persian cats need grooming all over every day, and your cat might have inherited that sort of coat.

Another vote for a Furminator. Although the first time I used it I got way more of my sleeky cat than the long-hair

Also check out these: Mikki Matt Splitter

My longhaired cat loves being brushed but not so much around his undercarriage (suppose most boys are like that, huh? ) so he started getting matts. But the splitter was ace and dead easy to use - once I'd got the hang of the technique, which is very important. Much safer than scissors IMO as the blade is safely enclosed so no risk of harm, especially if the cat is a bit nervy. And whilst clippers can be quick, they're noisy and take off way too much fur.

And my handsome chap likes to look his best at all times

Once the matts are gone think about using John Paul Pet Instant Detangling Spray (it says dog in the description but it is also suitable for cats) There's a conditioning spray also but it's designed for daily use. Even my Mr Meterosexual would find that a bit much

The cat I use the Furminator on is not longhaired, but she is a relatively fluffy shorthair. The first time I used it, I swear both me and the entire room ended upwearing 50% of her fur! That only happened the first time as it was obviously getting out loads of loose fur, but if possible on the first occasion I would advise using it outdoors - or at least being prepared to change your clothes and hoover afterwards!

Have you seen the vids on YouTube? Hilarious!