Hi, My MC is 12yrs old and has developed a hyperthyroid condition for which he was recently treated for with radioactive iodine (a very pricey treatment, but he's worth it!) One of his symptoms that had developed over the last few years is a coat that matted- very close to the skin and all over the cat simultaneously. I had expressed concern about it to my vet when in for shots etc, yet these vets (3 of them, and all very good) didn't connect the hairmatting with a possible thyroid problem. As time went on, he got thinner, started drooling and was ravenous. These symptoms have cleared up since his treatment in early Feb. with radioactive iodine, yet his coat is still matting ferociously, the only past cure being shaving to the skin the whole cat, leaving him covered with cuts from the shave (no way for it NOT to happen, the mat is so close to the skin). My question is- is there any sort of product out there that can be applied to the skin in matted areas to help loosen them so he doesnt have to get shaved again? He's been so miserable, pulling huge hunks of hair out constantly, he's such a wonderful animal and I feel so helpless as to what to do for him...any insight would be greatly appreciated about this problem! Thank You! R. Snyder

-- Anonymous, March 21, 1999

Answers

Poor little guy! Our main coon male also has terrible matting problems but not related to a medical problem, he's just a messy guy. The only way to keep it under control is with daily gentle grooming with a soft rubber pocket comb that has wide teeth (he hates pet grooming tools!). Also cutting out the small matts as they form. A spray on coat conditioner seems to help but you have to spray it on your hands then work it into his fur, they hate being sprayed. I find it's best to do this when he is in the sleepy mode. High maintainence! good luck!!!

-- Anonymous, March 21, 1999

Thanks Chris for your input..I'll give the coat conditioner a try! Good luck with your little guy too:) Ronda

-- Anonymous, April 03, 1999