We adopted a pair of stray black and white coon cats. One is just plain terrified - I haven't been able to get close enough to determine sex. Other one (female) is clearly the dominant and outgoing sibling. Her fur is very soft and fine and, as we are getting to be friends, I have noticed that her belly fur is terribly matted. She could really use a bath but I'm afraid that it might make them worse. I'm thinking that my only option is to take her to the vet or groomer for a shave (she needs to go for her shots anyway...) Any ideas for preventing and getting rid of matts? Thanks!

-- Anonymous, January 22, 1999

Answers

You're right in thinking that bathing a matted cat will only make matters worse. You must have /every/ mat off the cat before even contemplating a bath; if you don't, what you'll have post-bath is felt.

As for handling your specific case, my reasoning is thus: These cats will need to go to your vet to be spayed/neutered (and vaccinated) anyway; your vet will be putting them under anesthesia in order to the spay/neuter; while they are under is the best time to do a major mat removal. You won't have to struggle with them and risk hurting or scaring them; you don't risk them associating being groomed with having their hair pulled.

Once you have the mats out, then you can bathe them. You haven't said whether they are to be strictly indoors or not. If they aren't, then I don't have a whole lot of advice for preventing mats in free-roaming cats. ;-) For indoor cats, keeping them clean and combed generally suffices, once the mats are taken out.

Best of luck!

Regards,

Ambar

-- Anonymous, January 22, 1999